Acne and Acne Scars: Causes, Treatment & Prevention

Acne and Acne Scars: Causes, Treatment & Prevention

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting teenagers and adults alike. It can appear as blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, painful nodules or cysts, and may sometimes leave behind dark marks or permanent scars.

The good news is that acne can usually be controlled with appropriate treatment. Early treatment is particularly important when there is a risk of scarring.

What Causes Acne?

Acne develops when hair follicles become blocked with oil (sebum) and dead skin cells. Increased oil production, hormonal changes, inflammation and the growth of acne-associated bacteria all contribute to the condition.

Common factors that may worsen acne include:

• Hormonal fluctuations

• Excess oil production

• Certain cosmetics or skincare products

• Friction or pressure on the skin

• Stress in some individuals

• Some medications

• A diet high in certain refined or high-glycaemic foods may worsen acne in some people

Acne is not caused by poor hygiene, and excessive washing or scrubbing can actually irritate the skin.

Different Types of Acne

Acne can range from mild to severe and may include:

Blackheads and whiteheads: These are non-inflammatory clogged pores.

Papules and pustules: These are red, inflamed bumps and pus-filled pimples.

Nodules and cysts: These are deeper, painful inflammatory lesions that have a greater risk of leaving scars.

Acne Marks vs Acne Scars

It is important to distinguish between acne marks and true acne scars.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark marks) can develop after acne heals and often gradually fades with time and appropriate treatment.

Acne scars occur when inflammation damages the deeper layers of the skin. They may appear as depressed scars such as ice-pick, boxcar or rolling scars, or occasionally as raised scars.

How Is Acne Treated?

Treatment depends on the type and severity of acne, your skin type, age, and whether scarring is present.

Depending on the individual patient, treatment may include:

• Topical retinoids

• Benzoyl peroxide

• Topical antibiotics in appropriate combinations

• Azelaic acid

• Oral antibiotics for selected patients

• Hormonal treatment for suitable patients

• Oral isotretinoin for severe or treatment-resistant acne under specialist supervision

A dermatologist can determine the most appropriate combination and duration of treatment.

Treatment of Acne Scars

Once active acne is under control, different procedures may be considered for persistent acne scars.

Depending on the type of scar, treatment options may include:

• Microneedling

• Chemical peels

• Fractional laser treatments

• Subcision

• TCA CROSS

• Other scar-specific procedures

Different scars respond differently to treatment, so an individual assessment is important. Often, a combination of treatments provides better improvement than a single procedure.

How Can You Prevent Acne and Scarring?

A few simple habits can help:

• Avoid squeezing or picking pimples.

• Use gentle, non-comedogenic skincare products.

• Cleanse the skin gently twice daily.

• Use sunscreen regularly, especially when treating acne marks.

• Avoid harsh scrubs and unnecessary skin irritation.

• Follow your prescribed treatment consistently.

• Seek dermatological advice early if acne is painful, persistent or leaving scars.

When Should You See a Dermatologist?

You should consider seeing a dermatologist if:

• Acne is painful or widespread.

• Pimples are leaving dark marks or scars.

• Over-the-counter products are not helping.

• Acne is affecting your confidence or quality of life.

• You have recurrent deep or cystic acne.

Early and appropriate treatment can help control acne and reduce the risk of permanent scarring.

Get Expert Dermatology Care

At Dermacity Skin Clinic, acne and acne scars are evaluated individually to develop a treatment plan suited to the patient's skin and the severity of the condition.

Book a consultation with Dr. Manoj Waghmare for personalised evaluation and treatment of acne, acne marks and acne scars.