After conquering the “mountain” of acne, the next challenge many face is dealing with the stubborn aftermath: 痘印 (acne marks) and 痘斑 (acne spots). Unlike pimples themselves, these marks can be more difficult to eliminate—old ones may linger while new ones continue to appear. So, how can this issue be addressed in the UK, especially in London? And how exactly do you say “痘印” in English?
In English, 痘印 is commonly translated as Acne Marks, which refers to post-acne discoloration. Sometimes, Acne Scars is also used, although this term typically refers to deeper, permanent textural damage. Scientifically, acne marks are often a result of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)—dark spots left behind after inflammation, usually appearing red or brown.
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Red Acne Marks（红色痘印）:
These are early-stage marks that appear after the pimple subsides. Medically, they are known as Post-inflammatory Erythema (PIE) or Post-inflammatory Acne Marks. This condition occurs when the blood capillaries are repeatedly irritated during acne outbreaks, causing them to dilate. After the inflammation ends, the redness may persist for a while. -
Brown/Black Acne Marks（褐色/黑色痘印）:
These are the result of pigment deposition, or Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH). Often caused by damaged skin barriers, unresolved inflammation, and sun exposure, they appear when melanocytes (melanin-producing cells) are overstimulated by UV rays. Hence, sun protection is crucial during acne mark recovery to prevent further darkening.
In daily life, many of us can’t resist the urge to pop pimples, while neglecting anti-inflammatory care, barrier repair, and sun protection. This easily turns red acne marks into stubborn brown ones. At that point, eliminating the marks quickly and effectively often requires the help of aesthetic medicine (医美).
For acne marks, injectable aesthetics (注射美容) offers several options:
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Mesotherapy（水光针）:
A technique that injects revitalizing solutions into the skin to improve pigmentation and texture. -
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP 自体血清嫩肤):
This method uses the patient’s own plasma to stimulate healing and skin regeneration, improving acne pigmentation and roughness over time.
For more severe acne marks or scars, energy-based devices are recommended:
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PICOSURE Laser Treatment（蜂巢皮秒激光）:
Targets melanin precisely without damaging surrounding skin, making it ideal for stubborn pigmentation. -
Stellar M22 Laser（超光子嫩肤）:
A broad-spectrum light treatment that helps fade dark acne marks safely and effectively.
Both treatments work specifically on melanin, ensuring surrounding tissue remains unharmed—even in cases of persistent pigmentation.
For particularly stubborn dark marks, doctors often recommend combination therapy, such as Acid Peel + M22 Laser（刷酸+光子/激光联合治疗）, which significantly enhances treatment efficiency.
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Skin Whitening Drip（美白针）:
Helps to brighten skin tone and reduce pigmentation when used regularly. -
FOTONA 4D PRO（欧洲之星4D抗衰）:
A comprehensive laser system that not only improves pigmentation but also offers anti-aging and skin rejuvenation benefits.
In summary, if you’re considering acne mark treatments in the UK, it’s highly recommended to start with a consultation at a reputable Asian aesthetic clinic such as Ai Beauty Clinic, where personalized treatment plans can be created based on your skin condition.