Red marks after acne not fading - when to treat them
Most red marks after acne fade on their own within three to six months. Marks still red after six to twelve months are unlikely to fade much further without treatment, and vascular laser treats them effectively. These flat red marks are known as post-inflammatory erythema, and they are different from true scars.
Is it a mark or a scar?
Press gently on the mark with a fingertip or a glass slide. A red mark fades under pressure because its colour comes from blood vessels and the pressure empties them; a scar does not change. The second test is contour. A scar has depth and casts a shadow under directional light, whereas a red mark is flat and is a problem of colour rather than of structure.
When to treat
I would generally advise waiting about six months before treating new red marks, since most resolve without treatment and treating early means paying for something that time would have accomplished. Where redness persists for a year or more, the small vessels formed during healing have not regressed.
How they are treated
Vascular laser targets the haemoglobin within the dilated vessels, usually in two to three sessions. There is little downtime compared with resurfacing, with some redness and occasionally bruising for a few days. Treating any active acne and daily sunscreen are essential, or new marks will keep forming.
Brown marks are different
Brown marks are post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, especially common in brown and black skin, and are treated differently - with sunscreen, creams such as azelaic acid, and sometimes picosecond lasers.
Red marks not fading?
I can confirm whether your marks are red marks or scars and whether vascular laser will help. Consultations can be in person or remote.
Related Articles
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- Is it acne scarring or just texture?
- Vascular laser
- How I treat acne scars
