
Hello, this is Leejham Dermatology Gangnam Branch.
Have you ever looked in the mirror and noticed the red marks that catch your eye, feeling frustrated that the acne is gone but the traces are still left on your face? Even when you try to cover them with makeup, they show through again over time, and they keep bothering you whenever you take photos.
Today, I’d like to talk with you about acne marks. Through this article, I hope you can learn why acne marks appear and how they can be improved, and perhaps ease some of your skin concerns along the way.

Can these marks really be erased?
Not long ago, I saw a patient in the clinic. They were in their early 20s, and their face had many traces left behind from acne that had broken out and healed. In particular, there were several red marks on both cheeks and the chin. The patient said carefully, "Doctor, I hardly get acne anymore, but these red marks have stayed the same for months. Even when I put on makeup, I can’t completely cover them, so I keep feeling self-conscious when meeting people. Can these really go away?"
I could feel the desperation in their voice. Acne itself must have been difficult, and it was heartbreaking to see that they were still worried because of the marks left behind after the acne had cleared. In fact, many people worry about acne marks longer than they do about the acne itself. Acne tends to improve relatively quickly with treatment, but marks take a long time to fade on their own, and in some cases, they can remain for years.

Acne marks: why do they appear and why do they last so long?
Acne marks can be broadly divided into two types. One is the "erythematous mark," which appears red or pink, and the other is the "hyperpigmented mark," which appears brown or black. Both occur when inflammation develops in the skin as acne forms.
Red marks are caused by the inflammatory response from acne. When inflammation occurs, blood circulation to that area increases and blood vessels dilate. It works much like how the area around a wound becomes red and swollen. Even after the acne has healed, the trace of that inflammation remains in the skin. Usually, it fades naturally over time, but if the inflammation was severe or if the area was irritated by squeezing the acne with your hands, it can remain longer.
Brown marks appear because too much melanin pigment is produced during the inflammatory process. When our skin is stimulated, it produces melanin to protect itself, and acne-related inflammation is also a form of stimulation for the skin. That is why pigmentation develops at the site where acne once appeared. In particular, exposure to ultraviolet rays can make this pigmentation darker and longer-lasting.

Quadrostar: a new approach for acne marks
After explaining the cause of acne marks to the patient, I told them about the Quadrostar laser treatment we perform at our clinic. Quadrostar is a laser device effective in improving acne marks and redness, and it has shown excellent results, especially for red marks.
To explain how Quadrostar works in simple terms, it uses a specific wavelength of light to selectively target dilated blood vessels. Just like a marksman aiming only at the exact target, the laser finds and acts on the blood vessels that cause red marks. In this process, it can improve only the problematic area without damaging the surrounding normal skin tissue.
Quadrostar also has a dual-toning function, which makes it effective for pigmentation as well. Dual toning means using two wavelengths at the same time, allowing improvement of pigment both on the skin’s surface and in deeper layers. It is similar to cleaning with a broom to sweep up larger dust and then using a cloth to wipe away the finer details, effectively managing pigment at multiple depths.
If you are looking for a recommended dermatology clinic in Seocho-gu and are considering how to improve acne marks, a combination laser treatment like Quadrostar can be a good option. It does not just address one issue; it can manage redness and pigmentation at the same time.

Preventing acne marks is just as important as treatment
It is also very important to prevent acne marks from forming in the first place. I especially emphasized this to the patient as well.
First, never squeeze acne with your hands. This is a mistake many people make, but squeezing it by hand can drive inflammation deeper and damage the surrounding tissue. Then the marks can remain darker and last longer. Even if the acne bothers you, please resist the urge, and if necessary, it is better to have it removed properly at a clinic.
Second, be thorough with sun protection. Ultraviolet rays are the main cause of worsening pigmentation. UV rays are present even on cloudy days and even indoors. It is best to use a sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher every day and reapply it every 2 to 3 hours. Even if you begin treatment after getting a recommended dermatology clinic in Seocho-gu, it will be difficult to see results if sun protection is not done properly.
Third, maintain adequate moisturization. When the skin is dry, its ability to regenerate decreases and inflammation lasts longer. After washing your face, apply toner and moisturizer right away, and it is also helpful to keep the indoor humidity at an appropriate level.
Fourth, receive proper treatment early when acne appears. If acne is left untreated, the inflammation becomes more severe, and the marks left behind will be darker. If you think your acne is getting worse, it is a good idea to visit a dermatology clinic quickly for consultation.

Don’t worry alone; let’s work on it together
To those who are worried about acne marks, I want to say this: rather than waiting and hoping they will improve on their own over time, you can speed up improvement through proper treatment. In particular, the longer the marks remain and the more exposure they have to ultraviolet rays, the harder they can be to improve, so if you are concerned, it is better to get a consultation sooner.
We view dermatology care not as simple treatment, but as "a process of completing your beauty." Above all, what matters most is natural results without overdoing it and trust that lasts over time. Every skin is different. That is why we strive to provide not just a simple procedure, but diagnosis and solutions tailored to each person’s skin.
Through honest care and proven procedures, we aim to be a place you can trust for the long term, rather than for just one treatment. For those who come to us after finding a recommended dermatology clinic in Seocho-gu, we will continue to provide honest and thorough care so that we become the first name you think of whenever a skin concern arises.
If acne marks have made it hard to look in the mirror and made meeting people feel burdensome, you can now set that worry down. With various laser treatments, including Quadrostar, and proper care, improvement is entirely possible. If you have been considering a recommended dermatology clinic in Seocho-gu, I hope you find a place that can help you work through your skin concerns together.

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