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LONDON It's summer camp season and not to be left out, U.S. rate setters and overseas pals gather

Nomura Holdings Inc. lowered this year’s growth forecast for China to 4.6% after weaker-than-expected data in July and

Chinese authorities encouraged companies listed on its Shanghai science and technology board to buy back their shares this

As if dealing with painful, pus-filled spots wasn’t bad enough, often those pesky pimples don’t just disappear completely. Acne can leave a scar – anything from a faint red mark to a significant dent in the skin. And while some of these residual blemishes fade away fast, others are harder to get rid of, but there are various at-home and clinic options to help diminish the signs of acne and pimple scarring. Here, dermatology experts talk through the options… Why does acne cause scarring? When pores become clogged and infected, a spot forms, leading to inflammation, which is the main cause of acne scarring. “Because of the injury that occurs with increased inflammation and pus, it causes damage to the dermis [the middle layer of the skin],” says Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme, medical consultant and Kelo-Cote skin ambassador. “When damage occurs to the dermis, that heals with some form of scarring. Scarring can be red if you’re a lighter skin type, or brown if you’re a darker skin type.” The amount of inflammation often determines how severe the scar will be. However, genetics can also play a role, as well as other factors. “It can also be caused by squeezing or picking at the spots,” says Dr Rabia Malik, GP and holistic aesthetic doctor, which is why it’s important to avoid popping your pimples. “If the way you extract the spot isn’t done properly, you may stress or tear the skin and permanently damage the tissue, leaving behind scarring.” What are the different types of acne scars? Acne scarring can generally be separated into two main categories: hypertrophic and atrophic. “Hypertrophic and keloid scars are thick lumpy scars,” says Malik. “Atrophic scars are flat shallow depressions that are commonly caused by cystic acne.” There are three main types of the latter, she explains: “Boxcar scars have defined edges that are wide and box-like and are commonly found on the lower cheeks and jaw. Rolling scars vary in depth and make the skin appear uneven. Ice Pick scars are narrow indentations that are commonly found on the cheeks.” There is a difference between scarring and post-acne pigmentation, however. “Often people think the pigmentation left behind is also scarring, but technically speaking, it isn’t,” says Dr Christine Hall, aesthetics doctor at the Taktouk Clinic. “It’s the body’s response to having the injury in the skin, and your body produces and sends melanin to the skins surface. It’s the pigment in our skin that also causes us to have a tan.” Skincare solutions Finding the most suitable skincare solution for you can depend on your individual needs. When it comes to mild or moderate scarring however, Ejikeme says: “Skincare is definitely the first step.” She recommends serums and face creams that contain niacinamide or retinoids: “They increase collagen production, they’re more likely to improve the texture of the skin.” Alpha and beta hydroxy acids, which usually come in serum, gel or liquid form (applied with a cotton pad) can also be effective for skin renewal. “Ingredients such as azelaic acid, lactic acid and salicylic acid encourage cell turnover and as a result, diminish the appearance of acne scars,” Malik says. “Treatment can vary and some people may need prescription grade medication to treat their acne and thereby prevent scarring.” Aesthetic treatments For more severe scarring, you may want to consult your GP, a dermatologist or specialist aesthetic practitioner to discuss possible treatments. “Microneedling helps to stimulate collagen and smooth out scars,” says Hall. “Laser resurfacing treatments can also be helpful and chemical peels can help remove some of the damaged skin layers.” Similar to hair removal, ablative laser works by targeting the pigment in the scars and zapping it away. With treatments starting from around £400, it’s a significant investment, however. “Dermal fillers can be used on atrophic scars to temporarily reduce the appearance of scars that are significantly depressed,” says Malik. Fillers can also be used on pitted scars. Be sure to seek professional advice to determine the appropriate treatment for different types of scarring. “Microneedling is not known to work for icepick scars, for example,” says Ejikeme. “And if you have a keloid scar, there are very few lasers that you should be doing because the more you agitate a keloid scar, the more likely that scar is to grow.” If you have ongoing acne, it’s important to find an effective skincare routine or get medical treatment to prevent further scarring. “There are lots of things your GP can do to help prevent spots from appearing in the first place,” says Hall. “If you are developing acne scarring, the GP can help or refer you to a dermatologist.” Getaway scars: 8 super serums and key ingredients to try 1. Purifide by Acnecide Post-Breakout Serum, £14.99, Boots 2. Q+A Niacinamide Daily Toner, £8, Sourcerie 3. Eucerin DermoPurifyer Triple Effect Serum, £12, Boots 4. Glow Hub The Scar Slayer Facial Serum, £14 5. IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Breakout Serum, £22, Cult Beauty (available August 30) 6. E.l.f Cosmetics Youth Boosting Advanced Night Retinoid Serum, £22 7. Kelo-Cote Scar Treatment Gel, £32.18, Boots 8. Teoxane Brightening Night Peel, £59 Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live 5 viral TikTok fake tanning tips for the perfect summer glow Not got the A-level grades you needed? Here’s how to get started with the clearing process Jennifer Lopez shares her beauty regime – here’s how to look after skin in your 50s

