Acne Marks vs Acne Scars: How to Tell the Difference
After your pesky pimples have cleared up, you might be left with dark spots, redness, uneven texture or pitted skin. Although these might be referred to generally as ‘acne scars’, acne marks and acne scars are two distinct conditions.
Understanding these differences is key, as they will require different treatments, in this blog by Dr. Geetika Paliwal she explains the difference between acne marks and acne scars.
Acne Marks
Acne marks are usually flat, red, pink, brown or dark spots or patches that remain on the skin after a pimple or inflamed blemish has cleared.These kinds of marks are known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or post-inflammatory redness, but they are not classified as true scars.
Acne marks tend to fade with time, though this might be a slow process for some people. However, people with medium or darker skin tones might find that brown or bluish-grey spots appear after some types of acne.
Acne marks may form:
- After pimples or inflamed acne have cleared
- When a breakout causes inflamed acne
- When acne is picked, popped or scratched
Acne Scars
Acne scars are caused by abnormal collagen growth in the deeper layers of the skin as the skin tries to repair itself after a breakout. Scars are either depressed (also called atrophic scars) or raised (also called hypertrophic scars or keloids).
Scar tissue formation is different to the formation of acne marks. Although not all acne results in scarring, some types of acne, including nodules and cysts, are more likely to cause scarring. Picking or popping pimples can also increase the risk of developing acne scars.
Acne scars can be classified into depressed scars and raised scars.
Depressed Scars
These scars are the result of reduced collagen production, which leads to pits or depressions in the skin. The most common types of depressed scars are:
- Ice Pick Scars
- Boxcar Scars
- Rolling Scars
Raised Scars
Raised scars appear as bumps on the skin and can be a consequence of excess collagen formation during the healing process. Hypertrophic scars and keloids are two types of raised scars which can occur after acne.
Acne Marks Vs Scars: A Comparison
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A very simple test you can perform yourself to determine the difference between these skin concerns involves examining the mark under the right light.
Feel the mark with your fingertips. If it is flat and uneven in texture or colour, it is more likely to be a mark. If you feel a depression or bump, then you are most likely dealing with acne scars.
However, it is possible for pigmentation to occur on top of a scar, which is why it is best to consult a dermatologist if the difference between a mark and a scar is unclear.
Why Do Acne Marks And Scars Occur?
Acne marks and scars are not guaranteed to form after every breakout. The likelihood of this occurring depends on the severity of a breakout, the depth and location of the acne, genetic factors, skin type and whether or not the pimples have been picked or popped.
Inflammation and deep acne are major contributing factors to both acne marks and acne scars.
This is why it is important to reduce inflammation in pimples when treating acne, and to avoid picking at pimples.
How Are Acne Marks Treated?
Acne mark treatment will depend on the type of pigmentation, the skin tone, the length of time the marks have been present and whether active acne is also occurring.
In many cases, a dermatologist can design a customised treatment plan that may involve combining certain topical treatments prescribed by a doctor or recommended by a dermatologist, ingredients that target acne marks, chemical peels and specific laser or light therapy, where indicated. Sunscreen is also an essential part of any acne mark treatment, as UV exposure increases pigmentation.
People with medium to darker skin tones are more prone to developing acne marks and may require special consideration when it comes to acne mark treatments. This is because certain ingredients can cause irritation, which may result in further pigmentation.
Therefore, a dermatologist will be able to identify the most appropriate treatments for darker skin tones to reduce acne marks.
How Are Acne Scars Treated?
A dermatologist will usually take a multi-faceted approach to acne scar treatment, depending on the type and severity of the scarring. A number of treatment options are available to treat scars, including:
Microneedling –
This procedure involves using a device with several tiny needles to prick the skin. These controlled micro-injuries encourage the formation of new collagen, which fills in acne scars. Microneedling can be combined with other scar treatments.
Laser Resurfacing –
Certain types of lasers can be used to resurface the skin to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. Laser treatments can be used alone or in combination with other acne scar treatments.
Chemical Peels –
These treatments can improve the appearance of certain acne scars and skin irregularities. However, it is important to consult a dermatologist, as the strength and type of peel will depend on the scar type and the person’s skin.
Acne Scar Procedures –
Depending on the scar type, your dermatologist may recommend a specific acne scar procedure. For example, various treatments may be used for ice pick scars, boxcar scars and rolling scars.
Visiting a dermatologist if you have deep, inflamed breakouts or if your acne tends to leave marks
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, treating acne early and avoiding the temptation to pop pimples can reduce the likelihood of acne scarring.
Conclusion
Acne marks and scars can affect the skin in different ways, and not every concern responds to the same treatment. If your acne keeps returning, dark spots are not fading, scars are becoming deeper or raised, or over-the-counter treatments are not helping, consulting a cosmetologist can be beneficial. A cosmetologist like Dr. Geetika Paliwal, can identify whether you are dealing with acne marks or true acne scars and recommend a treatment plan based on your skin type and the severity of the concern.
FAQ’s
Acne scars and acne marks are not the same thing. Acne marks are flat dark spots or areas of redness that remain after acne has cleared. Acne scars change the texture or structure of the skin.
Acne marks usually fade with time, though it can take several months in some cases. Treatment can also help to speed up this process.
Acne scars usually do not go away completely, although treatment can make them much less noticeable. However, pitted scars might fade with time.
If the mark is flat, but a different shade of your skin tone, it is likely to be an acne mark. If the mark has a different texture, for instance, if it feels pitted, it might be an acne scar.
Yes, popping pimples can increase inflammation and cause acne scars.
There is no one best acne scar treatment, as it depends on whether you have boxcar scars, rolling scars, ice pick scars, raised scars or a combination of these. Your dermatologist can recommend the best scar treatments for your scars.
Acne scar treatment in Indore generally costs approximately ₹4,000 to ₹13,000 per session. The final cost depends on the type and severity of scars, treatment method and number of sessions required. Consult Dr. Geetika Paliwal for an assessment and exact estimate.
If you are looking for the best cosmetologist in Indore for acne scar treatment, you can consult Dr. Geetika Paliwal. After examining your skin and scar type, she can recommend a personalised treatment plan based on your concerns.
Acne scars cannot always be completely removed, but most acne scar treatments can significantly reduce the appearance of acne scars. This depends on the type of scars, skin type and the treatment method.
In most cases, yes, treating acne reduces inflammation, which reduces the likelihood of acne marks and scars.
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