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Home  Skin Concerns  Acne & Blemishes  Acne Scars

Acne scars symptoms and causes

Doctor-led diagnosis and treatment for acne scars

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The condition

Deep Scars

What is an acne scar?

Acne scars develop after inflammatory or severe acne lesions have healed. 90% of the population may experience acne at some point in their life. Teenagers are the most vulnerable ones. It may produce excessive or insufficient collagen, which may lead to scarring while the skin is repairing.

Acne scars are permanent and can affect your life forever. Acne scars can cause physical and emotional damage to all individuals who suffer from them. If you want to get rid of your acne scars, see a dermatologist. They can recommend treatments to help reduce the appearance of scars.

Types of acne scars

  • Atrophic Acne Scars: The most common type of acne scar is atrophic facial acne scars, which may occur when there is a loss of tissue. Ice pick scars, boxcar scars, and rolling scars are the various forms of acne scarring.
  • Hypertrophic Scars: Hypertrophic or keloid scars, in simple terms. The body may overproduce collagen during the healing process. The results are elevated skin surface.
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The symptoms

Texture irregularities

After the acne has been healed, you may feel that your skin is textured and not smooth once you touch it.

Indentations or depressions

You may notice intended or sunken acne scars after an acne lesion heals. The surrounding skin.

Raised bumps

The bumps can be small or large and you may feel it hard when you touch it.

Itching

Acne scars can cause discomfort because you may feel itchy and irritated, sometimes painful.

Thickened or tight skin

Because of the raised scars, your skin might feel tightened or thickened.

Discouloration

Usually, a dark spot appears after the acne wound heals, and you may notice its difference to the surrounding skin.

When to see a doctor?
Consultation Is The Key
Can I use home remedies or over-the-counter products?

Discolouration will usually fade away for most individuals who suffer from acne scars. The right acne therapy and sun protection will be a great way to get rid of it. If you have scarring or discolouration that lasts for a year, you have to consult your doctor for treatment recommendations.

Keep in mind that it is better to use a product with your doctor’s prescription, and acne scar consultation is needed because even though home remedies may lessen the appearance of your acne scars, they are typically not effective. Moreover, your dermatologist can create the right treatment plan for your skin type.

Potential treatment options
The causes
What causes acne scars?

Acne scars are caused by inflammation or severe acne. Acne occurs due to clogged skin pores that contain sebum and bacteria. Scarring occurs when your skin produces excessive or insufficient collagen while repairing and healing itself. Squeezing, picking, popping, or scratching your acne can contribute more to scarring.

It is best to avoid touching your face and cleanse it in the morning and evening.

Consult your dermatologist for recommendations on what are the right products to use and what acne scar treatment is right for you.

The risk factors
Who is prone to acne scarring?

The following risk factors can likely increase acne scarring:

  • Severe acne: You are at high risk of scarring if you suffer from severe acne like nodular or cystic acne.
  • Delayed treatment: The untreated acne can be at high risk of scarring.
  • Inflammation: Damaged tissues because of inflammation can result in scarring.
  • Skin type: Dark skin tone can be at high risk of scarring, and pitted scars can be noticeable on lighter skin.
  • Skin picking: There’s a big chance of scarring if you squeeze or pick your acne.
  • Hormonal changes: Hormonal imbalance can cause acne-causing scarring because of an increase in the production of sebum.

Proper skincare and early treatment for acne are advised to avoid the risk of acne scarring.

The complications
Overall Impact
Physical and psychological difficulty
  • Low confidence and self-esteem:

    People who suffer from acne scars may feel insecurities or shame with themselves. They are not comfortable with how they look and stop socialising with others.

  • Professional impact:

    Visible or raised acne scars may affect someone’s career opportunities because of judgement and discrimination from others. 

  • Psychological distress:

    Acne scars can make individuals anxious and depressed about their lives. This is because of receiving negative comments and feedbacks from the others. 

