Acne Scars vs Acne Marks: What’s the Difference?

Author : Andrew Johns | Published On : 17 Aug 2026

If a pimple heals, you may notice a red, brown, or dark spot where it was. That is an acne mark. 

Or you may see a small dip or raised area in the skin. It is more likely an acne scar. 

They are not the same thing. The difference is:

Acne marks change the colour of your skin. Acne scars change the texture or shape of your skin. 

Thus, they may need different treatments: 

As acne marks are a colour change, the focus is on reducing excess pigment or redness. Then, acne scars are changes in skin texture or structure, such as dips, pits, or raised areas. Treatment may focus on improving the uneven texture.

If you are looking for acne treatment in Hobsonville, a skin consultation can help identify whether you have marks, scars, active acne, or a mix of all three.

What are acne marks?

Acne marks are changed skin colour in parts of your face. They happen after a pimple heals.

They do not usually create a dent or raised area like acne scars. If you run your finger over the colored spot, the skin should feel mostly smooth.

Usually, if you get acne scars, they are either of 2 types: 

Dark acne marks

Dark brown or grey-brown spots are often caused by post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). They appear after acne inflames the skin. This causes the skin to produce more pigment, leaving dark spots.

Red or pink acne marks

These colours appear after acne clears. They usually happen as the skin heals. They are often called post-inflammatory erythema (PIE).

Like dark marks, they are flat. The skin feels smooth regardless. 

What are acne scars?

Acne scars happen when your skin changes texture. They come in the form of a dip, a hollow, an uneven area, or a raised section.

Most acne scars are indented (depressed) scars. They happen when the skin does not make enough collagen during healing - a protein that helps keep skin firm and smooth.

There are three common types of depressed acne scars.

Ice pick scars

These are small deep holes in the skin. It feels as though a narrow point pierced the skin. These scars are hard to treat because they extend deeper into the skin.

Boxcar scars

These scars are like wide dents, either round or oval, with clear edges. 

Rolling scars

These are wide dips in the skin. The skin looks uneven but with no clear edges. 

Raised acne scars

These scars are raised, not dents, dips, or holes. They are hypertrophic scars and keloids.

Keloids can grow beyond the area of the original acne spot. They are more common in some areas, such as the chest, shoulders, and upper back.

Acne marks vs acne scars: The key differences

Knowing the difference is important, especially when you need treatment. The treatment for a dark mark may not fix a deep acne scar.

What about acne treatment in Hobsonville?

If you are unsure whether you have acne marks or acne scars, a professional will assess your skin. 

Milk & Honey Skin Clinic's acne and scar treatment in Hobsonville offers a complimentary skin consultation. We use skin analysis to assess concerns such as inflammation, congestion, early scar formation, and barrier damage. 

Depending on your skin concerns, we employ treatments such as: 

• DMK Enzyme Therapy, 

• Dermapen microneedling, 

• laser therapy, 

• LED therapy. 

Each treatment we offer is personalised to the individual's skin.

A person with flat brown marks may need treatments that target the change in skin colour. Someone with indented acne scars may need treatment that targets the uneven skin texture. Options can include 

• microneedling

• laser treatment

• subcision

• fillers

It all depends on the skin type. Someone with mild pimples requires simple acne treatment. Then someone with painful acne may need stronger treatment from a doctor or skin professional.

Someone with active acne may use creams or gels to control the breakouts and reduce inflammation. In turn, preventing new acne scars.

The bottom line

Change in skin colour and texture is the difference between acne scars and marks. 

Acne marks are changes in skin colour but not texture. Acne scars are changes in the skin's structure. They can have dents, pits, uneven areas, or raised tissue.

Acne marks can fade with time. But acne scars can be much harder to remove completely. 

Suppose you are in Hobsonville and cannot tell whether you are dealing with acne marks, acne scars, or both. We can help. 

We will do a professional skin assessment to help you determine what you are dealing with. Thereafter, we can suggest a treatment plan personalised for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between acne marks and acne scars?

Acne marks change the colour of the skin. Acne scars change the texture or shape of the skin. 

What are dark acne marks called?

Dark acne marks are often called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). They can appear after a pimple causes inflammation in the skin, leading to increased pigment production.

Are acne marks the same as acne scars?

No. Acne marks are usually flat changes in skin colour. In contrast, acne scars change the skin's texture or shape.

What do indented acne scars look like?

Indented acne scars create small dips or hollows in the skin. They are either narrow, deep or wide with clear edges. Or wide and shallow.

What are the main types of indented acne scars?

The main types are ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars.

What are rolling acne scars?

Rolling scars are wide dips in the skin. They can make the skin look uneven. But lack clear edges like boxcar scars.

Can acne scars be raised?

Yes. Some acne scars are raised instead of indented, usually hypertrophic scars and keloids.

Why do acne scars form?

Acne scars can form when acne is inflamed and damages the skin as it heals. Picking or squeezing pimples can also increase the risk of scarring.

Do acne marks go away?

Many acne marks fade over time. However, dark marks can take months to become less noticeable.

Do acne scars go away?

Some acne scars can become less noticeable over time. But deeper scars can last much longer. In that case, you need a professional skin treatment that might improve your skin's texture.

What treatment is used for acne marks?

Treatment for acne marks may focus on reducing dark spots or redness. Treatment includes using skincare products or professional treatments.

What treatment is used for pitted acne scars?

Treatment depends on the type and depth of the scar. Generally, ly treatment may include microneedling, laser treatment, subcision, or fillers.

Should active acne be treated before acne scars?

Yes, active acne should be treated before scars. Controlling breakouts reduces inflammation and prevents new scars from forming.

How can I tell if I have an acne mark or scar?

Look at the skin and feel the area. If it is flat but has a different colour, it is more likely to be an acne mark. If there is a dip, pit, or raised area, it is more likely to be an acne scar.

Where can I get acne treatment in Hobsonville?

If you are unsure whether you have acne marks, acne scars, or active acne, a professional skin assessment can help identify the problem. They can then suggest suitable treatment options. 

Milk & Honey Skin Clinic in Hobsonville offers acne and acne scar treatments. These are based on individual skin concerns.