Acne marks and scars

Once acne clears, it can leave two kinds of marks on the skin: changes in colour, known as post-acne marks, and changes in texture, known as scars. Marks often fade over time, while scars usually need procedures.

Types of marks

• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: brown marks left after breakouts
• Post-inflammatory erythema: red or pink marks
• Atrophic scars: pitted, depressed marks in the skin
• Hypertrophic scars: marks raised above the skin surface

What options there are

• Topical products that fade marks, plus SPF every single day
• Chemical peels: renew the top layer of the skin and soften marks and superficial scars
• Microneedling: stimulates the skin’s own collagen production
• Procedures done as a course, while the skin is calm

The most important rule

We start treating marks only after active acne has calmed down. If breakouts continue, we treat them first. Otherwise new marks simply add up on top of the old ones.