What Causes Texture Changes After Acne
Acne often leaves behind changes in skin texture, like pits, bumps, or uneven surfaces, because the inflammation from breakouts damages the skin’s deeper layers. These changes happen when the body heals poorly from pimples, cysts, or nodules, affecting collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep skin smooth and firm[4][7].
During an acne breakout, especially severe ones like cystic acne, inflammation goes deep into the skin. Red, swollen pimples trigger the immune system to fight bacteria, but this process can destroy collagen around the pore. If the body makes too little new collagen, the skin sinks in, creating indented scars. If it overproduces collagen, raised bumps form[4][6][7].
There are main types of texture changes from acne. Ice pick scars are narrow, deep holes that look like tiny punctures, often from cystic acne on the cheeks or jaw[4]. Boxcar scars have sharp edges and flat bottoms, like shallow craters, common after inflamed pimples[4]. Rolling scars give a wavy, uneven feel with soft slopes, worsening as skin ages and loses elasticity[4]. Raised scars, called hypertrophic or keloid, build up extra collagen and stay bumpy[4].
Hormones play a big role in the acne that leads to these issues. Androgens, like testosterone, make oil glands pump out more sebum, clogging pores and sparking inflammation. This is common in adults with hormonal shifts from periods, pregnancy, menopause, PCOS, or stress[1][2][8]. Women often see jawline acne from these imbalances, which can scar if untreated[2].
Not all post-acne marks change texture. Dark spots, known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, are color changes from extra melanin during healing, not true texture shifts. Real scars alter the skin’s surface permanently unless treated[3][4].
Picking or squeezing pimples makes things worse by causing more trauma and poor healing. Dehydration or dead skin buildup can add to rough texture, but acne scars are the main culprit[5].
Sources
https://www.medicaldaily.com/hormonal-acne-adults-acne-causes-skin-hormones-explained-474128
https://www.tuftsmedicine.org/about-us/news/acne-over-30
https://artofskincare.com/blogs/learn/how-to-treat-post-inflammatory-hyperpigmentation-at-home
https://slmdskincare.com/blogs/learn/the-5-kinds-of-acne-scars-how-to-treat-each-type
https://mdbeautyclinic.ca/blog/why-everyones-talking-about-skin-texture-how-to-improve-it/
https://www.mesoestetic.com/blog/acne-scars/
https://worldofasaya.com/blogs/acne/essential-checklist-healing-skin-texture-after-acne
https://www.evexipel.com/michigan/women/symptoms-of-hormone-imbalance/acne-or-skin-texture-changes/
