Find That Book

So I read this book early 2000s when I was in high school and remember loving it. Here are some details I think I remember, hope someone can help.

1. I think it's an apocalypse/post-apocalypse/sci-fi/sci-fi horror themed with a strong focus on female protagonist.

2. The catastrophe on earth (think it was a series of natural diasters and combination of gases?) has killed a lot of people but most importantly to the plot, it has pretty much knocked out modern technology and modern conveniences.

3. I remember the heroine best and her along with several other characters grow scars but through their actions the scars eventually reveal a face fitting their character.

4. Another prominent plot line was that some of the characters have visions which is what leads their journey particularly the girl who is portrayed as kind and she has a band of others travelling with.

5. The story is at times brutal with survival of the fittest emphasised and the stronger but cruel of the remaining population hunting others.

6. There is also a male protagonist who also has visions of the heroine.

7. A point I remember vividly is when her scar falls away and her true face is revealed she is beautiful with flowing hair of multiple hues. I remember how the highlights in her hair was vividly described.

8. I think there may be something about a printing press or trying to restore means of communication (not sure if this is ftom that story or something else I was reading at the time?)

I hope someone can recognise this work. It's been plaguing my memories for years and no Google search has yielded any results.