To keep acne from leaving scars, treat it early and keep treating it, especially deep, painful breakouts such as cysts and nodules, which are the most likely to scar. Keep your hands off breakouts, protect healing skin from the sun, and see a dermatologist promptly for cysts, nodules or early signs of scarring. Dermatologists treat both acne and acne scars, but scar treatment usually starts once breakouts are under control, so prevention comes first.
Here is a practical checklist for the prevention part.
Treat inflamed acne early
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) explains that deep, painful breakouts cause more inflammation and are more likely to leave scars. Mild acne can scar too, especially when it's picked. Genes play a role: if a close blood relative has acne scars, your risk may be higher. Doctors can't predict exactly who will scar, so the safest approach is to treat acne at the first sign and stay with it.
Early treatment also helps because:
- A few pimples clear faster than widespread acne
- It can head off a picking habit before it starts
- It may keep acne from progressing to the kind that needs stronger medicine
For mild acne, over-the-counter products with benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or adapalene (a retinoid) can help. Give any treatment time. The AAD says it takes at least 6 to 8 weeks before you start to see fewer breakouts. Deep, painful acne is a reason to see a dermatologist now rather than wait it out.
Don't pick or squeeze: how clinician extractions differ
Popping or squeezing a pimple pushes material deeper into the skin and adds inflammation, and fingers can bring in bacteria. The AAD links picking to more scarring, infection and discoloration.
Habits that help:
- Put acne medicine on a breakout instead of touching it
- Keep your nails short
- Notice when you pick (at the mirror, on your phone, when stressed) and change the setting
- Avoid resting your chin or cheeks in your hands
When a clinician removes a blemish, it's a different procedure. Acne extraction uses sterile instruments and a controlled technique to clear blackheads and whiteheads. It is one tool alongside treatment, not a replacement for it: a daily skin care routine is still needed to keep new ones from forming.
For a large, painful cyst or nodule, a dermatologist may inject a corticosteroid to bring down swelling and pain. According to the AAD, this can lower the risk of a scar, but dermatologists reserve it for a few severe breakouts and don't recommend using it more than a few times. Dermatologists may also drain a large, painful cyst under sterile conditions.
Protect healing skin from the sun
Not every mark acne leaves behind is a scar. A flat spot of color that stays after a pimple clears usually isn't a scar. On medium to dark skin, these marks tend to be brown or dark, and dermatologists call them post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. On lighter skin, the mark is more often red or pink. The AAD notes these marks can linger for months, but unlike a true scar, they don't change the skin's texture.
Sun can darken these marks and slow their fading. To protect healing skin:
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, even when it's cloudy
- Choose a formula labeled "non-comedogenic" or "won't clog pores"
- Add a hat and shade when you'll be outside for a while
The AAD notes that retinoids can help fade dark spots. Ask your dermatologist whether one fits your skin.
Stick with the plan
Stopping treatment as soon as your skin looks clear can let breakouts return, and every new breakout is another chance for a scar. The AAD's advice is to treat acne when you first notice it and continue treatment.
- Use your treatment as directed, including on clear days
- Ask your dermatologist when, or whether, to scale back. The AAD notes that dermatologists may recommend continuing a topical retinoid once acne is under control.
- If a product causes dryness, irritation or other side effects, call your clinician instead of quitting
- Tell your dermatologist about every acne treatment you've used, including over-the-counter products, and about any that irritated your skin
What Bay Ridge offers for active acne, and what to ask about scars
Bay Ridge Dermatology treats acne as part of its medical dermatology care. A clinician can look at the type of acne you have, check for early scarring and build a treatment plan with you. The practice's surgical services include acne extractions and cyst injections. Individual results vary.
Dermatologists treat acne scars with a range of procedures. For sunken scars, the AAD lists options that include chemical peels, dermal fillers, laser resurfacing, microneedling, radiofrequency, scar surgery and dermabrasion. For raised scars, options include injections and lasers. Treatment usually begins once acne is under control, and dermatologists often combine methods.
Scar procedures vary from office to office. Bay Ridge does not offer TCA chemical peels or laser treatment for dark spots. If you're interested in a specific scar procedure, ask the office whether it's available before you book.
When to see a dermatologist
See a dermatologist if you have:
- Deep, painful cysts or nodules
- Acne that isn't improving after several weeks of consistent over-the-counter treatment
- Early signs of scarring, such as small pits, sunken areas, or firm raised bumps where breakouts used to be
- Dark or red marks that keep building up
- A family history of acne scarring
- Acne that's affecting your mood, confidence or daily life
You don't need to wait until acne is severe to ask for help. You can book online or call (347) 497-4984. First-time patients can find forms on our new patient page.
This article is general information, not medical advice. For advice about your own skin, see a dermatologist.