Why Some Acne Scars Get Worse Over Time
Acne scars can start small but turn more noticeable and deeper as years pass due to everyday factors like sun exposure, ageing, and ongoing skin stress. These changes happen because the skin struggles to repair itself fully, making old marks stand out against thinner or damaged surrounding tissue[1][2][3][9].
One big reason is sun damage from UV rays. Over time, even if you use sunscreen sometimes, UV light breaks down collagen, the protein that keeps skin firm and plump. Without enough collagen, scars sink deeper and lose their edges, especially in adults who have years of exposure built up. This makes indentations like ice-pick or rolling scars look sharper and harder to ignore[1][3][9].
Ageing plays a key role too. After age 30, skin naturally produces less collagen and gets thinner. What was once a shallow dip now appears as a bold depression because the skin around it sags and loses bounce. Dehydration adds to this by making skin feel dry and lax, which casts shadows that highlight texture flaws[2].
Chronic inflammation keeps scars from fading. Even after pimples heal, low-level swelling lingers under the skin, slowing repair and eating away at collagen. Stress raises hormones like cortisol that fuel this fire, while poor sleep and diets heavy in sugar or dairy spark new breakouts right on top of old scars[1][2][8].
Picking at skin worsens things fast. Habits like squeezing spots create open wounds that heal poorly, leading to deep pits called ice-pick scars. This cycle repeats damage to deeper layers, preventing smooth recovery[5].
Other habits hurt progress. Pollutants create oxidative stress that blocks healing, smoking and alcohol slow collagen growth, and harsh lights like bathroom bulbs throw shadows that make scars pop visually. Hormonal shifts in adults, from cycles to conditions like PCOS, cause deeper cysts that inflame scars further[1][2].
Sources
https://www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk/blog/adult-acne-scarring/
https://www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk/blog/acne-scar-recurrence-maintenance/
https://www.kins-clinic.com/blogs/what-are-the-main-acne-scar-types-a-skin-friendly-guide-with-treatment-options
https://sozoclinic.sg/how-to-remove-acne-scars/
https://liniaskinclinic.com/acne-excoriee/
https://drhaach.com/treatments/acne-scars/
https://slmdskincare.com/blogs/learn/the-5-kinds-of-acne-scars-how-to-treat-each-type
https://glojasaesthetic.com/skin-blog/reasons-acne-scars-persist/
https://www.aesthetispa.com/blog/3-things-making-your-acne-scars-worse-and-what-you-can-do-about-it/
