Acne & Acne Scarring

What is acne and acne scarring?

Acne can affect all skin types and ages, and may be caused by a combination of genetics, hormonal changes, and health and environmental factors. Acne scarring typically develops when more severe acne is left untreated for a long time, or when acne is picked or squeezed.

What causes it?

Excess oil (sebum) production — often linked to hormonal changes from puberty, pregnancy, genetics or stress — can combine with dead skin cells and bacteria to clog pores and cause inflammation. Scarring results when inflammation, infection or trauma reaches the deeper layers of the skin.

Types of acne and scarring

Acne is commonly graded from mild (Grade 1) through to severe (Grade 4). Scars vary too — rolling, boxcar, ice-pick and keloid scars, as well as post-inflammatory pigmentation, which is a discolouration rather than a true scar.