Acne marks are flat spots of discoloration like red or brown patches left after pimples heal, while acne scars are actual changes in skin texture such as dents or raised areas.
Many people get acne marks or scars after pimples go away, especially from bad breakouts with big pimples. The key is that marks sit flat on the skin and fade over time, but scars reshape the skin itself. Knowing this helps pick the right fix since treatments differ.
Acne marks come in two main types. Red marks happen from broken blood vessels and new ones growing after injury. They can stick around for months. Brown marks come from extra melanin, the pigment that colors skin. These dark spots show up more in people with darker skin and might last over a year.
Acne scars form when swelling damages deep skin layers, leading to lost collagen. This makes the skin thin out or build up extra tissue. Most are atrophic scars, which means indented ones. There are three kinds: ice pick scars look like tiny deep holes from severe cystic acne on cheeks or jaw. Boxcar scars are round or oval pits with sharp edges, often from inflamed pimples on cheeks or temples. Rolling scars have soft wavy edges like shallow saucers, common in long-term acne and worse with age. Less often, hypertrophic scars raise up above the skin.
You can have both marks and scars from the same pimple spot. Marks are not true scars since they only change color, not texture. Early acne care cuts the risk of real scars.
Sources:
https://sozoclinic.sg/acne-marks-vs-acne-scars/
https://slmdskincare.com/blogs/learn/the-5-kinds-of-acne-scars-how-to-treat-each-type
https://www.mesoestetic.com/blog/acne-scars/
