[Doctor's Column] Acne Marks: Marks or Scars? A Treatment Guide from an Expert

Acne marks that bother you every time you look in the mirror. Have you ever felt upset when you thought your skin was clear but red or dark traces remained? Many people often confuse these acne marks with 'acne scars.' However, the two are distinctly different, and their treatment methods must also be different.

Acne Marks vs. Scars: What's the Difference?

▲ Acne marks are 'pigmentation changes' that remain on the skin after acne disappears. It refers to... It mainly appears as red marks (post-inflammatory erythema) or brown/black pigmentation (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation). Since it is a condition where only the color changes without damage to the skin surface, it naturally fades over time or can be improved relatively easily through treatment.

▲ Acne scars are a condition where the skin tissue itself is damaged by acne, resulting in a 'change in skin depth.' This refers to indented scars (icepick, boxcar, rolling scars) or raised scars (hypertrophic scars, keloids). Scars do not disappear naturally, and treatment is much more difficult and time-consuming than that of marks.

Reasons why acne marks form

Acne marks are The process of the skin recovering from inflammation It occurs in [location]. When inflammation develops, blood vessels expand and blood rushes to the skin, causing it to turn red, which is what becomes the red mark. Additionally, the skin produces a large amount of melanin pigment to protect damaged areas, and if this accumulates, it remains as brown or black marks.

Proper extraction can help prevent marks and scars. ❙ Source: ClipArtKorea

Does extracting acne leave marks?

Proper extraction actually prevents marks and scars It can be helpful. If you leave the sebum and inflammation inside the acne as they are, the inflammation can worsen and damage the surrounding skin, potentially leading to larger scars.

of course, Improper self-extraction causes unnecessary damage to the skin surface, worsening the marks. It is possible. Therefore, it is recommended to entrust the extraction of inflammatory acne to a professional whenever possible.

Pro tips for managing your health that you can put into practice right now
▲ Initial management : Actively manage from the cotton cloth stage Preventing it from developing into inflammatory acne

▲ Expert help Red and painful acne is Extrusion, injection, and scaling at the hospital Rapid inflammation relief through the back
▲ Thorough UV protection Since ultraviolet rays worsen pigmentation, Sunscreen is essential
▲ Strengthening the skin barrier : Ceramide, hyaluronic acid, etc. moisturizing ingredients Protect the skin

Improving Skin Trouble Marks, Dermatological Care Methods

▲ Treatment of red marks (post-inflammatory erythema) The red marks are caused by dilated blood vessels, so, Vascular Laser Treatment It is effective. This laser selectively destroys abnormally proliferated blood vessels to reduce redness. It can also help prevent early scarring.

▲ Treatment of hyperpigmentation (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) : Brown/black pigmentation is Treatment that destroys melanin pigment It is necessary. Laser toning It selectively destroys melanin pigments in the skin while inducing collagen regeneration, which can brighten the skin tone and allow you to expect overall skin improvement effects.

👉 An expert's closing line

The important thing is, Manage active acne first before treating acne marks. Consulting with a skin specialist to establish an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your skin condition is the wise first step toward clear skin.

※ This article provides general information on acne scar management and does not recommend any specific procedures, guarantee effectiveness, or replace consultation with a professional.

Chief Director Sim Dong-gyu of Maypure Clinic Yeonsinnae Branch

· Graduated from Korea University College of Medicine

· Master of Medicine, Korea University School of Medicine

· Full member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

· Regular member of the Korean Society for the Study of Obesity

· Regular member of the Korean Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and Laser Medicine

· Allegan Juvederm Expert Member

#Yeonsinnae Dermatology #Yeonsinnae Acne #Yeonsinnae Acne Scars

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