
Hello, this is Lee Jiham Dermatology Gangnam Branch.
Today, I’d like to talk about acne marks, something many people worry about. Has your acne healed, but the red marks left behind are still bothering you? They can be so frustrating, especially when they catch your eye every time you look in the mirror and reappear once again even after being covered with makeup.
Through today’s post, I hope you can learn more about the causes and treatments of acne marks and get practical help on how to manage them.

Your acne has healed, but why are these marks still there?
Not long ago, I met a patient in the clinic. They were a professional in their late 20s, and although acne treatment was mostly complete, they were having a hard time because of the red marks left all over their face. They said, “Doctor, my acne has all healed, but when will these red marks go away? Even if I put on makeup, it all shows through after a while, and it’s really stressful.” Looking closely at their face, I could see clear red marks left where inflammatory acne had been, and some areas had turned brownish due to pigmentation. Like this patient, many people are treated for acne but continue to worry about the marks left behind.
Acne marks are broadly divided into two types. One is erythematous marks, which appear red, and the other is brown pigmentation. Red marks occur when inflammation from acne causes blood vessels to dilate and become damaged.
It’s similar to how skin looks red when a small wound forms. Even after the inflammation subsides, the dilated blood vessels do not easily return to normal, so the red marks remain. Brown marks, on the other hand, are pigmentation that appears when melanin is overproduced due to inflammation. Just as skin can darken after sun exposure, inflammation also stimulates the skin and promotes pigment production.

If I leave these marks alone, will they disappear on their own?
This was exactly the part the patient was most curious about. They asked, “If I wait long enough, won’t they fade naturally?” Of course, they may become somewhat lighter over time. But that can take 6 months to a year, and in some cases even up to 2 years, and often traces remain without disappearing completely. In particular, pigmentation can become darker if left untreated, and it may worsen due to sun exposure or improper care. That is why I recommended active treatment to the patient.
Let me explain the causes of acne marks in a bit more detail. When acne appears, the body recognizes it as an inflammatory response. Blood flow increases to the inflamed area, and immune cells become actively engaged. During this process, blood vessels dilate, and various chemical reactions occur to remove the substances causing the inflammation.
The problem is that even after this inflammatory response ends, it takes time for the dilated blood vessels and damaged tissue to recover. It’s like repairing a road after a traffic accident. In addition, if melanocytes are stimulated during the inflammatory process, they produce excess pigment, which becomes deposited in the skin and leaves behind brown marks.

Will Quadrostar treatment work for my skin too?
As a dermatologist in Sinnonhyeon, I can confidently say that one of the most effective treatments for acne marks is Quadrostar treatment. When I first introduced this treatment to the patient, they were unfamiliar with it, but after I explained how it works, they understood and decided to begin treatment. Quadrostar is a multifunctional laser device that can address acne marks, redness, and dual toning. It is especially effective for vascular lesions, so it shows excellent results in treating red acne marks.
Let me explain how Quadrostar works in simple terms. This laser emits light of a specific wavelength onto the skin, and the light is selectively absorbed by hemoglobin in the dilated blood vessels. It’s similar to shining a red laser pointer on red paper and having it absorbed. The absorbed energy is converted into heat, which coagulates the dilated blood vessels; as a result, the abnormal blood vessels are gradually destroyed and the red marks improve. At the same time, it also promotes collagen production, improving overall skin tone and texture. For pigmentation, the dual toning function is used, which works by breaking down melanin pigment without damaging the surrounding tissue.

How should I take care of my skin at home?
Daily care is just as important as treatment. I especially emphasized this to the patient as well. First, the most important thing is sun protection. UV rays can worsen inflammation and promote pigment production, making acne marks darker. It’s best to apply sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher every day and reapply every 2 to 3 hours. Sun protection is especially essential after laser treatment, because the skin becomes more sensitive.
Second is proper moisturizing. When the skin is dry, inflammation is more likely to occur and recovery slows down. Using skincare products with plenty of hydration and drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day can also help. Third, avoid touching your face with your hands. If you unconsciously touch or scratch the area with marks, secondary inflammation can occur. Fourth is getting enough sleep. Skin regeneration mainly happens at night, so regular and sufficient sleep is important. Finally, stress management is also necessary. Stress can cause hormonal changes and worsen skin condition.
The best way to prevent acne marks is to manage acne well from the start. If you do not squeeze pimples with your hands and receive appropriate treatment early, you can greatly reduce the chance of marks remaining. In addition, even during acne treatment, thorough sun protection and moisturizing can help prevent pigmentation.

Honest treatment, customized solutions
We believe dermatology care is not just treatment, but a process of completing your beauty. Above all, what matters most is a natural result that is not overdone and trust that lasts over time. Because every skin type is different, Lee Jiham provides not just simple procedures, but diagnoses and solutions tailored to each person’s skin. With honest care, proven procedures, and attentive hands, we strive to be a place you can trust for the long term, not just for one treatment.
Are you worried about acne marks? Those marks seem like more than just a cosmetic issue; they can leave emotional scars too. But with proper treatment and consistent care, they can be improved sufficiently. What matters is not giving up and continuing to manage them steadily. In order to become the first name you think of when a skin concern arises, we will continue to provide honest and careful care without change. We will be with you so that your skin can shine with health and confidence.

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