Acne scars are a common concern for many people, affecting the face, chest, and back. While acne itself is temporary, the scars it leaves behind can be long-lasting and impact confidence. The good news? Acne scars don’t have to be permanent. With the right treatments, you can significantly reduce their appearance and restore smoother skin.
What Causes Acne Scars?
Acne scars form when inflamed blemishes damage the skin’s deeper layers. When the body tries to heal the damage, it produces collagen to repair the tissue. If too much or too little collagen is produced, it results in either raised or indented scars.
Factors that increase the risk of acne scarring include:
- Severe, deep acne (such as cystic acne)
- Delayed or improper treatment of acne
- Picking, squeezing, or popping pimples
- Genetics (some people are more prone to scarring than others)
Types of Acne Scars
Acne scars appear in different forms, and knowing which type you have can help determine the best treatment.
Indented (Atrophic) Scars
- Ice Pick Scars: Small, deep holes that resemble tiny punctures.
- Boxcar Scars: Wide depressions with sharp edges, often found on the lower cheeks and jaw.
- Rolling Scars: Wavy, uneven indentations on the skin, usually on the cheeks.
Raised (Hypertrophic) Scars
- These thick, raised scars occur when too much collagen is produced during healing.
- More common on the chest, shoulders, and back.
Best Acne Scar Removal Treatments
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for acne scars, but several effective treatments can help smooth out the skin.
At-Home Treatments
For mild scarring, over-the-counter products with the following ingredients can help:
- Retinoids: Stimulate skin cell turnover and collagen production.
- Salicylic Acid: Helps clear pores and improve skin texture.
- Lactic Acid: Gently exfoliates and lightens dark spots.
- Vitamin C: Brightens skin and reduces hyperpigmentation.
Professional Treatments
If at-home remedies aren’t enough, dermatologists offer more advanced treatments:
1. Chemical Peels
A dermatologist applies a chemical solution to remove the top layer of skin, encouraging fresh, new skin to replace it. Best for mild to moderate scars.
2. Microneedling
A procedure using tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen production. Ideal for all types of scars.
3. Laser Therapy
Lasers target damaged skin and promote collagen growth. Ablative lasers remove layers of skin, while non-ablative lasers stimulate healing without removing skin.
4. Dermal Fillers
Injectable fillers (like hyaluronic acid) plump up depressed scars, making the skin appear smoother.
5. Subcision
A minor surgical procedure where a needle breaks up the fibrous tissue pulling down a scar, allowing the skin to lift naturally.
6. Steroid Injections
Used for raised scars to reduce inflammation and flatten their appearance.
Which Treatment is Best for You?
The best treatment for acne scars depends on your scar type, skin type, and goals. Book a consultation with us to determine the most effective approach.
How to Prevent Acne Scars
The best way to avoid acne scars is to prevent acne from worsening in the first place. Here’s how:
- Treat acne early – Don’t wait for severe breakouts.
- Avoid picking or squeezing pimples – This increases inflammation and the risk of scarring.
- Use sun protection – UV rays can darken scars and make them more noticeable.
- Keep your skin clean and moisturised – Prevent breakouts with a gentle skincare routine.
