Acne scars are scars that are left behind after a person has had acne. There are two main types of acne scars, defined by tissue response to inflammation:

(1) Scars caused by exaggerated tissue generation, and

(2) Scars caused by loss of tissue.

Scars Caused by Increased Tissue Formation.

The proliferation of scars caused by exaggerated tissue generation is known as keloids. Keloid scars are associated to disproportioned amounts of the cell substance, collagen. The overproduction of collagen is the body's response to damaged skin cells. This excess becomes piled up in fibrous masses, resulting in a distinctive firm, smooth, irregularly-shaped scars.

Keloid scars are 1 to 2 millimeters in diameter, but some may be 1 centimeter or larger. This abnormal growth of scar tissue is more likely to occur in susceptible people that is, people who are often related to others with similar types of scarring.

Keloid scars persist for years, but may decrease their size over time.

Scars Caused by Loss of Tissue

Acne scars associated with loss of tissue, like scars that result from chicken pox, are more common than keloids. Scars associated with loss of tissue are:

Ice-pick Scars or Pitted Scars

Usually appear on the cheek. They are typically small, with characteristically jagged edges and steep side-like wounds that seem to form an "ice-picked" shape. Ice-pick scars may be shallow or deep, and may be hard or soft to the touch. Soft scars can be improved by stretching the skin; hard ice-pick scars cannot be stretched out.

Depressed fibrotic scars

Are usually big in size, with sharp edges and steep sides. The base of these scars is firm to the touch. Ice-pick scars may evolve into depressed fibrotic scars over time.

Soft scars

Superficial or deep and feel soft when touched. They have gently sloping rolled edges that merge with normal skin. They use to be small, and either circular or linear in shape.

Atrophic macules

Are usually fairly small when they appear on the face, but may be a centimeter or more on the body. They are soft, usually with a slightly wrinkled base, and may be bluish in appearance due to the blood vessels located just under the scar. Over time, these scars fade from bluish to ivory white in color in white-skinned people, and become much less noticeable.

Follicular macular atrophy

They are more likely to appear on the chest or back of a person with acne. These are tiny, white, soft lesions, often slightly raised above the surface of the skin something like whiteheads that didn't fully develop. This condition is sometimes also known as "perifollicular elastolysis." The lesions may persist for months to years.

Biological Ingredient Treats Acne Scars

Imbalanced tissue production can't be diminished with a common acne treatment product that is only capable of treating some acne breakouts. By using these products you will likely end-up with a drier skin texture that may present side-effects such as sun sensitivity, irritation or simply show no change at all. Your best bet is to use biological ingredients that bring collagen production back-up to normal and help 'disintegrate' and regenerate scarred skin.

Most skin regenerative ingredients contain natural oils, but only one ingredient is capable of supplying a balanced mix of ingredients that trigger skin rejuvenation. That miracle ingredient comes from a snail and is considered the newest revolution in skin and scar treatment. Investigation has shown that snail secretion contains a balanced mix of naturally occurring glycolic acid, elastane, vitamins, allantoine and collagen, however, don't forget that complete scar renewal depends on the treatment itself and the extension of the scar.

So next time you look at your skin and wonder why all the acne creams you've tried haven't changed a thing, try using an natural ingredient that can help regenerate scarred skin.