If you are struggling with acne, you will probably be all too familiar with the impact of breakouts on your confidence and self-esteem. There’s also the fear that even when your skin clears, you’ll be left with lasting scars. The good news is that in many cases, acne scars can be prevented or significantly reduced.
At our laser skin clinic in Birmingham, we specialise in treating both acne and acne scarring. Here’s a look at why acne scars happen, who’s most at risk, and the expert-backed steps you can take to avoid them.
Why does acne leave scars?
Acne scarring is a complication of the more severe type of acne, where deep nodules or cysts form in the skin’s pores, and break down the walls of the pore. The damage can spread to the surrounding tissue, and this leads to scarring. The scar will typically form as an indentation in the skin due to tissue loss, or as a raised surface on the skin.
Depressed scars (also known as atrophic scars) can take the form of icepick, boxcar, or rolling scars, and are the result of too little collagen being produced during the healing process. Raised scars (also known as hypertrophic scars) form when too much tissue is produced.
More severe acne can also result in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which are dark spots left behind after the blemish has healed, especially in deeper skin tones.
Strategies to reduce the risk of acne scarring
The type and severity of the acne is the biggest factor in whether scars will form, but it can also be determined by genetics, skin type and tone, and how the skin is treated during a breakout. It’s not possible to completely eliminate the risk of scarring, but you take steps to limit the damage.
Don’t pick or squeeze pimples
It can be tempting to pick at your skin in the hope that the spot will clear up quicker. However, you are just pushing the oil and bacteria deeper into the skin, increasing the risk of inflammation and damaging the skin’s structure. If it’s a bad habit, try keeping your nails short and using hydrocolloid pimple patches to protect the area.
You could also book a professional acne facial, which will include a cleansing and extraction process to leave your skin looking calmer and clearer.
Tackle inflammation early
The more inflamed your skin is, the greater the risk of scarring. That’s why early, effective treatment is key to managing the risk of long-term marks. If you have severe acne, it may be worth booking a consultation with a skincare professional to get a tailored treatment plan.
Topical products containing salicylic acid, niacinamide, or benzoyl peroxide may help milder forms of acne, but they can be very harsh and drying. Prescription treatments (e.g. topical retinoids or antibiotics) may be necessary for more severe acne.
Retinoids are increasingly used in acne care, as they reduce blockages, speed up skin cell turnover, and even help prevent pigmentation. However, they can be irritating if used incorrectly. To get the best results, start with a low-strength formula two to three times a week, and use SPF daily, as retinoids can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Protect your skin from the sun
Sun exposure makes scarring and pigmentation worse, especially post-inflammatory marks. UVA and UVB rays increase melanin production and slow healing, leaving you with darker, more noticeable marks.
Make SPF a daily essential: use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher—even on cloudy days, and reapply every two hours if you’re outside. Choose non-comedogenic sunscreens that won’t clog pores.
Treat active acne and scarring together
Don’t wait until your acne has completely cleared before treating the scars. Some treatments can address both simultaneously, reducing the risk of long-term marks and improving overall skin health.
For example, LED light therapy uses blue light that kills the bacteria that causes acne, and red light to reduce inflammation. This speeds up the healing process and minimises scarring. Milder scars can be improved with chemical peels or microneedling, while deeper scarring can be significantly reduced with laser resurfacing treatment.
While there’s no way to completely control how your skin responds to acne or treatments, timely action and professional support can make a huge difference to both your skin and your self confidence.
