Have you ever stood in front of the mirror and wondered why certain areas of your skin were so difficult to get rid of? Are acne scars and markings the same thing, or is your skin communicating a secret language that you’re still not understanding? What makes an acne scar different from a mark, and why does it matter? Learn More about What’s the difference between acne marks and acne scars.
What’s the difference between acne marks and acne scars?
Although they relate to different skin disorders, acne marks and acne scars are frequently used interchangeably.
Acne Marks (Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation)
Acne marks are dark spots or discolorations that remain after an acne lesion has healed. Instead of being actual scars, they are the outcome of inflammation and an increase in melanin synthesis brought on by the acne.
Colour: Depending on your skin tone, marks can be red, purple, brown, or black.
Texture: There are no elevated spots or indentations; the skin’s texture is normally regular.
Over time, marks may naturally disappear; however, certain skincare procedures, including exfoliation and the application of skin-brightening chemicals, can expedite this process.
Acne Scars:
Damage to the dermal collagen resulting from acne can produce changes in the texture of the skin. This kind of injury can leave the skin with elevated spots or depressions called indentations.
Types: There are several varieties of acne scars, such as rolling, boxcars, and ice pick scars.
Colour: Scars can turn discoloured; however, this discolouration frequently comes with textural changes.
Persistence: Unlike markings, scars usually don’t go away on their own. To improve the texture of the skin, more aggressive procedures like laser therapy, microneedling, or chemical peels may be necessary.
Ideal Candidates:
- A kind of hyperpigmentation known as PIH appears after an inflammatory acne lesion. PIH-related brown or dark patches may be seen in ideal candidates.
- Atrophic scars are skin indentations brought on by tissue loss. Candidates with rolling, boxcars, or icepick scars might be ideal.
- Candidates should be in good overall health and not be ineligible for any particular therapy. The appropriateness of specific operations may be impacted by specific medical conditions or drugs.
- Nominees should know that results may vary and that total scar eradication may not always be achievable. Setting reasonable expectations is essential to being happy with the outcome.
What treatments are there?
Topical Interventions:
Retinoids: Prescription retinoids, such as tretinoin, can lessen discolouration and assist the texture of the skin.
Vitamin C: Topical vitamin C serums can encourage the formation of collagen and help lighten hyperpigmentation.
Chemical Peels:
In chemical peels, the top layer of skin is exfoliated using an acid solution, which encourages new, smoother skin formation.
Microdermabrasion:
To minimize the appearance of scars and blemishes, this process uses a machine to exfoliate the skin’s outer layer.
Laser Treatment:
Numerous laser procedures, including fractional laser therapy, can increase the production of collagen and enhance the skin’s texture.
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