  • Relationship problems:

    Acne scars may result in maintaining good relationships with other people difficult. Because suffering from this may create a feeling of too much consciousness and fear of getting in touch with others.

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The prevention
Prevent Scarring Positively
How to prevent acne scarring?

Treating your acne immediately and reducing the inflammation can help lessen the chance of scarring. Make sure that the acne is under control. It will also help to avoid scarring if you avoid picking, squeezing, or popping your existing pimples.

Control acne

Acne is the reason why individuals suffer from acne scarring. Controlling acne would help to avoid acne scarring. There are over-the-counter products that could help with the treatment, such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. It is best to consult your doctor for proper treatment if you have severe acne.

Clear Skin Choices
What are the foods that can trigger acne?

Foods that are high in glycaemic can trigger or contribute to acne that causes scarring. It is because this food can increase oil production due to the rising of blood sugar. Sugary foods and drinks are high in glycemic. Pastries and cakes, as well as white bread and rice, are also included on the list. You better limit the consumption of these products to avoid acne.

You should also avoid processed food or fast foods, as well as oily and fried foods, to avoid developing acne that causes scarring. Take healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.

Clean pillowcase and towel

If you are not aware that dirty pillows and towels can cause acne, well it is, as they can carry bacteria causing it. So, it is better to clean your pillowcase and towel regularly.

Hydrate For Healing
What is the importance of moisturisation?

Moisturization plays an important role in our skin. It assists in repairing the skin by reducing inflammation and maintaining its suppleness. It can also lessen the scar visibility by promoting faster healing and protecting the skin from environmental damage, as well as regulating oil production.

Drinking lots of water will help

Drinking lots of water is good for your skin’s health. It promotes detoxification and sustains skin suppleness. Proper hydration can help promote the skin’s natural healing process and may possibly lessen the visibility of scars. Being well-hydrated is still an important part of your skincare regimen, even though it does not directly cure acne scars.

Simple Skin Success
What are the simple steps to take care of my skin?

It is easier to prevent acne as early as possible because treating acne scars might need a lot of cosmetic procedures. The best way to take care of your skin to avoid acne that causes scarring is to wash your face two times a day with a mild cleanser. Use a toner to help reduce the pore size, as it controls the oiliness of your skin. It is important that you apply a moisturiser regularly to keep your skin hydrated and use sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun. You may also exfoliate your skin to remove the dead skin cells that cause pore congestion. Use salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to treat your acne as soon as it develops. A regular check-up with your dermatologist can be a big help to prevent acne scarring.

Use of over-the-counter products

There are over-the-counter products you can use to help treat your acne that leads to scarring, such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Keep in mind that these products cannot help remove acne scars. It is still best to consult your dermatologist to prescribe the right products or treatments for you.

Spot Scarring Early
How should I know if I am prone to scarring?

90% of individuals are experiencing acne that leads to scarring. You can be prone to scarring if you have persistent acne that is moderate to severe; you have frequent breakouts and noticeable dark spots and indentations after your acne heals.

Visit your dermatologist

Consider visiting a dermatologist regularly for proper care and treatment if you are prone to acne. Early intervention can help reduce the development of scars.

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    How to prevent acne scarring?
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    What are the foods that can trigger acne?
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    What is the importance of moisturisation?
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    What are the simple steps to take care of my skin?
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    How should I know if I am prone to scarring?
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Katie Grimstone

Katie Grimstone

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Katy Bailey

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Rose was excellent on my skin consultation!

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Morgan Chaffey

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Great experience at the clinic and good treatment.

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Amie-mara M.

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Very good advice and amazing staff!

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TROY The MAGICIAN

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Amazing service as always!

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N El

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Easy in and out and explained everything for me :)

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Siobhan Shaw

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Responsive and helpful

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Felix Gabriel Mance

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Very good consultation with dr Tee

9th September 2026

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Emma Shakeshaft

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Great experience at Harley Street Skin.

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Hazael Wihanto

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Really quick and straightforward

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