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Acne is an inflammatory condition that happens when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Bacteria contribute to the inflammation, causing redness and soreness. While you can find many over-the-counter products to treat acne, they do not work for everyone. The best way to avoid acne scars is to avoid picking or squeezing the blemish. More severe acne can create deep cystic blemishes that can form scars even if you never touch them.
What Causes Acne Scars?
Acne scars form most often when you cause extra damage to the skin around the blemish by squeezing or picking at it. This creates more trauma and inflammation, and it can also spread bacteria to other locations.
Acne scars come in two forms:
Depressed (Atrophic) Scars
More common on the face, these scars sink below the skin, creating a dented or sunken appearance. A number of these scars in one badly affected area can leave the skin looking uneven, making people feel self-conscious about their appearance.
Raised (Hypertrophic) Scars
Usually found on the body, these scars for from an over-abundance of collagen and have a raised surface. Since areas of acne on the body may leave large scars, these can become very noticeable and keep you from engaging in activities where people might see your skin.