Why Acne Scars Look Worse in Certain Lighting
Acne scars often appear more noticeable under specific lighting because their uneven texture creates shadows and highlights that flat skin does not.[3] Unlike smooth post-acne marks, which stay the same color and visibility no matter the light angle, scars have dips, ridges, or raised areas that catch light differently.[3]
Think about how a bumpy road looks under a streetlamp at night. The low, angled light stretches shadows in the potholes, making them stand out. Acne scars work the same way. Atrophic scars, the sunken kind from not enough collagen healing after bad breakouts, trap shadows when light hits from the side.[2][3] Raised scars do the opposite, catching bright highlights that make them pop against darker surroundings.[3]
Overhead lights, like in bathrooms or offices, can soften this effect because the light comes straight down and evens out shadows. But natural sunlight from a window or side lighting from a lamp exaggerates every imperfection. Raking light, which skims across the skin at a sharp angle, is the worst culprit. It reveals tiny surface irregularities that vanish under direct or diffused light.[3]
Skin tone plays a role too. Darker spots from post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can blend better in warm yellow lights but look stark under cool blue fluorescent bulbs. The contrast tricks your eye into seeing scars as deeper or redder than they are.[3]
This lighting trick is why people notice scars more in selfies with ring lights or during video calls with screen glow. The key to checking real scar depth is the shadow test: tilt your face under angled light. If shadows form, you have true texture changes, not just fading marks.[3]
Sources
https://www.drmarylupo.com/advanced-skin-care-new-orleans/
https://www.michelegreenmd.com/laser-vs-microneedling-for-acne-scars
https://www.kins-clinic.com/blogs/acne-marks-or-acne-scars-understanding-the-difference-and-management-options
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41428599/?fc=None&ff=20251223183829&v=2.18.0.post22+67771e2
