Beyond the Surface: A Deeper Look at the Psychosocial Impacts of Acne Scarring

Crystal Zhou; Abhinav Vempati; Curtis Tam; Jeffrey Khong; Ruslan Vasilev; Kevin Tam; Sanam Hazany; Salar Hazany

doi:10.2147/CCID.S406235

Beyond the Surface: A Deeper Look at the Psychosocial Impacts of Acne Scarring

Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2023 Mar 25:16:731-738. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S406235. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Crystal Zhou¹, Abhinav Vempati¹, Curtis Tam¹, Jeffrey Khong², Ruslan Vasilev¹, Kevin Tam¹, Sanam Hazany¹, Salar Hazany¹

Affiliations

¹ Scar Healing Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
² Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.

Abstract

Post-acne scarring is a common consequence of acne vulgaris with no universal cure. Although there have been many recent advances to address acne scars physically, there is still a lack of research that investigates their psychosocial impacts. Our comprehensive PubMed search presents an overview of existing information to highlight known sources of mental distress caused by post-acne scarring, both related to and independent of the psychosocial detriments caused early on by active acne. The literature indicates that acne scarring is a distinct condition from acne vulgaris and therefore requires a comprehensive clinical approach unique from those available for active acne.

Keywords: acne scar; mental health; psychosocial; quality of life; self-esteem; social stigma.

Publication types

Review