Can red acne marks heal on their own?

In general, red acne marks can often heal on their own, but the healing time and effectiveness vary depending on individual differences, severity of the marks, and skincare methods.

Red acne marks are a common skin manifestation following the resolution of acne. During acne development, localized inflammation occurs in the skin, causing dilation of capillaries. After the acne subsides, the dilated capillaries may not fully return to normal, resulting in redness. During acne formation, the skin's barrier function is compromised and the stratum corneum becomes thinner, making the skin more susceptible to external stimuli, which can intensify the red appearance.

Over time, the dilated capillaries gradually constrict, and the redness fades. The skin's barrier function gradually recovers, the stratum corneum thickens, and resistance to external stimuli increases, leading to improvement in red acne marks. Young people generally have faster skin metabolism and stronger self-healing abilities, so acne marks tend to fade more quickly. Some individuals with stronger skin repair capabilities may experience even faster resolution of acne marks.

If red acne marks persist for a long time or cause psychological distress, it is advisable to seek medical attention and consult a professional dermatologist. The doctor may recommend specific topical creams, laser treatments, or microneedling therapy to accelerate the fading of acne marks.