Breakouts are frustrating enough, but when they leave behind dark spots or deep scars, it’s just adding insult to injury.
Acne may come and go, but scarring can linger for months — or even years. The good news? You can take steps now to prevent scars from forming or reduce the appearance of ones that already exist. With the right care from Divina Averilla, MD, and the team at Love Your Body Medical Spa in Las Vegas, Nevada, your skin can heal smoothly and calmly.
This blog breaks it all down — why acne scars happen and what you can do about them.
Not every pimple becomes a scar. Scars typically form when acne inflammation goes deep into the skin and damages tissue. Your body tries to repair it by producing collagen, and depending on how it heals, you might get:
Depressed scars (like icepick or boxcar scars) from too little collagen, raised scars from too much collagen, and/or dark spots or red marks (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), which aren’t scars but can look like them.
Hormones, picking at pimples, cystic acne, and genetics also play a role. But even if scarring runs in your family, it doesn’t mean you’re stuck with it.
Here’s what you should do.
It’s tempting, and we’ve all done it. But squeezing, picking, or digging at pimples causes more damage under the skin than you might realize. That trauma increases inflammation, spreads bacteria, and destroys collagen, making scars deeper and more noticeable.
Instead, if you must extract a blemish, let Dr. Averilla do it hygienically.
One of the best ways to prevent acne scars? Treat acne while it’s still active. The longer a pimple sits inflamed under the skin, the more likely it is to leave a scar.
The most popular options include:
However, over-the-counter and prescription products may not work for you. In that case, it’s time to see Dr. Averilla for advanced laser treatments for acne — before inflammation becomes long-term damage.
UV exposure can make acne scars and dark spots look darker and last longer. It can even slow your skin’s natural healing process.
Make SPF your non-negotiable, and follow these rules of thumb:
Remember, sun protection doesn’t just help prevent future scarring — it also helps your current scars fade more evenly.
If scars are already present, don’t lose hope. We offer a suite of medical skincare treatments that can dramatically smooth and resurface your skin.
Our most popular options include:
Dr. Averilla customizes your treatments depending on your skin tone, scar type, and sensitivity.
Scar healing takes time (sometimes weeks to months), depending on severity. The biggest mistake people make is quitting too early or switching products too often, and not talking to us before making changes. Follow Dr. Averilla’s treatment plan to the T, and you’ll see gradual, lasting results.
Your skin is capable of repairing itself — you just need to give it the right tools and time.
If acne scars are bothering you or you want to be proactive about a current breakout, contact Love Your Body Medical Spa online to request an appointment with Dr. Averilla, or call today.
