Pimples will often leave behind a patch of discolored skin. This discoloration isn't actually a scar - it usually clears up within a few months. Marks that remain for more than a year are considered to be scars.

The healing process can sometimes be accelerated by using medications like Retin-A, Renova and Alpha-Hydroxy. Sunshine can lead to further skin damage so always be sure to wear sunscreen when you are exposed to the sun for any length of time.

How To Prevent Scars

Scarring can be prevented with active treatment and self control. One of the most common things to lead to scarring is picking or squeezing acne. People often squeeze pimples, but this is one of the worst things they can do. This can cause skin damage which can lead to scarring, plus it can cause the bacteria that causes acne to spread, making the condition worse.

You also need to avoid picking scabs that form over acne lesions. These scabs are a part of the healing process and if they're picked off, it exposes the skin underneath which can lead to it not healing properly and scarring.

How to Treat Scars

Acne scars can be treated in a number of different ways. If the scarring is not too severe, a chemical peel may be an effective treatment. This will remove the top layer of skin and allow the cells beneath to rejuvenate themselves.

Severe cases of scarring can be treated with lasers or dermabrasion techniques. Lasers will remove the damaged layer of skin and tighten the underlying skin, raising the depression that the scar has caused.

Dermabrasion gets rid of scars by literally scraping away the surface of the skin where the scarring occurred. A new layer of skin is formed during healing, replacing the layer that was removed.