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

Crystal Zhou,1 Abhinav Vempati,1 Curtis Tam,1 Jeffrey Khong,2 Ruslan Vasilev,1 Kevin Tam,1 Sanam Hazany,1 Salar Hazany1 1Scar Healing Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA; 2Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USACorrespondence: Crystal Zhou, Scar Healing Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA, Tel +1 424 225 2435, Fax +1 310 571 8435, Email [email protected]: 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, quality of life, psychosocial, social stigma, self-esteem, mental healt