Acne Marks and Acne Scars
Marks are flat areas of dark pigmentation left after a spot heals. Scars are structural changes in the skin, either indented or raised. On Indian skin, most of what people call scarring is actually marks, and that matters because marks respond far better.
How to tell which you have
Touch it. If the surface is flat and the difference is only colour, it is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. If you can feel a dip or a raised area, it is scarring.
Most people who come to us convinced they have severe scarring have marks with a small amount of scarring underneath. Clearing the marks usually reveals that the structural situation is considerably better than it looked.
Marks
Flat dark spots left after inflammation. Extremely common on higher-melanin skin because pigment cells respond strongly to inflammation. They fade on their own over many months, and treatment plus sun protection speeds this up substantially.
Scars
- Boxcar — broad with defined edges. Respond well.
- Rolling — wide, shallow, undulating. Respond well.
- Ice pick — narrow and deep. The most resistant, with limited improvement realistically achievable.
- Raised or keloid — need a dermatologist. We refer.
The single most important thing
Treat active acne first. Working on scarring while acne is still active means creating new marks as fast as you clear old ones. If your acne is active, see a dermatologist and come to us afterwards. We will say this to you rather than sell you a protocol that cannot work.
What makes marks worse
- Picking and squeezing
- Sun exposure without protection, which darkens marks and prolongs them significantly
- Aggressive treatment that causes more inflammation
- Impatience
Frequently asked
How do I know if I have marks or scars?
Touch them. Flat means marks. Indented or raised means scars. Marks improve far more.
How long do acne marks take to fade?
Three to six months with consistent treatment and daily sun protection. Longer without.
Can acne scars be removed completely?
No, but they can be improved substantially. Marks can clear almost entirely.
Does sunscreen really affect acne marks?
Yes, significantly. Sun exposure darkens existing marks and makes them last much longer. It is the single highest impact thing you can do.
Should I treat my acne first?
Yes, always. Treating scarring while acne is active creates new marks as fast as you clear old ones.
How many sessions will I need?
A minimum of six to eight, more for structural scarring.
Related treatments
Related concerns
Results vary from person to person. Some concerns need a dermatologist rather than a Wellness treatment we'll say so at consultation.
Every visit at Aglow starts with an honest answer.
A free 15 to 30 minute skin assessment a plain explanation, a protocol and a session count whether or not you book on the day.