When the pore gets inflated with excess oil, dead skin cells, or bacteria, a blemish forms and breaks the follicle wall. Minor shallow lesions usually heal quickly, and the skin repairs itself without any markings. A larger abrasion in the follicle wall can cause the infected material to spill into the surrounding issue, causing a deeper lesion. While the skin works to heal the lesion by creating new collagen, the repair isn’t usually as smooth as the original skin, leaving a depression.
In most cases, the discoloration caused by acne scars will go away on its own over time. The indentations left on the skin, however, are more stubborn and may require additional treatment to disappear.
The most effective treatments for removing acne scars include microdermabrasion, chemical peels, lasers, and fillers. While some over-the-counter products may be available, they will be less effective and you will get the best effects through professional treatments.