Acne is a skin concern that everyone experiences at least once.
But the real problem may be the marks left behind after the acne itself.
At first, they usually start as red spots, but over time the color can darken or the skin can become uneven.
As these changes repeat, they can act not as simple blemishes but as factors that alter the overall impression of the skin.
In particular, pigmentation and indented scars are often left untreated because people assume they will fade naturally, but in reality, they can become harder to improve over time.
So today, we’ll explain why acne scars remain and why it is important to distinguish between pigmentation and depressed scars when treating them.
-Yeongdeungpo Station Dermatology Clinic Column Outline-
- Why do acne scars remain?
- What is the difference between pigmentation and indented scars?
- Why is acne scar laser treatment necessary?

Why do acne scars remain?
Acne is not simply a problem that appears on the skin’s surface; it is an inflammatory reaction that begins in the sebaceous glands.
When the inflammation becomes severe, it can affect the tissue within the skin.
If the structure that makes up the skin is damaged during this process, the skin may not return to its normal form during recovery.
In particular, if you squeeze it by hand or apply excessive irritation, the inflammation can spread deeper, increasing the likelihood that it will lead to scarring.
In fact, many people try to squeeze acne out quickly, but this process can actually make skin damage worse.
In this way, acne scars are not just temporary marks, but the result of structural changes in the skin.

Pigmentation and indented scars: what is the difference?
The marks left after acne can be broadly divided into two types.
The first is pigmentation.
These are red or brown marks left behind when the skin reacts after inflammation and color remains.
In these cases, they may appear to be simple spots on the surface, but the color can gradually become darker over time, so early care is important.
The second is depressed scarring.
This is a form in which the skin becomes sunken or the surface becomes uneven.
It appears when damage extends into the deeper layers of the skin and collagen does not recover properly.
These scars are difficult to heal naturally and often remain unchanged over time.
Therefore, determining whether the current condition is simply pigmentation or a structural scar is an important basis for deciding the direction of treatment.

Why is acne scar laser treatment necessary?
Acne scars that have already formed are often difficult to improve with simple home care or cosmetics alone.
In particular, pigmentation and indented scars have different causes, so the approach must also be different.
For pigmentation, treatment may proceed using lasers that target pigment or blood vessels in the skin to gradually reduce the tone.
On the other hand, for indented scars, the key is to restore the damaged skin structure.
What is important here is that not all scars should be treated in the same way; the treatment plan must be set differently depending on the scar’s depth, range, and skin condition.
If treatment is carried out uniformly without this process, it may be difficult to achieve the expected results.
Ultimately, to increase the expected effect, an accurate assessment of the condition and a customized plan must be made together.

Acne is a common skin concern, but the scars left behind afterward can be a problem that affects you for a long time.
In particular, pigmentation and depressed scars are often difficult to recover from naturally, so rather than leaving them untreated, it is important to consider treatment at the proper time.
Also, even if they are both acne scars, the treatment method can differ depending on an individual’s skin condition.
Therefore, rather than simply choosing a method, a process of accurately diagnosing the current condition and setting the appropriate treatment direction is necessary.
If acne marks keep catching your eye and bothering you, rather than worrying about them alone, it may be more practical to find a solution that fits your own condition.
I hope the information shared today was helpful to those who are struggling with acne scars.
| This post was written for informational purposes in compliance with Article 56, Paragraphs 1–15 of the Medical Service Act. All treatments carry the risk of side effects and complications depending on the individual. Before treatment, please be sure to have a thorough consultation with a medical professional with ample experience before making a decision. |