Acne scars – those reddish brown marks left on your skin after severe acne has cleared – are more than just an unpleasant reminder of your battle with breakouts. They’re the result of your body’s response to inflamed acne lesions when your follicles get congested with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria.
Your body’s healing process, which involves collagen production, is a key player in forming acne scars. However, when your body produces too little collagen, scars take shape. Picking or popping your acne doesn’t do your skin any favours either; it hampers the healing process and can cause further infection.
Not everyone’s skin tells the same story. Some individuals, due to genetic predispositions or darker skin tones, may find themselves more prone to acne scars or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The good news is that with the right treatment and care, many acne scars can be averted or reduced.