What causes post-acne marks?

After a breakout heals, it often leaves a flat mark behind. There are two main types. Red or pink marks, called post-inflammatory erythema (PIE), come from small blood vessels that stay dilated after inflammation and are more noticeable in lighter skin. Brown marks, called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), come from extra pigment produced in response to inflammation and are more common in medium and darker skin. Picking, squeezing and sun exposure make both kinds darker and slower to fade. Marks are a normal part of healing, not a sign of scarring. Without treatment, many fade over months, but red marks in particular can linger.

How post-acne marks are assessed

At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, your doctor checks the color and texture of each mark. A simple test helps: red marks usually fade briefly when pressed with a clear glass, while brown marks do not. Your doctor also checks whether the mark is flat or indented. Indented or raised marks are scars and need a different plan; see acne scars. Many people have red and brown marks at the same time, plus some active acne, so the plan often covers all three.

Treatment options for post-acne marks

Excel V Laser

Excel V is a 532/1064 nm vascular laser that targets the dilated vessels behind red marks. Your doctor chooses it for persistent red or pink marks, usually over 2–4 sessions. Mild redness lasts a day or two. It also treats visible vessels and diffuse redness, so it can calm the overall complexion at the same time.

Pico Toning

Pico toning breaks up excess pigment gently with a low-energy picosecond laser. It is chosen for brown marks, especially in medium and darker skin, as a series of sessions with little downtime. Energy is kept low because heat and irritation can make brown marks worse.

Exosome Therapy

Exosome therapy applies an exosome serum after microneedling or laser to support recovery and calm redness. Your doctor may add it to help the skin heal. Research is still developing, so it is used as a supportive step rather than a standalone fix.

Acne Clinic Program

The Acne Clinic Program calms active breakouts with extraction, a soothing peel and LED. It is chosen when new spots keep forming, because preventing new marks matters as much as fading old ones. Sessions are usually weekly during active flares.

Comparing your options

Treatment	Best when	Downtime	From price
Excel V Laser	Red or pink marks	Mild redness for 1–2 days	₩149,000 (full face)
Pico Toning	Brown marks	None to mild redness	₩69,000 (1 session, full face)
Exosome Therapy	Supporting recovery	Redness for 1–2 days	₩190,000 (full face with microneedling)
Acne Clinic Program	New breakouts keep forming	None to mild redness	₩89,000 (1 session)

Prices are in Korean won (KRW), exclude 10% VAT, and are confirmed at your consultation. You can compare every treatment on our price list.

Combination plans

Mixed marks often need two lasers, Excel V for red and pico toning for brown, sometimes in the same visit. Your doctor may treat red marks first and brown marks next, or both together if your skin tolerates it. Our Acne Reset package combines the Acne Clinic Program, exosome therapy and LDM for skin that is still breaking out. See how Excel V compares with IPL in Excel V vs IPL.

At-home care and prevention

Use SPF 50 daily, since UV darkens brown marks and keeps red marks visible.
Try azelaic acid or niacinamide, which can help fade both types.
Avoid picking or squeezing spots.
Use gentle, non-irritating products, because irritation creates more pigment.

Planning treatment during a trip to Seoul

Excel V and pico toning have little downtime, so they fit easily into a short trip. Marks fade gradually over the weeks after each session. Use SPF 50 and avoid saunas for a day or two after laser. If you need several sessions, your doctor can plan the next steps for home. Book a consultation to have your marks assessed.

When to see a doctor

Red patches that are not linked to breakouts, flushing, or redness with burning or scaling may be rosacea or another skin condition; see redness and rosacea. Ongoing moderate or severe acne usually needs prescription treatment to stop new marks forming. Marks that keep darkening despite sun protection should also be reviewed.

Will post-acne marks fade on their own?

Many do, but it can take months, and red marks in particular can linger. Treatment speeds things up, especially when combined with daily sunscreen.

Are red marks the same as acne scars?

No. Red and brown marks are flat color changes, while scars change the texture of the skin. Marks usually respond to laser toning or vascular laser, while scars need resurfacing.

How many sessions will I need?

Red marks often need 2–4 Excel V sessions, and brown marks a series of pico toning. Your doctor sets the plan based on how many marks you have and their color.

Can I treat marks while I still have acne?

Yes, and it often makes sense to do both. Calming active acne prevents new marks while lasers fade the existing ones.

Does sunscreen really make a difference?

Yes. UV makes brown marks darker and slows fading. Daily SPF 50 is one of the most effective things you can do.

Related treatments

Excel V laser — for red marks
Pico toning — for brown marks
Exosome therapy — supports recovery
Acne Clinic Program — stops new breakouts

Prices, results and reviews

Excel V laser price — cost per session
Excel V laser review — our medical team’s assessment
Pico toning results — how pigment fades

Related concerns

Acne and breakouts — control active acne
Acne scars — when marks are indented
Uneven skin tone — overall color evenness

Packages and compare

Acne Reset package — program, exosomes and LDM
Rejuran Healer vs exosome therapy — two recovery boosters

Dernia Clinic Myeongdong

Post-Acne Mark Treatment in Seoul