Acne consists of blackheads, whiteheads and deeper pustules such as cysts. Whereas blackheads and whiteheads denote a more superficial infection, cysts are infections which go deeper into the dermis.

When blackheads or whitehead spots 'break', the pore swells and the follicle wall ruptures close to the skin's surface. This usually means that the lesion heals quickly, and that there is no scar left behind afterwards.

When a cyst 'breaks', however, the follicle wall ruptures deeper in the dermis. This results in the infection spilling out underneath the skin, affecting healthy skin tissue. To combat the infection in the dermis, the skin produces more collagen; but this quick-fix healing solution can lead to permanent scarring and long-term pigmentation.

Whether cuts and wounds will become scarred tissue also depends on how deep the cut goes into the dermis. Superficial scratches close to the skin's surface, for instance, will heal relatively quickly and usually don't leave scars. However, deeper cuts will lead to the production of collagen deeper in the dermis and may result in a red mark or scar.

In order to reduce the likelihood of acne cysts or deep cuts becoming scarred tissue, keep the area clean and try not to squeeze pimples - as this often results in the infection going deeper into the dermis.