29th November 2019

How Do Acne Scars Form and How Can You Prevent Them?

Last Modified: May 5, 2023

Gazing in the mirror at the dreaded pimple is enough to make you want to pop in and make it go away forever.

Not so fast, experts say. Popping that pimple and dealing with acne irresponsibility can lead to acne scars on your face that are a challenge to eliminate!

So how do acne scars form, and what's the best way to deal with them? If you have scars from your past you'd like to erase, keep reading!

What is Acne?

Acne occurs when your skin pores become clogged with oil and other debris. The clogging and build-up lead to the development of pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads. Sometimes the acne is mild; other times, it's severe, causing cystic acne. Cystic acne causes more significant and more inflamed pimples that are often painful.

Typically acne occurs on the face, but it's not uncommon to see it on other parts of the body such as the chest and back. Teenagers are most accustom to experiencing acne, though it can trickle into adulthood as well.

How Do Acne Scars Form?

Once a pimple forms, the pore becomes enlarged and red. As the swelling happens, the pore wall breaks to accommodate the inflammation.

If the swelling is not severe, the breakage of the skin will repair quickly. However, if the damage is serious in the skin, it may take longer to heal. Healing takes place when collagen fibers come together to form the new surface, though the skin may grow back unevenly compared to the previous skin.

There are two types of acne scars: keloid and depressed.

Keloid scarring is noticeable because it produces tissue that is raised and possibly red. Depressed scarring is scarring that's deep in the skin, and may carry such names as ''icepick'' or ''boxcar'' scars.

Hyperpigmentation, or discolouration of the skin, can appear as well, though they're not true scars.

How to Prevent Acne Scars

While it's tempting to pop the puss-filled pimple, that's one of the worst things you can do! Popping leads to scarring, and acne scars can be permanent.

Here's what you can do to lessen your chances of scarring:

Treat acne gently and immediately. Stick with products that combat acne, and if it doesn't improve, visit a doctor or dermatologist.

Keep your hands off your face. Picking, poking, or popping pimples leads not only to scarring but could induce infection. You have many germs on your hands, and transferring more bacteria and oils to your face worsens acne. It is also said that Vaseline can prevent acne.

Allow it to heal on its own. Sometimes a scar will form over the place where the pimple was. Resist the urge to pick the scab as this is your body's way of healing your skin. Having healthy glowing skin takes work and self-control!

No Picking!

So how do acne scars form? When acne is not dealt with properly. Treat acne right away before it could lead to permanent scarring.

Despite your best intentions and work, acne scars still may appear. Thankfully, there are a variety of treatments that help to reduce the appearance of scars and rejuvenate the skin. Contact us today so we can help you choose your treatment!

Post Reviewed by: Dr Baldeep Farmah
Medically Reviewed on: 29th November 2019
Dr Baldeep Farmah is the Medical Director and lead Doctor of Dr Aesthetica, a Medical Aesthetic Clinic.

"We want to empower everyone who walks through our clinic doors, to be able to look in the mirror and see a happier, brighter version of themselves."

For everyone that walks through our clinic doors, you may think you are alone, but you are not. Our patients all have a different story to tell but all come from a similar place.
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