What causes acne marks all over the face, and what should be done about it?

Facial acne marks are usually caused by improper skincare practices, poor dietary habits, hormonal imbalances, seborrheic dermatitis, or rosacea. Treatments such as chemical peels, laser therapy, photorejuvenation, or medication may be used under the guidance of a physician. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Improper Skincare Practices

Excessive squeezing of acne or using irritating skincare products may damage the skin barrier, leading to widespread facial acne marks. It is important to avoid squeezing acne and to choose gentle, non-irritating skincare products to maintain clean skin. Under medical supervision, glycolic acid peels can also be used. This treatment employs high-concentration glycolic acid to exfoliate the stratum corneum and accelerate skin metabolism to remove acne marks. The typical reference cost for a glycolic acid peel is 2,000–3,000 RMB per session. Improvement is generally seen within 2–4 weeks after treatment, although side effects such as skin sensitivity and dryness may occur.

2. Poor Dietary Habits

Long-term consumption of excessive spicy and stimulating foods may cause capillary dilation, increasing facial acne marks. A light diet is recommended, avoiding overly spicy or irritating foods. Laser therapy may also be performed under a doctor’s advice. This treatment uses photothermal effects to destroy melanocytes, which are then eliminated through the lymphatic system, thereby improving skin texture. The typical reference cost for laser therapy is 1,000–2,000 RMB per session. Noticeable improvement usually appears within 7–15 days, though adverse reactions such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (rebound darkening) or pain may occur.

3. Hormonal Imbalance

Chronic sleep deprivation and emotional stress may lead to hormonal imbalance. Disrupted hormone levels can impair normal skin function, resulting in numerous acne marks. Symptoms often include fatigue and oily skin. Treatment may involve medications such as Xiaoyao Pills, Wuji Baifeng Pills, or Kuntai Capsules, as advised by a physician. Photorejuvenation (intense pulsed light therapy) may also be recommended. This treatment delivers strong pulses of light deep into the skin to stimulate collagen regeneration and reduce acne marks. The typical reference cost is 2,000–4,000 RMB per session, with visible improvement usually occurring within 2–4 weeks. Possible side effects include redness, swelling, and discomfort.

4. Seborrheic Dermatitis

Overactive sebaceous glands are one of the main causes of seborrheic dermatitis. Persistent inflammatory reactions can damage the skin and lead to facial hyperpigmentation, worsening acne marks. Symptoms often include erythema and itching. Under medical guidance, treatments may include ketoconazole shampoo, selenium sulfide shampoo, or hydrocortisone butyrate cream.

5. Rosacea

Rosacea is commonly associated with genetic factors and microbial infections. Recurrent inflammation in rosacea can cause blood vessel dilation and proliferation, leading to the symptoms described. It may be accompanied by papules and pustules. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include topical medications such as metronidazole gel, erythromycin ointment, or clindamycin phosphate gel.

Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, ensuring proper skin cleansing and moisturizing, choosing gentle and non-irritating skincare products, avoiding late nights and unhealthy diets can all help promote skin recovery.