What Is Acne & Acne Scarring?

Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, leading to spots, inflammation, and sometimes infection.

Acne scarring develops as the skin heals after inflammation. It can appear in different forms, including:

  • Atrophic (depressed) scars
  • Ice-pick scars
  • Rolling or uneven skin texture
  • Post-inflammatory marks or pigmentation changes

The severity and type of scarring can vary significantly from person to person.

What Causes Acne & Acne Scarring?

Acne and scarring can develop due to a combination of internal and external factors.

Common causes include:

  • Hormonal changes
  • Excess oil (sebum) production
  • Bacterial buildup in pores
  • Inflammation during breakouts
  • Genetic predisposition
  • Picking or squeezing spots
  • Delayed or ineffective healing response

Understanding the underlying cause is an important part of creating an effective treatment plan.

The Impact of Acne & Acne Scarring on Your Skin and Your Confidence

Acne and scarring can affect more than just skin appearance. For many patients, they can also influence self-esteem and emotional wellbeing.

You may experience:

  • Reduced confidence in your skin’s appearance
  • Self-consciousness in social or professional settings
  • Frustration with persistent or recurring breakouts
  • Concerns about uneven skin texture or visible scarring
  • A desire for clearer, smoother, more balanced skin

Addressing these concerns can often have a positive impact on both appearance and confidence.