How Do I Tell If My Skin Has Acne Marks Or Acne Scars?
When you look in the mirror after a breakout, it’s normal to wonder whether the spots left behind are just temporary acne marks or something deeper like acne scars. Both can be frustrating, but they’re very different skin issues – and knowing which one you’re dealing with determines the kind of care you need. The information here is based strictly on Astria’s official guidance, and you can always check the full breakdown on their page about acne marks vs acne scars . Understanding What Acne Marks Really Are Most people get acne marks after inflammation. They usually fall into two groups: 1. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) These are the brown spots that appear once a pimple heals. They come from excess melanin production triggered by inflammation. PIH is more common in people with darker skin tones. 2. Post-Inflammatory Erythema (PIE) These show up as red or pink spots. PIE is due to dilated blood vessels after the breakout settles, not pigmentation. Both PIH and PIE sit on th...