Why Red Acne Marks Are Not Always Scars
Many people worry about red spots left after acne pimples heal, thinking they are permanent scars. But these red marks are often just temporary discoloration, not true scars that change the skin’s texture.
Red acne marks, known as post-inflammatory erythema or PIE, happen when inflammation from a pimple damages tiny blood vessels under the skin[1][2]. This causes redness that lingers even after the pimple is gone, sometimes for several months[1]. The skin surface stays flat and smooth, so if you run your finger over it, you feel no dents or bumps[2]. Unlike scars, which form from deeper damage to the skin’s structure and create indentations like icepick or rolling scars, or raised areas like hypertrophic scars, red marks are mainly a color problem from extra blood flow or broken vessels[1][2].
These marks are common after milder acne like papules or pustules, not just severe cysts[2]. People with lighter skin tones notice them more because the redness stands out against pale skin[1]. Over time, the body heals the vessels, and the red fades on its own, though it can take weeks to months[1][4].
The key difference is texture. Scars alter the skin’s feel, with pits or ridges from collagen loss or overgrowth deep in the dermis[1][2]. Red marks do not; they are flat and only affect how the skin looks in color[2][3]. You might even have both a red mark and a scar from the same pimple if the inflammation was bad enough[1].
Treatments for red marks focus on calming blood vessels and reducing inflammation. Options like vascular lasers help shrink those vessels, while microneedling radiofrequency boosts healing and collagen without changing texture[1]. They fade faster with care, unlike scars that need more intense fixes.
Sources
https://sozoclinic.sg/acne-marks-vs-acne-scars/
https://www.kins-clinic.com/blogs/acne-marks-or-acne-scars-understanding-the-difference-and-management-options
https://www.mesoestetic.com/blog/acne-scars/
https://artofskincare.com/collections/collection-scars
