Types of Acne Scars Explained Clearly
Acne scars come in different shapes and forms, depending on how your skin heals after breakouts. Most scars happen from severe acne like cysts or nodules that damage the skin deep down. They fall into two main groups: depressed scars that sit below the skin surface and raised scars that stick up above it. Some marks look like scars but are really just color changes from inflammation.
Depressed scars, also called atrophic scars, form when your body does not make enough collagen to fill in the damaged spot. This leaves pits or dips in the skin. There are three common kinds.
Ice pick scars look like tiny, deep holes poked into the skin with a needle. They are narrow at the top but go far down into the skin, often on the cheeks, jawline, or chin. These come from severe cystic acne that destroys tissue deep inside.[1][5]
Boxcar scars are round or oval pits with sharp, straight edges, like someone punched out a small crater. They can be shallow or deeper and often show up on the cheeks or temples after inflamed pimples or cysts heal.[1][2]
Rolling scars give the skin a wavy, rolling look with soft, sloping edges. They cover wider areas and happen when scar tissue pulls the skin down unevenly. These get worse as skin loses elasticity with age and are common from long-term acne.[1][3]
Raised scars grow from too much collagen during healing. They sit above the skin and feel firm.
Hypertrophic scars are thick, raised bumps that stay within the original acne spot. They often appear red or pink at first and may itch. These are more common on the chest, back, shoulders, or jawline.[2][3]
Keloid scars go beyond the original spot, growing larger and thicker. They can be dark, painful, or itchy and happen more on the body than the face, especially in people with darker skin.[2][3][4]
Not all acne marks are true scars. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation shows as dark spots from extra melanin after healing. It is common in darker skin tones and fades over time but worsens with sun. Post-inflammatory erythema leaves red or pink marks from broken blood vessels, often in lighter skin.[3][4]
Each type needs its own care plan, like lasers, fillers, or creams, but seeing a dermatologist helps pick the right one.
Sources
https://slmdskincare.com/blogs/learn/the-5-kinds-of-acne-scars-how-to-treat-each-type
https://www.kins-clinic.com/blogs/what-are-the-main-acne-scar-types-a-skin-friendly-guide-with-treatment-options
https://sozoclinic.sg/acne-scars/
https://rightdosenow.com/acne-scars-removal/
https://liniaskinclinic.com/ice-pick-scars/
https://www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk/blog/rolling-vs-boxcar-acne-scars/
https://shi.org/acne-scars/fillers-and-filler-injections/
https://www.amoils.com/pages/acne-scars-pictures
https://eyelidcenterutah.com/ultraclear-acne-scarring/
