Acne Scarring
& Stretch Marks
Understanding How Scar Tissue Forms
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Although they appear different, acne scars and stretch marks are both caused by changes within the deeper layers of the skin.
Acne scars develop after inflammation damages collagen during the healing process. Depending on how the skin repairs itself, scars may appear as indentations, raised areas or changes in skin texture.
Stretch marks develop when the skin stretches faster than it can adapt, causing small tears within the dermis. As these tears heal, they form narrow bands of scar tissue.
Both are permanent structural changes within the skin, although their appearance may improve over time.
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Both occur because the skin has been placed under stress and has healed differently from the surrounding tissue.
Acne scarring
Inflammatory acne can damage collagen and elastin within the skin. During healing, the body produces new collagen, but the repair process isn’t always identical to the original tissue. This may result in depressed, raised or uneven scars.
Stretch marks
Stretch marks occur when the skin expands rapidly over a relatively short period. This may happen during puberty, pregnancy, significant weight changes or periods of rapid muscle growth.
When the skin stretches beyond its ability to adapt, tiny tears develop within the deeper layers before healing as scar tissue.
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Not everyone heals in the same way.
Several factors influence how the skin repairs itself, including:
Genetics
The severity and duration of inflammation
Skin type
Hormonal influences
Age
Overall health
Nutrition
Smoking
Wound care during healing
These factors help explain why two people with similar acne or similar pregnancies may develop very different amounts of scarring.
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Preventing damage to the skin is often easier than treating scar tissue once it has formed.
Treat acne early
Managing inflammatory acne promptly may reduce the amount of collagen damage that occurs during healing.
Avoid picking or squeezing pimples
Picking increases inflammation and tissue damage, which may increase the likelihood of scarring.
Support healthy skin
Eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, avoiding smoking and protecting your skin from excessive UV exposure all contribute to healthy skin function and wound healing.
Maintain gradual body changes where possible
Although stretch marks cannot always be prevented, gradual changes in weight and muscle growth may reduce the amount of stress placed on the skin.
It’s important to remember that stretch marks are extremely common and often occur despite healthy lifestyle habits.
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Scar tissue is permanent.
Over time, acne scars and stretch marks often become softer, flatter or less noticeable as they mature. Stretch marks commonly fade from red or purple to a lighter colour, while acne scars may soften with natural collagen remodelling.
Although their appearance may improve, scar tissue does not usually disappear completely without intervention.
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Treatment recommendations depend on the type of scar, its location and your skin type.
During your consultation, Nurse Elyce will assess your skin and discuss which options may be appropriate for your concerns.
Skin Needling
Skin needling may be recommended to stimulate the skin’s natural healing response and support collagen production within areas of scarring.
Medical Grade Skincare
Using medical grade skincare which is targeted towards your skin can help reduce pigmentation and uneven skin tone. Complete your skin quiz and Nurse Elyce will write a skincare routine specific to your concerns. -
There are many different types of acne scars and stretch marks, and no single treatment is appropriate for everyone.
During your consultation, Nurse Elyce will assess your skin, identify the type of scarring present and recommend a personalised treatment plan based on your skin type, goals and the characteristics of your scar tissue.
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Treatment Pages
Frequently Asked Questions
Acne scarring and stretch marks are both forms of scar tissue that develop when the skin heals after injury or stretching. While they can look different, they share many similarities beneath the surface.
Understanding how scars form and why they develop differently from person to person can help you make informed decisions about your skin and the treatment options that may be appropriate for your concerns.
Explore the topics below to learn more about how acne scars and stretch marks develop, why some people scar more than others and the treatment options that may be recommended.