Acne scars and hyperpigmentation both show up after acne heals, but they look and feel different on your skin. Scars change the skin’s texture with dips or bumps, while hyperpigmentation creates flat dark spots from extra color pigment.
Many people get confused between these two because they often follow pimples or breakouts. Acne starts with inflammation deep in the skin. If the healing process damages collagen, the building block that keeps skin smooth, it leads to scars. These are real changes in how the skin surface feels. You can run your finger over a scar and notice it is not level with the rest of your skin.
Hyperpigmentation happens when the skin makes too much melanin, the pigment that gives color. After acne inflammation, spots appear that are darker than your normal skin tone. These are flat, so the texture stays smooth. They come in shades like brown, black, or gray, depending on your skin type. Doctors call this post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or PIH.
To tell them apart, check the feel first. Scars have uneven texture: atrophic scars are pitted or indented, like ice pick marks or rolling dips. Raised scars, such as hypertrophic or keloid types, form firm bumps that might grow beyond the original spot. Hyperpigmentation feels just like the skin around it, with no bumps or holes. Color is the next clue. Scars might look red or white at first but often stay textured even as color fades. Dark spots from hyperpigmentation are all about the shade and usually lighten over months with care.
Both can worsen with sun exposure, but scars need treatments that rebuild skin structure, like lasers or microneedling. Dark spots respond better to lightening creams with ingredients such as hydroquinone, alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid, or vitamin C. Always use sunscreen daily to stop them from getting darker.
Preventing either starts with gentle acne care. Cleanse without harsh scrubbing, moisturize, and treat breakouts early to limit inflammation. If spots or scars stick around, see a dermatologist for the right plan based on your skin.
Sources:
https://sozoclinic.sg/acne-scar-vs-hyperpigmentation/
https://www.kins-clinic.com/blogs/acne-marks-or-acne-scars-understanding-the-difference-and-management-options
https://amvital.com/blogs/blog/how-to-target-acne-and-dark-spots-same-time
https://consciouschemist.com/blogs/good-skin-blog/how-to-treat-acne-without-dark-marks-or-scars
