Up to 55%% – or 1 in 2 teens – get scarring on the face due to acne. Some people are more likely to develop scars after acne. Acne scarring is preventable in most cases (see Top 2 Tips below).
Who is at risk for acne scars?
Those with inflammatory acne (seen here), whether moderate or severe, are more likely to develop scars after spots have healed.
Generally, the more intense the inflammation (redness, pus, pain), the greater the injury to the skin and risk for scarring.
5 important facts about acne and scarring:
- The longer acne goes on, the higher the risk of scarring.
- A family history of severe acne and scarring increases the risk.
- Experts cannot tell who will develop acne scars and who will not. Scarring involves the skin’s wound healing abilities which differ from person to person and are inherited.
- Even mild acne can cause scars.
- 95% of acne patients have some degree of scarring.
Top 2 Tips – acne scars
- Acne scarring is preventable in most cases. Don’t delay getting treatment for moderate to severe inflammatory acne (see image). This is much more likely to result in scarring.
- Don’t squeeze or pick acne spots. This increases inflammation and injury to the skin, raising the risk of scarring and skin discolouration after healing.