Hello everyone, I’m your familiar companion in these science-based beauty and skincare conversations.
Most of us have gone through that “crisis” phase during puberty—or periods of prolonged stress—when annoying acne suddenly takes over our face.
Acne may eventually go away, but what truly worries and frustrates us the most is the “aftermath” it can leave behind.
That includes stubborn dark spots—and even worse—pitted/atrophic scars that make the skin texture uneven, rough, and “orange-peel-like.” (English translation)
I’ve received countless messages asking: “Can acne really leave pitted scars? And how can I clear acne while keeping my skin smooth?”
This is especially true for young people in Da Nang who are actively searching for a trustworthy skincare clinic to take care of their “million-dollar face.”
Today, I’ll take time to analyze this topic in depth—based on medical knowledge and real-world experience at Foxy M.D—to help you finally untangle the confusion.

To answer the question “Can acne cause pitted scars?”, we need to be honest: Yes, it can—and the risk is high if acne is not treated correctly.
According to dermatological research, pitted scars are the result of significant tissue damage caused by inflammation.
When pores become clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells, and P. acnes bacteria, an inflammatory lesion forms.
Your body responds by sending white blood cells to fight the bacteria, often leading to pus formation.
Unfortunately, this “battle” can damage surrounding skin cells and destroy the dermal structure.
The dermis is where collagen and elastin live—two key components responsible for skin firmness and smooth texture.
When inflammation is severe or deep, the collagen network becomes broken and depleted.
After the acne heals, your body tries to rebuild collagen, but in many cases, the regenerated collagen is not enough to fully replace what was lost.
As a result, the skin sinks inward at that spot—forming the depressed holes we call atrophic (pitted) scars.
That said, not every type of acne causes scars.
Scarring depends on several factors: the type of acne, individual skin healing tendencies (some people are prone to raised scars, others to depressed scars), and most importantly—how the acne is handled.
Understanding this mechanism helps you realize that pitted scarring isn’t “destiny”—it’s often the outcome of not protecting collagen in time.
If you’re wondering whether acne can leave pitted scars, you also need to know which acne types are the most dangerous.
Not all acne is equally harmful.
Non-inflammatory acne (blackheads, whiteheads, clogged pores) usually affects the surface and rarely causes deep scarring—unless you aggressively pick or squeeze and trigger secondary infection.
In contrast, inflammatory acne is the biggest threat to smooth skin:
Red bumps with a white/yellow center filled with pus.
If you squeeze them too early (before they mature), bacteria can spread and cause shallow scarring.
The most severe acne forms—large, hard, painful lumps deep under the skin, filled with pus and blood.
These lesions destroy deeper dermal structures. In many cases, untreated cystic acne can leave permanent scars such as ice-pick scars or boxcar scars.
Severe, clustered inflammatory acne that forms interconnected tunnels under the skin and causes widespread tissue destruction.
So if you notice swollen, painful, deep pimples—don’t rely on random creams. Treat it as a red alert: your collagen is under attack and you need professional care ASAP.
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From my consultations with many young clients in Da Nang, I’ve seen that people often “help” scars form without realizing it.
Hands carry bacteria, and unsterilized tools introduce microbes into open skin.
Also, squeezing with fingers usually applies excessive pressure, rupturing the follicle underneath and pushing inflammation deeper and wider—turning a small pimple into a large infected area.
Scars become much more likely after that.
Many contain strong steroids or harsh peeling agents. Acne may flatten quickly, but the skin barrier becomes thin, weak, and vulnerable.
When you stop, acne often rebounds worse, and the damaged skin heals poorly—leading to widespread scarring.
Many people think oily/acne-prone skin doesn’t need hydration—this is a misconception.
Dehydrated skin produces more oil to compensate, increasing clogging.
Meanwhile UV exposure breaks down newly forming collagen, slows healing, and makes dark marks and scars harder to treat.
So whether acne leaves pitted scars depends heavily on whether you avoid these damaging habits.
If you live in this beautiful coastal city, access to proper skincare solutions is absolutely within reach.
To prevent scarring, the golden rules are:
“Prevention is better than cure” and “control inflammation early.”
