The Difference Between Acne Scars and Marks
Before we get into the treatment, let's clear up some confusion around acne scars vs. marks. Where scars are permanent changes in the skin caused by abnormal collagen that result in either a raised or indented area, these acne marks are almost like "stains" on the skin. "Brown, red, or pink marks are more like temporary stains rather than true scars," Dr. Zeichner tells PS. "Inflammation in the skin revs up pigment production and also causes prominent capillaries that give the skin a red appearance. Both brown and red blotches will fade on their own, but it often takes several months to see improvements. People with darker skin tones tend to develop more brown spots, while those with more fair skin develop pink blotches."
How to Treat Red Acne Marks
How you treat different acne marks depends on the color of the mark itself. Brown spots typically respond to vitamin C and other traditional brighten ingredients but red spots are more stubborn. The laser Dr. Zeichner used on my marks, which are primarily on the bottom half of my face where I experience hormonal breakouts, is called the V-Beam. "It works by emitting a beam of light that is absorbed by your blood vessels, damaging their walls and permanently eliminating them," says Dr. Zeichner. "This treatment gets rid of unwanted redness from sun damage, conditions like rosacea, or even marks left behind in the skin from pimples."
The V-Beam is safe for all skin types and skin tones, but according to Dr. Zeichner, you see the best results on lighter skin with prominent redness.
