6 Acne Scar Treatments that Can Improve Your Skin

The first step in treating acne scars is getting active acne under control. The more severe or persistent your breakouts, the greater the risk of permanent scarring. Inflammatory acne, especially nodules and cysts, is more likely to cause scarring than blackheads and whiteheads.

Some acne scar treatments can temporarily trigger new breakouts or worsen existing acne, making it important to have active acne well controlled before beginning scar treatment.

Many treatments can help control acne, including over-the-counter products, prescribed medications and, for some women, certain birth control pills.

One of the best ways to help prevent acne scars is simple: Keep your hands off.

“Acne scars result from inflammation, so it’s best not to do anything that can increase it. This means no picking, popping or squeezing pimples since that increases the risk of scarring,” Dr. Ross says.

Once your acne is well controlled, you and your dermatologist can decide which acne scar treatments are right for you.

Acne scars can look different from person to person and each type may respond better to certain treatments. Identifying the type of scar can help your dermatologist recommend the most effective approach.

• Ice pick scars: Deep, narrow scars that extend into the skin
• Boxcar scars: Broad depressions with sharply defined edges
• Rolling scars: Wide depressions with sloping edges that give the skin a wavy appearance
• Hypertrophic scars: Raised scars caused by excess collagen during healing

Not every mark left behind after acne is a true scar. Some people develop post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which appears as flat brown, black or pink spots after a breakout heals. These marks are more common in people with darker skin tones and often fade gradually over time.

Once your dermatologist identifies your acne scar type, they can recommend a treatment that will help most.

Common treatment options include:

While topical medications won’t remove existing acne scars, they can help prevent new ones by keeping acne under control. They reduce inflammation, unclog pores and decrease excess oil, helping prevent future breakouts and reduce the risk of new scars.

Common ingredients include retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics and salicylic acid.

Laser treatment uses focused light energy to improve the appearance of acne scars.

Ablative lasers remove the outer layer of damaged skin and stimulate new skin growth, helping improve the appearance of acne scars.

Non-ablative lasers stimulate collagen production beneath the skin’s surface without removing the outer layer of skin. They are less invasive, require less downtime and often work best for mild acne scarring. These lasers can help break up scars and restore the normal texture of the skin by stimulating new collagen and elastin production.

Fractional lasers, available in both ablative and non-ablative forms, are among the most common treatments for acne scars.

Green and yellow light lasers, as well as intense pulsed light (IPL), may also help reduce redness and discoloration that can remain after acne heals.

“The goal of these therapies is to make acne scars less noticeable, improve skin tone and create a smoother, more even appearance,” Dr. Ross says.

Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, uses tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This stimulates collagen production and helps improve skin texture and the appearance of acne scars. Treatments are performed with a dermaroller or a pen-like device equipped with tiny needles.

Although at-home microneedling devices are available, treatment by a board-certified dermatologist typically produces better results. Professional treatments use longer needles and medical-grade devices that can treat deeper scars.

Some dermatologists also offer radiofrequency microneedling, which combines tiny needles with heat energy to further stimulate collagen production and improve acne scars. “These devices increase the effectiveness of microneedling and enhance the results to help smooth the skin,” Dr. Ross says.

Dermal fillers are injections that restore volume beneath depressed acne scars. This helps smooth the skin and make scars less noticeable. Fillers, such as hyaluronic acid or a patient’s own fat, are often used.

Most dermal fillers are temporary and may require repeat treatments to maintain results.

Chemical peels use a solution to remove the outer layers of skin and stimulate new skin growth.

Many peels contain alpha hydroxy acids or other exfoliating ingredients that can improve mild acne scars, uneven skin tone and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The new skin is often smoother with improved texture and less noticeable scars.

Minor surgical procedures may be recommended for some deep acne scars, particularly ice pick scars and certain boxcar scars.

A punch excision removes the individual scar and closes the area with stitches or, in some cases, a skin graft. This can help improve the appearance of scars that do not respond well to other treatments.

Acne can cause scars when inflammation damages the skin and underlying tissue. While some over-the-counter products may help improve mild acne scars and dark spots, deeper scars usually require professional treatment.

Because no two acne scars are exactly alike, the most effective treatment depends on the type, depth and location of the scars. A board-certified dermatologist can evaluate your skin and recommend the treatment or combination of treatments most likely to improve your results.

“The goal isn’t necessarily to eliminate every scar but to make it much less noticeable, while preserving the health and appearance of your skin,” Dr. Ross says.

Some acne scars may become less noticeable over time, but most do not disappear completely without treatment. Dark spots left behind after acne often fade on their own over several months.

The best treatment depends on the type, depth and severity of the scar. Laser treatment, microneedling, chemical peels, dermal fillers and minor surgery may all be effective. A board-certified dermatologist can recommend the best option for your skin.

Some acne scars can be permanently improved with treatment, while others can only be minimized. Results vary depending on the type of scar, the treatment used and how your skin heals.