Acne scars in Pakistan: marks vs real scars, and what treats each

Run a finger over the area. If the skin is flat and smooth and only the colour is different, it is a mark (post-acne discolouration). If you can feel a dip or a bump, it is a scar.

Dark marks are especially common on brown skin, which is why so many people in Pakistan call them acne scars. They usually fade over time. True scars change the texture of the skin itself.

Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) is the most important step: sun darkens marks and slows fading. Add a vitamin C serum in the morning under sunscreen and a niacinamide moisturiser at night.

Most marks look clearly lighter after 8 to 12 weeks of daily use. New marks stop appearing once breakouts are under control, so keep treating the acne itself.

Pitted scars come in three main types: narrow, deep ice-pick scars, which are the most common; wide rolling scars with sloping edges; and boxcar scars with sharp edges. Raised scars are hypertrophic or keloid scars, which are more common in darker skin.

No cream, serum or gel can fill a pitted scar. Dermatologists treat them with procedures such as laser resurfacing, chemical peels, microneedling and fillers, often combined over several sessions, and treat raised scars differently. Prices in Pakistan vary widely by city, clinic and the number of sessions, so ask a qualified dermatologist for an assessment before paying for a package.

Dermatologists recommend treating acne early, as soon as breakouts start, because deeper and longer-lasting pimples are the ones that scar. A salicylic acid face wash helps keep pores clear for mild acne.

Never pick, pop or squeeze pimples: it pushes inflammation deeper and raises the risk of infection, dark marks and scars. See a dermatologist for deep, painful pimples or if acne scarring runs in your family.

Daano ke baad reh jane wale bhoore ya kaale nishan asal mein scars nahi, sirf rang ka farq hai. Ye roz sunscreen, subah vitamin C serum aur raat ko niacinamide se do se teen mahine mein halke hote hain.

Agar skin mein gadha (dip) ya ubhaar mehsoos ho to ye asal scar hai. Isko koi cream nahi bhar sakti; iske liye dermatologist laser, peel ya microneedling jaise ilaj karte hain. Daane kabhi na dabayein, warna nishan aur gadhe dono ka khatra barhta hai.

American Academy of Dermatology, "Acne scars: Overview": https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/derm-treat/scars

DermNet, "Acne scarring": https://dermnetnz.org/topics/acne-scarring