“My acne has cleared, but my skin has become bumpy”
“I’m not sure whether this is a mark or a scar”
Even after acne subsides, the skin may not feel smooth
and many people are concerned about the remaining uneven texture.
We often hear the question, “Won’t it naturally get better over time?”
Acne Marks vs Scars
Category | Acne Marks | Acne Scars |
Condition | Flat, but only the color has changed | Skin surface is pitted or raised |
Cause | Vasodilation, pigmentation | Damage to dermal collagen and adhesions |
Recovery | May fade over time | Natural recovery is limited |
Approach | Whitening/vascular laser, etc. | Consider combination treatment such as laser, subcision, and more . |
The key is “Is it a color issue, or a structural issue?”
Why do scars form, and why is natural recovery difficult?
Acne scars are not simply a surface skin problem, but begin with collagen damage and an imbalance in the regeneration process in the dermis.
If inflammation becomes deep
→ tissue damage
→ collagen production during recovery
→ normal alignment does not occur
→ it may remain pitted or raised
Also, as time passes, the damaged area undergoes the process of tissue hardening,
and scar tissue may tend to become fixed in place.
Because these changes can affect the level of treatment difficulty, evaluating the condition in the early stage may be helpful.
Main causes that can lead to scars
The likelihood of progressing to scars may increase in the following cases.
Deep inflammatory acne (nodular, cystic)
Repeated squeezing and manual irritation
Delay in early treatment
Damage to the skin barrier and a decline in the regenerative environment
⚠️ Things to be careful about in self-care
Unverified folk remedies
Attempting self-needling (MTS)
Repeated use of strong peeling products
These methods may worsen skin damage, so caution is needed.
Types of acne scars
1) Atrophic scars
Boxcar scars: wide indentations with distinct borders
Rolling scars: gently undulating texture
Ice pick scars: narrow and deep shape
2) Raised scars
A shape that protrudes above the skin surface
May be related to excessive collagen production
Why does treatment differ from person to person?
Acne scars more often appear as a mix of multiple types rather than only one form.
Therefore, rather than a single treatment, a combination of methods tailored to the skin condition
personalized combination treatment approach may be considered.
Based on these characteristics, we set the management direction according to each individual condition.
Approaches to acne scar treatment
Scar treatment generally proceeds in a direction that
induces a skin regeneration environment and helps restore collagen.
1) Laser treatment
Fraxel, Erbium, CO2 types, etc.
A method that induces a skin regeneration response
2) Subcision
Separating tissue adhered beneath the skin
May be considered for some atrophic scars
3) Chemical Peeling
Removing dead skin cells and improving the skin regeneration environment
4) Skin booster
Supporting the regeneration environment and improving skin condition
※ Treatment methods may be considered alone or in combination, and may vary depending on the individual condition.
When treatment may be worth considering
When uneven texture is felt on the skin surface
When there is little change even after a certain period of time
Changes in skin texture that cannot be concealed with makeup
When acne recurs and becomes deeper over time
In such cases, checking the current condition may be helpful.
■ Tips for before and after treatment
Sun protection: Important for preventing pigment changes
Moisturizing and regenerative care: Helps support skin barrier recovery
No alcohol and no smoking: May affect the skin regeneration environment
Changes left after acne may be simple marks, but they can also develop into scars accompanied by changes in skin structure.
Because tissue changes may progress over time, it is important to accurately distinguish the current condition.
However, applicable methods and management direction may vary depending on the individual’s skin condition and scar type, so it is difficult to make a uniform judgment.
Therefore, you may consult with a medical professional to check the current skin condition and set a management direction suited to your individual characteristics.