Saint Bella, a Chinese maternity care company that partners with upscale hotels to provide women with luxurious spaces

A proposed foot and cycle bridge over the River Lagan would link Sailortown to the Titanic Quarter.

Belarus would be willing to use the nuclear weapons given by close ally Russia in the face of foreign "aggression," President Alexander Lukashenko said Thursday, as tensions rise around the country's borders with NATO nations.

Corporate bonds globally are on track for one of their worst weeks this year, hit by China’s escalating

Hurricane Hilary is expected to intensify into a lashing Category 4 storm as it advances toward Mexico's Baja Peninsula on Friday and threatens to bring rain and flooding to parts of the Southwest US as it weakens over the weekend.

SHANGHAI/SINGAPORE China is expected to cut lending benchmarks at a monthly fixing on Monday, with many analysts predicting

H&M has decided to stop operating in Myanmar following an increase in allegations of labor abuses at garment factories in the country.

Google is reportedly planning to roll out a new artificial intelligence tool that provides “life advice” and acts as a “personal life coach” along with many other AI chatbots to perform tasks like writing and tutoring. The new tools under development are reportedly part of the tech giant’s efforts to drive research further on generative AI systems like ChatGPT in competition with rivals, including Microsoft and OpenAI. Google’s AI teams are testing the use of new tools, such as those behind chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and the company’s own Bard, into a personal life coach that offers life advice on topics ranging from career decisions to relationship troubles, the New York Times first reported. The tech giant has reportedly teamed with the AI training company Scale AI to evaluate the new “life coach” chatbot. Over 100 experts with doctoral degrees in various fields are also testing the bot rigorously, according to the New York Times. Since the surge in popularity of OpenAI’s ChatGPT, many tech companies and services, including Google, Facebook, and Snapchat have attempted to develop their own versions of the generative AI technology to better interact with users and offer human-like responses to queries. However, some of these AI tools have raised concerns over the validity of their responses as well as privacy issues. Experts have also flagged multiple instances of chatbots making facts up in what is widely called “AI hallucination” – a problem many say may not be fixable. In one instance, an American non-profit for supporting those with eating disorders was forced to take down its AI chatbot after it was revealed that it offered harmful advice instead of helping people. AI experts continue to warn that while such chatbots are very good at giving convincing answers in response to questions, they can often provide information that is not factually accurate. The latest attempt by Google to use AI technology to offer personalised life advice strays from its current guidelines for its Bard chatbot which warns users not to use the AI tool’s responses for “medical, legal, financial, or other professional advice.” Bard’s guidelines also warn users not to include “confidential or sensitive information” in their conversations with the chatbot. Read More Snapchat experiences ‘temporary outage’ as My AI chatbot posts own Story Amazon is rolling out a generative AI feature that summarizes product reviews Paper exams, chatbot bans: Colleges seek to 'ChatGPT-proof' assignments ‘I’m scared’: Snapchat’s AI posts image that terrifies users How much of a threat does AI really pose? Get your ticket for our free event AI-driven cyberattack can now steal passwords with near 100 per cent accuracy