Acne & Acne Scarring
Acne isn't just a teenage concern. It shows up at any age, often triggered or worsened by hormonal shifts, stress, or changes in skincare routine - and left untreated, it can leave lasting texture changes in the form of scarring.
Understanding acne & scarring
Acne develops when hair follicles become blocked with oil and dead skin cells, creating an environment where bacteria can trigger inflammation. This shows up as blackheads, whiteheads, papules, or deeper cystic breakouts, depending on severity.
Hormonal fluctuations are a major driver, particularly during puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and perimenopause. Genetics, stress, certain medications, and skincare products that clog pores can all contribute.
Acne scarring forms when inflammation damages the deeper layers of skin during the healing process, leaving behind uneven texture or pigmentation. The earlier acne is managed, the less opportunity there is for scarring to develop.
Signs to be aware of
What's happening beneath the surface
Each hair follicle sits alongside a sebaceous gland that produces oil to keep skin lubricated. When that follicle becomes blocked with excess oil and dead skin cells, it creates an environment where bacteria naturally present on the skin can multiply and trigger an inflammatory response - the redness and swelling associated with a breakout.
Hormonal fluctuations - during puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and perimenopause - increase oil production and change the way follicles behave, which is why acne can appear or worsen at very different life stages, not only in the teenage years.
Scarring develops when inflammation extends into the deeper dermal layer during the healing process. As the skin repairs itself, it can either under-produce collagen, leaving a pitted or indented texture, or over-produce it, leaving a raised mark. The depth and duration of the original inflammation generally determines how visible the resulting scarring is.
Genetics also plays a meaningful role - in follicle behaviour, oil production, and how the skin's immune response reacts to inflammation - which is why acne severity and scarring risk vary so much between individuals.
How we can support you
At Enhance, we start with a consultation to understand your skin's history and current concerns. Depending on what we find, treatment may include medical-grade facials to help manage active breakouts, skin needling, or advanced growth factor therapy to support the skin's natural repair process where scarring has developed.
Your clinician will confirm suitability and build a plan around your skin, not a generic protocol.
Skin treatment
Medical-Grade FacialsDesigned to help manage active breakouts and support clearer, calmer skin as part of an ongoing plan.
Dermal treatment
Skin NeedlingMay help support skin renewal and the appearance of textural scarring left behind by past breakouts.
Advanced treatment
Growth Factor TherapySupports the skin's natural repair process, often used alongside skin needling for scarring concerns.
Talk to us about acne & scarring
Heather will take the time to understand your skin's history before recommending anything.
Book a ConsultationPerformed by Heather, our experienced dermal clinician, at our Largs Bay clinic.
Last reviewed: August 2026.