Teenage acne can often leave marks and scars after healing. The marks, also called post acne pigmentation, appear as red or blackish discolouration on the skin, and they slowly fade over time (may take a year or more) even if not treated as the skin heals from within. However, using a good skincare regimen and products suggested by your dermatologist can help treat it much faster.

For scars that appear as depressions on the face (most common) on your cheeks, forehead and chin, and raised scars (less common) there is tissue defect in the skin which occurred during healing. This defect needs to be treated, otherwise the scar may be permanent or long lasting. Depressed scars need collagen induction to fill up, which can be done by Microneedling radiofrequency or fractional lasers. Raised scars can be treated by small injections and ablation by laser or cautery. These procedures require anesthesia and may have downtime, so they should be done after detailed consultation with a doctor. Multiple sessions may be required.

Start with a good skincare regimen with mild cleanser, moisturiser and a suitable sunscreen usage daily to improve your skin quality – this can help faster healing. Next, talk to your dermatologists regarding available options, budget and timeline. He/she can also explain about the expected results.