The difference between acne marks and spots

Acne and spots are two major skin conditions that bother many men and women. Many people can't help but squeeze pimples on their faces, resulting in acne marks after the pimples heal. Spots are mainly a skin phenomenon caused by pigmentation on the face. However, since acne marks and spots are somewhat similar, many people cannot figure out the difference between them. So what is the difference between acne marks and spots?

The difference between age spots and acne scars

1. What are age spots?

Age spots are brown-black in color, with diameters mostly ranging from 1 mm to 10 mm. They vary in size, with large spots up to 2-3 cm in diameter. Most do not protrude above the skin, while some large spots (moles) may also protrude above the skin. They are flat in shape and are composed of lipofuscin pigments. They are common on the face, back of hands, calves, insteps, trunk and other normally exposed skin of the elderly. People usually call them "longevity spots", which are medically called senile pigment spots (moles). Age spots not only exist on the skin, but can also appear in the heart, blood vessels, liver, and endocrine glands, affecting the normal functions of various organs. Therefore, age spots should not be taken lightly.

2. Why do acne scars appear?

Acne scars are a repair response of the body to tissue damage. When skin damage reaches deep into the dermis or a large area of ​​epidermis is damaged, the epidermis in that area cannot regenerate and will be replaced by dermal fibroblasts, collagen and proliferating blood vessels, resulting in acne scars. Acne scars are caused by infection, inflammation or external force. They are often caused by not receiving timely and appropriate treatment when acne breaks out. The inflammatory response of skin cells causes damage to skin tissue and leads to scars. Since there are many types of acne, there are also many forms of acne scars. The more severe the inflammatory reaction during an acne attack, the more severe the skin tissue is damaged. The deeper the inflamed area, the deeper the skin tissue is damaged, and the more severe the acne scars that may be left in the future will be.

3. What is the difference between age spots and acne scars?

Acne marks (acne scars) are formed due to infection, inflammation or external force compression. They are often caused by not receiving timely and appropriate treatment when acne breaks out. The inflammatory response of skin cells causes damage to the skin tissue and causes scars.

The red spots are caused by inflammation of cells in the original acne area, which leads to dilation of blood vessels. However, the blood vessels do not shrink immediately after the acne disappears, resulting in temporary, flat, red spots. It will get redder when the skin temperature rises or when you exercise. This redness is not considered a scar and will gradually fade within 4 to 6 months.

Black spots are caused by pigmentation after acne inflammation, which leaves a dark and dirty color in the places where red acne has appeared, making the skin dull. These black colors will actually disappear slowly over time. Impatient people have to apply some ointments that can remove melanin or undergo fruit acid peels or vitamin C infusions. This type of stains and pigmentation will disappear naturally over time, so they are generally temporary false scars, not real scars.