Red vs. Brown Acne Marks: Different Solutions for Clearer Skin
Acne can leave behind frustrating marks even after the pimples heal. These marks can be red or brown in color, each requiring different treatment approaches to help your skin fully recover. Understanding the difference between red and brown acne marks is key to choosing the right solution and achieving a smoother, more even complexion.
At Bad Skin, located in downtown Redwood City inside Sola Salons, we specialize in customized treatments for acne marks. We serve clients throughout the Bay Area, including San Mateo, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, San Jose, Fremont, Burlingame, Menlo Park, Santa Clara, Cupertino, San Carlos, Belmont, Foster City, Hayward, Millbrae, Daly City, South San Francisco, Los Altos, Union City, and more.
In this post, we’ll break down what causes red vs. brown acne marks and how to treat each effectively.
What Are Red Acne Marks?
Red acne marks, often called post-inflammatory erythema (PIE), are pink or red discolorations left on the skin after inflammation from acne. These marks are caused by damaged tiny blood vessels (capillaries) near the skin’s surface and usually appear on lighter skin tones.
Characteristics of Red Acne Marks:
Pink, red, or purple spots
Usually flat and can be sensitive or tender
Can fade over time but may take months
More common in people with lighter or fair skin tones
What Are Brown Acne Marks?
Brown acne marks, known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), occur when the skin produces excess melanin after acne heals. This leads to flat, darkened patches or spots.
Characteristics of Brown Acne Marks:
Brown, tan, or dark spots
Can be round or irregular in shape
More common in darker skin tones but can affect all skin types
May persist for months or years without treatment
Why the Difference Matters
Red and brown acne marks look similar but have different causes and need different treatments. Treating brown marks with the wrong approach (like aggressive peels) can worsen pigmentation, while ignoring red marks may delay healing.
Treatment Options for Red Acne Marks
Laser and Light Therapy:
Vascular lasers like pulsed dye laser (PDL) target the dilated blood vessels to reduce redness.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) can also improve red marks by calming inflammation.
Topical Treatments:
Ingredients like niacinamide help reduce redness and soothe skin.
Anti-inflammatory creams can calm irritation.
Gentle Skincare:
Avoid harsh scrubs and over-exfoliation to prevent further irritation.
Use sunscreen daily to protect healing skin.
Treatment Options for Brown Acne Marks
Chemical Peels:
Superficial peels with glycolic or salicylic acid can help exfoliate pigmented skin cells.
Multiple sessions often needed for best results.
Topical Brighteners:
Ingredients like hydroquinone, vitamin C, azelaic acid, and retinoids reduce melanin production and lighten spots.
Laser Treatments:
Non-ablative fractional lasers stimulate skin renewal and fade pigmentation over time.
Sun Protection:
Daily sunscreen use is critical to prevent dark marks from worsening.
Combining Treatments for Best Results
Because acne marks can be complex, many clients benefit from a combination of therapies tailored to their skin type and mark color. At Bad Skin, we design customized treatment plans that may include microneedling, chemical peels, laser sessions, and topical care to target both red and brown marks effectively.
Healing Takes Time
Patience is important—red marks may fade within months, while brown marks can take longer. Consistency with treatment and sun protection accelerates healing.
Why Choose Bad Skin?
Our expert team in Redwood City is dedicated to delivering safe, effective acne mark treatments with a personalized touch. We welcome clients from all over the Bay Area, including San Mateo, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, San Jose, Fremont, Burlingame, Menlo Park, Santa Clara, Cupertino, San Carlos, Belmont, Foster City, Hayward, Millbrae, Daly City, South San Francisco, Los Altos, Union City, and nearby communities.
