The Truth About Fading Acne Scars: Why Some Never Go Away

Many people believe acne scars will eventually disappear with time or skincare products. But the truth is—some scars are permanent. Here’s why.

When acne penetrates deep into the skin, it damages tissue. The body attempts to repair this by producing collagen. If too much or too little collagen is produced, scars form—either raised or sunken—resulting in permanent texture changes that skincare alone cannot resolve.

Types of Acne Scars

1. Atrophic Scars: These are indented or depressed scars caused by tissue loss. They come in three subtypes:

• Ice Pick Scars: Deep and narrow
• Boxcar Scars: Wide with defined edges
• Rolling Scars: Shallow with sloping edges

2. Hypertrophic Scars
   Thick, raised scars that form due to excess collagen during healing. They are often red or pink and feel firm.
3. Keloid Scars
   A more severe form of raised scars that grow beyond the original acne site. These are more common among individuals with darker skin tones.

Why Some Scars Don’t Go Away

Even though skin regenerates over time, the underlying damage from acne doesn’t always fully repair. Key factors that affect scar healing include:

• Depth of Damage: Deeper inflammation increases the chance of permanent scarring.
• Genetics: Your skin’s collagen response and healing efficiency are often inherited.
• Skin Type & Tone: Darker tones may develop pigmentation; lighter tones may show more textural scarring.
• Sun Exposure: UV exposure darkens scars and slows healing.
• Ongoing Breakouts: Continuous inflammation disrupts scar recovery and can worsen their appearance.

Don’t let acne scars define your skin. Book a personalised consultation at Luna Clinic to explore effective scar treatments that restore smooth, confident skin.