At home, keep your routine simple but science-based:
Cleanse (makeup remover + gentle cleanser) → Treat (BHA/Benzoyl Peroxide spot care) → Moisturize (light gel) → Sunscreen.
However, if you have inflamed acne (especially cysts or nodules), self-treatment is risky and often not enough.
That’s when you should explore medical-standard skincare treatments in Da Nang.
At Foxy M.D Cosmetics & Clinic, treatment plans are personalized, with a focus on protecting your “base skin health.”
One of the most important steps is medical-grade extraction.
Unlike home squeezing, a trained professional uses sterile, single-use medical tools to create a tiny pathway and gently remove the core and pus—reducing pressure inside the follicle and helping prevent collagen damage.
This is often combined with blue light therapy to kill P. acnes bacteria and reduce inflammation quickly.
Other methods like biological/medical peeling help bring acne to a head faster, remove dead skin buildup, and support smoother renewal.
For severe cases, doctors may prescribe oral or topical medications to control oil production and inflammation from within.
The combination of proper home care + medical intervention is the real key to saying NO to pitted scars.
Modern technology can be a powerful ally in scar prevention—when used at the right stage.
At Foxy M.D, we don’t only focus on clearing acne—we also work on skin recovery during the acne treatment process.
Techniques like electroporation/mesotherapy (needle-free or micro-needle depending on skin condition) can deliver repair nutrients such as B5, HA, and peptides deeper into the skin.
These act like “building materials,” helping the skin repair faster and reducing the chance of scar tissue forming.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) can also help reduce redness, calm inflamed blood vessels, and brighten post-acne pigmentation.
If early scarring signs appear (new red/pink scars), treatments like fractional CO2 laser or microneedling/skin boosters may be recommended early.
Treating scars early can lead to far better improvement than waiting until scars become old and white.
Cost is a very real concern, especially for students.
Pricing varies depending on:
Acne severity (mild clogged pores vs. widespread inflammatory acne)
Treatment depth and technology used
Clinic reputation and medical standards
For mild acne, a few extraction + light peel sessions may cost only a few hundred thousand VND per visit.
For severe acne requiring multiple technologies and prescription support, costs will be higher.
At professional dermatology clinics like Foxy M.D, services are typically transparent and clearly listed.
Prices often range from 300,000 VND to 1,500,000 VND per session depending on whether it’s a single service or a full combo package.
Avoid comparing this with extremely cheap “quick extraction” services (50k–100k). The risks of cross-contamination, improper technique, and skin damage are far higher—and scar repair later can cost many times more.
Think of proper acne treatment as the smartest long-term investment.
1) Does spicy food make acne worse and increase scarring risk?
Yes—spicy foods, high sugar, and dairy can worsen inflammation. More inflammation = higher scarring risk. Prioritize vegetables, hydration, and zinc-rich foods.
2) Will pitted scars naturally fill in over time?
Unfortunately, no. Once tissue is lost and healed (after 3–6 months), the skin won’t fully rebuild that volume without treatment.
3) Can I microneedle while I still have inflamed acne?
No. Microneedling on active inflamed acne can spread bacteria and worsen breakouts dramatically. Rule: treat acne first, then treat scars.
4) How often should I get acne extractions?
Usually every 2–4 weeks depending on your skin. Too often can stress the skin; too rarely can make clogged pores harder to clear.
5) Can Foxy M.D guarantee a full acne cure?
Acne treatment requires teamwork. Foxy M.D commits to medical-standard protocols, authentic products, and long-term support—but you also need to follow lifestyle and skincare guidance consistently.
Treating acne and preventing scars is a race against time—and it requires patience and the right strategy.
Don’t let the fear of “Will acne leave pitted scars?” keep you anxious. Instead, act early with correct knowledge and reliable support.
Your skin can absolutely return to being smooth, healthy, and glowing—when treated with the right care.
If you feel stuck with acne, you can visit Foxy M.D Cosmetics & Clinic at 248 Tran Cao Van, Da Nang for professional assessment and a personalized skin rescue plan.
Remember: acne is temporary—but confidence and healthy skin are what you deserve long-term. Wishing you a smooth journey to clear skin and a complexion everyone admires!