Acne & Acne Scars: Causes, Types & Dermatologist Treatments

Acne is the most common skin concern in the world, and one of the most misunderstood. Squeezing it, over-scrubbing, and switching products every week usually make it worse — and can leave scars that are far harder to treat than the acne itself. At Dermacare in Himayat Nagar, Hyderabad, our dermatologist-led skin care focuses on clearing acne and preventing scarring. Here’s how.

What causes acne?

Acne forms when four things combine inside a pore:

• Excess oil (sebum) — often driven by hormones.
• Dead skin cells that don’t shed properly and block the pore.
• Bacteria (C. acnes) that multiply in the blocked pore.
• Inflammation, which produces the redness, swelling, and pain.

Common triggers and contributors include hormonal changes (puberty, periods, PCOS), genetics, stress, high humidity and sweat, comedogenic (pore-clogging) makeup and hair products, and picking or over-washing the skin. Diet can play a role for some people, particularly high-sugar and heavily processed foods.

Types of acne

Type	What it looks like
Blackheads & whiteheads	Small clogged pores (comedones), non-inflamed
Papules & pustules	Red bumps and pus-filled pimples (inflamed)
Nodules & cysts	Large, deep, painful lumps — highest scarring risk
Hormonal acne	Often along the jaw and chin, flares with the cycle

The more inflamed and deep the acne, the higher the risk of scarring — which is exactly why nodular and cystic acne should be treated by a dermatologist early.

How to treat acne

A simple daily routine (mild acne)

• Cleanse twice daily with a gentle cleanser — don’t over-wash or scrub.
• Treat with a proven active: salicylic acid (unclogs pores), benzoyl peroxide (targets bacteria), or a retinoid (speeds cell turnover — start slowly).
• Moisturise with a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser.
• Protect with a non-comedogenic sunscreen every morning — essential, especially with retinoids.

Give any routine 6–8 weeks before judging it, and change one thing at a time.

Dermatologist treatments (moderate to severe)

• Prescription topicals and oral medicines — stronger retinoids, antibiotics, or hormonal treatment where appropriate.
• In-clinic procedures — professional extractions, chemical peels, and other treatments to clear and calm the skin.
• Treating the cause — investigating hormonal factors like PCOS when the pattern suggests it.

The single most important reason to treat acne properly and early: preventing scars.

Treating acne scars

Acne scars are treated after active acne is under control. Different scars need different approaches:

• Dark marks (post-inflammatory pigmentation): not true scars — these flat brown/red marks fade over time and respond to sunscreen, brightening actives, and peels. See our guide to pigmentation and melasma.
• Atrophic (pitted) scars: boxcar, rolling, and ice-pick scars respond to microneedling, chemical peels, subcision, and laser resurfacing.
• Raised (hypertrophic/keloid) scars: treated with specific procedures under dermatologist guidance.

Scar treatment usually needs a combination of methods over several sessions, and results build gradually. A consultation determines which mix suits your skin.

What not to do

• Don’t pop or squeeze — it pushes inflammation deeper and causes scars.
• Don’t over-scrub or use harsh home remedies (lemon, toothpaste, baking soda).
• Don’t skip moisturiser or sunscreen because your skin is oily.
• Don’t keep switching products every few days; consistency is what works.

Frequently asked questions about acne

How can I get rid of acne fast?

There’s no safe overnight cure, but you can speed improvement with a consistent routine — gentle cleansing, a proven active like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, moisturiser, and daily sunscreen — and by not picking. For fast, stubborn, or painful acne, a dermatologist can prescribe stronger treatment.

Does popping pimples cause scars?

Yes. Squeezing pushes inflammation deeper into the skin and is one of the leading causes of permanent acne scars and dark marks. It’s the single habit most worth breaking.

What is the difference between acne marks and acne scars?

Flat brown or red “marks” are post-inflammatory pigmentation and usually fade over months with sun protection and brightening treatment. True scars are changes in skin texture — pitted or raised — and need procedures like microneedling, peels, or laser.

Can acne scars be removed completely?

Most acne scars can be significantly improved, though “completely erased” is rarely realistic. A combination of treatments over several sessions typically gives the best result, and expectations are set individually during a consultation.

Does diet affect acne?

For some people, yes — high-sugar and heavily processed foods, and in some cases dairy, can worsen acne. Diet is one factor among many, so it’s worth managing alongside a proper skincare and treatment plan rather than relying on it alone.

When should I see a dermatologist for acne?

See a dermatologist if your acne is deep, painful, or cystic, isn’t improving after 6–8 weeks of a good routine, is leaving marks or scars, or is affecting your confidence. Early treatment prevents scarring.

This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified dermatologist for a diagnosis and treatment plan suited to your skin.

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