Is my acne starting to scar? When to seek help
If acne spots are leaving new dents, pits or raised areas after the inflammation settles, arrange a clinical assessment rather than waiting for more scars to develop. Flat red, purple or brown marks can be colour changes rather than permanent changes in skin texture. Both deserve attention, especially while new spots keep appearing.
The priority is to control active acne and reduce the chance of further damage. No treatment can guarantee scar prevention, and having scars does not mean you have done anything wrong.
What does early acne scarring look like?
A scar changes the structure or texture of the skin. You may notice a small indentation where a spot used to be, several shallow depressions, or a firm raised area that remains after the original lump settles. Acne can leave a mixture of scar types.[1]
Try to avoid repeatedly inspecting your skin under a magnifying mirror. If a change worries you, a clinician can assess the area and explain whether it is active inflammation, a colour change, a scar or a combination.
Are dark marks the same as scars?
Not necessarily. After a spot heals, inflammation can leave a flat patch of discolouration. Marks may look pink or red, purple, brown or darker than your usual skin tone. Pigment changes can be especially noticeable and persistent in darker skin.[2]
A useful distinction is colour versus contour: a flat mark mainly changes colour, while an indented or raised scar changes the surface. This is a guide rather than a diagnosis, because a scar can also be discoloured.
Some marks fade with time, but improvement can be slow and is not guaranteed. Avoid assuming that every brown mark needs scar resurfacing. The right approach depends on what is actually present and whether acne is still active.
Who is more likely to develop acne scars?
NICE advises that the risk of scarring increases with the severity and duration of acne.[3] Deep, painful inflammatory lesions deserve particular attention. Picking or squeezing can add injury, but scars can also develop in people who never touch their spots.
How your skin heals matters too. You cannot reliably predict the outcome of an individual spot by its appearance, and a low number of lesions does not necessarily mean a low impact. A few recurrent deep lumps may be more concerning than many small, superficial bumps.
When should I book an acne assessment?
Arrange an appointment if:
new pits, dents or raised scars are appearing;
spots are deep, painful or repeatedly return in the same areas;
acne persists despite using treatment as directed;
discolouration or scarring is affecting your confidence;
acne is affecting school, work, relationships or mood.
The NHS recommends seeking GP advice for deep, painful or scarring acne, unsuccessful self-treatment, or an effect on mental health.[4] You do not have to prove that your acne is “bad enough” before discussing its impact.
Routine treatment reviews are useful, but new scarring is a reason to contact your clinician sooner. Do not assume that you must finish another cycle of shop-bought products before asking for medical advice.
What can I do while waiting?
Keep skincare simple. Wash gently, avoid harsh scrubbing, and choose moisturiser and make-up labelled non-comedogenic, meaning they are less likely to block pores. Remove make-up at the end of the day.[4]
Avoid squeezing, scratching or trying to drain a deep lump. If picking has become difficult to control, tell your clinician without embarrassment; this is something you can ask for help with.
Use sun protection on exposed skin. The NHS recommends at least SPF 30 for scars and keeping them protected from sunlight.[5] Sunscreen does not fill an indentation or replace acne treatment.
Continue prescribed care as instructed unless you develop a reaction or have been advised to stop. If a product causes troublesome irritation, ask your pharmacist or prescriber how to adjust the plan rather than layering several stronger products over it.
Should I treat the scars or the acne first?
When new inflammatory spots are still appearing, controlling acne is usually the first priority. Treating an old scar will not stop a new spot forming elsewhere.
An assessment may lead to a topical treatment plan, consideration of oral treatment, or referral for specialist care, depending on severity, previous treatment and individual risks. Treatment choices need a discussion of benefits, side effects and suitability; a particular prescription is never automatic.
Tell the clinician if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding, and bring details of medicines and supplements. These can change which options are appropriate.
Established scars may later benefit from a separate assessment. Procedures can improve their appearance, but complete removal is unlikely.[5] Suitability depends on scar type, skin tone and other factors. Avoid buying a procedure package before the active acne and diagnosis have been reviewed.
What should I bring to the appointment?
Prepare a short timeline: when acne began, where it occurs, whether it is painful and when texture changes first appeared. List previous treatments, roughly how long you used each one and why you stopped.
A few clear photographs taken in consistent lighting can help show change over time. Avoid filters and do not repeatedly photograph yourself if doing so increases distress.
Useful questions include: “Is this scarring or discolouration?”, “How will we reduce new inflammation?”, “When should treatment be reviewed?” and “What changes should prompt earlier contact?” Understanding the plan makes follow-up more useful.
When is more urgent help needed?
Seek prompt medical advice if the skin becomes increasingly hot, swollen or painful, particularly with spreading redness or feeling unwell. Redness may be less obvious on darker skin.[4]
Sudden severe, rapidly worsening acne with fever needs urgent assessment. If acne-related distress leaves you feeling unsafe or at immediate risk of harming yourself, call 999 or attend A&E. For urgent support without immediate danger, contact NHS 111 or your GP.
Frequently asked questions
Can acne scar even if I never squeeze it?
Yes. Inflammation and the way your skin heals can produce scars without picking. Avoiding squeezing reduces avoidable injury, but it is not a guarantee.[1]
Can skincare erase a new dent?
A moisturiser may improve dryness and comfort, but an apparent dent needs assessment rather than a promise of a “scar-erasing” cream. First establish whether it is a lasting texture change.
Should a teenager wait to grow out of acne?
Not if painful spots, new scars or distress are developing. Acne can continue beyond adolescence, and waiting may allow further damage.[6]
Taking the next step
If you are noticing new texture changes, you can book an online skin consultation with mySkinDoc to discuss your acne and appropriate next steps. An in-person examination may be needed if the changes cannot be assessed adequately online.
References
British Association of Dermatologists, Acne Support. Scarring.
British Association of Dermatologists, Acne Support. Skin discolouration.
NHS. Acne.
NHS. Scars.
British Association of Dermatologists. Acne patient information.
Sources checked 5 October 2026.
