Once the active lesion is healed, it more often than not leaves behind a scar or a mark. One of the most dreaded issues of having acne besides the popping pimples is what it leaves behind. To brief you up quickly, acne is nothing but a pimple which occurs due to the excessive production of sebum from the sebaceous gland which in turn leads to the eruptive lesions. Once the active lesion is healed, it more often than not leaves behind a scar or a mark.

What is the difference between an acne scar and an acne mark?

An acne scar is a disruption in the normal integrity of the skin leading to pits or open pores after the acne has healed.

An acne mark is most often a red or brown spot that is left behind after the active acne has healed.

Why is it important to know this difference?

It is important to know the difference since the treatment course changes, as per the problem.  I have seen patients confusing the two terms and looking them up online and eventually ending up doing wrong treatments which doesn’t benefit their skin.

There is nothing much an individual can do to prevent acne marks or scars other than not touching them.

Treatment options:

For acne scars: If there is a scar it can be treated using an appropriate peel or an appropriate laser option or a combination of the two. Your skin expert will suggest to you what will work best in your case. Scars may be superficial or deep depending on the kind and grade of acne that was present.

For acne marks: If there is a mark that is left behind then it is usually hyper pigmented. A hyper pigmented area is usually challenging to treat especially if it is in the deeper layers. Again your skin expert may suggest a host of treatments ranging from a peel or a microdermabarasion or an appropriate laser.

The choice of treatment again depends on the intensity of the condition, the age of the patient, underlying cause etc.

You may also be suggested to apply a topical cream to reduce the appearance of these imperfections.

Your doctor will be the best person to judge this.

Please remember, it might take weeks or even months for your skin to heal and you’ve got to be patient with yourself. Every person’s skin heals differently and do not do the mistake of comparing yours with another’s.

Stay young, Stay Beautiful!