It was long assumed that adults who incurred scarring did not suffer with the emotional and psychological trauma that their teenage counterparts did. After all - High school is a much more "looks" oriented place than adult society, right? Adults are often thought to be better equipped emotionally to handle the scarring and accept it as a new mother accepts stretch marks from a pregnancy.
However, it is emerging that adult acne scars the skin more deeply and has an equally negative psychological effect.
As we age, our skin loses collagen - the "elasticity" if you will, and its ability to heal damaged tissue diminishes. Until recently, adults with acne scarring kept relatively quiet about the pain they endured. However, as Dermatologists have begun to treat acne as a general skin disease and not as teenage disorder, older patients have begun to "come out" and admit their trauma and feel more comfortable seeking treatment.
Recent studies have been conducted on men and women to discuss their feelings on acne scarring. The study revealed those suffering from acne scarring tended to be introverted, avoided contact with other people, lacked self confidence and were more likely to keep their head down and try to style their hair to cover their scars. Many of the participants also carried a lot of guilt, as though it was their fault the acne and scars were present.
The low self esteem brought on by scarring often leads acne sufferers into depression. They close themselves off and withdraw from social activities, friends and society. They develop negative self-image and feel embarrassed when around other people. These negative feelings often times keep the person from pursuing social activities, and can also affect their job performance.
Everyone deals with the trauma of acne scarring differently. While it is not uncommon for teens to become angry and rebellious, adults often turn inward and withdraw. In both cases, scarring results in a loss of self-esteem and self-confidence. Adults typically become obsessed with their skin and over cleanse and scrub their face with harsh cleaners. Often times, excessive use of makeup and concealers is used to try and cover up the embarrassing scars.
Many people, even adults, believe that the acne is caused by poor hygiene! Rather ironic since obsessive cleaning is what caused the scarring in the first place! But it's no wonder so many people think this with all of the advertisements seen on television and elsewhere which speak of "clogged pores" and the like. The myth that acne is caused by dirty skin has been encouraged by the big corporations making millions of dollars selling topical acne treatments. The truth is acne is caused by internal factors and is best treated internally.
So what can be done about the acne scars? There are treatments available, but none of them are guaranteed. Laser surgery, collagen treatments and topical creams are available to help reduce the appearance of scarring, but nothing (short of a total face lift) can get rid of it. The most effective way of dealing with acne scarring is to try and prevent it in the first place, or prevent further damage.
If you suffer from acne scarring, consult with a dermatologist. New treatments are being marketed all the time, and your doctor will have access to the latest medical treatments. If you are suffering from depression, it is advised that you seek counseling to help you work through your feelings. There is nothing to feel ashamed about, and you should not have to live your life in hiding because of some scarring.
