Why Acne Scars Look Worse Over Time
Acne scars often start as small marks from pimples or cysts, but over the years they can seem deeper, darker, and more obvious. This happens because your skin changes as you age, and daily habits slowly make those old scars stand out more.
One big reason is the natural loss of collagen. Collagen is the protein that keeps skin firm and plump. In your teens or twenties, your body makes plenty of it, so skin bounces back well after acne. But after age 30, collagen production drops, and the skin gets thinner. Old scars that once blended in now look like dips or pits because the surrounding skin has lost its support. Sun exposure speeds this up by breaking down collagen even more over time.
Another factor is sun damage. UV rays from the sun don’t just tan your skin; they weaken its structure. Years of exposure make scars more vulnerable. They can turn darker from extra melanin, a pigment that protects against UV but lingers in scars. This darkening, called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, makes scars harder to ignore and slower to fade.
Deeper types of scars, like ice-pick scars, get worse too. These are narrow holes from inflammation that reached deep into the skin. In adults, slower healing from things like stress or hormones lets these scars deepen. Chronic low-level inflammation keeps working under the skin, even without new pimples, pulling the scar area down further.
Lifestyle plays a role as well. Poor sleep raises stress hormones that break down collagen faster. Dehydration makes skin look dull and saggy, casting shadows that highlight scars. Harsh lights, like in bathrooms or cars, create shadows that make texture pop out. New breakouts in the same spots add fresh scars, blending with the old ones.
Habits like picking at skin worsen it all. This creates more damage, leading to pitted scars that don’t heal right. Over time, these combine with ageing to make the skin look uneven.
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/
