Acne Marks vs. Acne Scars: All Questions Answered

Acne marks and scars are common blemishes that are often confused. But you need to know the difference so you can treat them accordingly. That is why this article will cover everything about acne marks vs. acne scars. If you want to ensure you are doing it right, don’t miss out on this one.

What Are Acne Marks?

Acne marks are skin discolorations that remain when an acne has healed. Usually red or brown, they are caused by high melanin production. They are expected to go away as your skin regenerates and the inflammation is gone.

How Are Acne Marks Treated?

If you notice acne marks on your skin and are looking for a treatment, it’s not that hard. Here are the most popular treatments:

Keeping a Skincare Routine

As you know, sticking to a good skincare routine is vital for healthy, blemish-free skin. You just need to look for products that won’t clog your pores or irritate your skin. This is our suggestion for a skincare routine:

• First, use a mild cleanser to remove dirt and oil.
• Then, use a regular exfoliant to remove dead skin and reduce pore build-up.
• Next, apply a facial serum that contains anti-hyperpigmentation ingredients.
• At last, apply a moisturizer and a sunscreen suitable for your skin type.

Preventing Skin Discoloration

Since acne marks are technically discoloration, general rules for using sunscreen are applied. You should choose a broad-spectrum product with an SPF of at least 30 to avoid skin discoloration and prevent the risk of acne marks turning into scars.

Using Topical Treatments

You can also use topical products that have ingredients such as niacinamide, salicylic acid, Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA), and retinoids. They reduce inflammation, regulate sebum production, and encourage collagen production.

What Are Acne Scars?

Acne scars are a permanent change of skin’s texture. They are not flat or discolored, but have visible dips and a rough surface that is visible on your skin. They are caused by collagen structure in your skin, so they are harder to treat than acne marks.

What Causes an Acne Scar?

When inflammation has done irreversible damage to your skin, acne scars form. To get to the root of acne scars, you must look into the causes of skin inflammation. Several factors trigger acne-prone skin. Here are the most common ones:

• Poor Diet: Eating a lot of processed food, fats, and carbs will negatively affect your skin.
• Stress: when you’re stressed, your skin gets oilier, and there will be more acne.
• Hormone Imbalance: the imbalance of hormones in different stages of life can cause acne.
• Medication: some of the drugs we usually take cause hormone imbalance as well.

What Are the Types of Acne Scars?

If you don’t know exactly what your type of acne scar is, here is a quick guide for you:

• Boxcar Scar: it has clear-cut edges with shallow depth.
• Pock Mark: it has an uneven texture and is usually caused by inflammatory acne.
• Keloid Scar: it is often raised instead of dipped and might grow over time.
• Ice Pick Scar: it is a deep, V-shaped, and puncture-like recess in your skin.
• Rolling Scar: it is a wavy texture caused by fibrous bands putting tension on the epidermis.
• Hypertrophic Scar: it is a thick area of skin formed by the overproduction of collagen.

How Are Acne Scars Treated?

Acne scars are harder than acne marks to treat. So, just having a skincare routine with toners, serums, and moisturizers is not enough. A professional should help you to treat the scars more effectively. Chemical peels, laser therapy, and microneedling are the most common ways a professional can help you.

Chemical Peels

A Chemical peel is an intensive treatment that should be carried out by a professional, and you can’t try it at home. During this treatment, the first layer of your skin is peeled to reveal a new layer. Now, you have fresh skin as your acne scars fade away.

Laser Therapy

Another effective treatment for acne scars is laser therapy. In this method, the laser beam is targeted to your scar to stimulate collagen production so your skin can heal faster. However, before committing to this treatment, check the risks and side effects. Ensure this is the best option for you.

Microneedling

Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure involving needles entering your skin to stimulate collagen production. Our recommended device for microneedling is Morpheus8. It penetrates deep into your skin and emits Radio Frequency (RF) energy to double the stimulus for collagen production. The article “Magic of Morpheus8 for Acne Scars” elaborates more on how this device works.

What Affects the Healing of Acne Scars?

As explained, acne scars are complex blemishes caused by various factors. Their healing is not that simple, either. It depends on three factors:

Your Skin and Scar Type

Generally speaking, lighter skin tones have fewer acne marks and scars, even if they are acne-prone. So, your skin type matters in collagen production and how fast it heals. Don’t forget to consider the scar type as well. Some more profound scar types, such as ice packs or boxcars, might take longer to heal, so you have to be more patient to see the results.

Your Body’s Healing Process

Never underestimate your body’s powers in regeneration. We all are unique in our genes combined with our immune system functions. So, the healing of acne scars might differ from one person to the next. It’s okay if you need more time to see the results due to your body’s healing process.

Do You Have More Questions?

This article talked about acne marks vs. acne scars and covered general topics you need to know. However, as mentioned previously, you must consult a professional for your unique treatment. Our experienced team in TatoyanMD Medspa in Los Angeles can offer you the best solution for your specific needs to have brighter skin. Feel free to contact us for a free consultation, and start your journey today.

FAQ for Acne Marks vs. Acne Scars

Can acne marks turn into scars?

Yes, they can turn into scars if you tend to pick or squeeze your marks.

Should You Pick Acne Scars?

Absolutely not. Picking your scar can permanently damage your skin layers.

Do Acne Scars Ever Fully Heal?

Acne scars usually need medical intervention to heal fully.