Acne Scar Treatment

The pimples stopped years ago, but the marks didn't. You might avoid bright bathroom lights or photos in daylight, or notice make-up settling into the dents on your cheeks. Acne scars are one of the commonest reasons people see a dermatologist, and they can be improved, though rarely erased.

True acne scars form when deep inflammation damages the collagen under the skin. Most are sunken. Ice pick scars are narrow and deep, boxcar scars have sharp edges, and rolling scars are broad dips where bands of scar tissue tether the skin down. Some people, especially on the jaw, chest and back, get raised or keloid scars instead. Acne scar treatment combines procedures, each suited to a scar type, that loosen scar tissue and trigger new collagen underneath.

It helps to tell scars and marks apart. Flat brown or red spots left after a pimple are pigment, not scarring, and usually fade over months with sunscreen and creams. Pitted scars don't fade on their own. After a course of treatment most people see their scars become shallower and less obvious in normal light. Aim for clear improvement rather than perfect skin, and expect deep scars to need more than one method.

Acne and acne scarring are among the commonest concerns our skin and hair department treats. Our dermatologists use chemical peels, microneedling and laser resurfacing, and plan them around your skin type, since brown skin needs settings that limit the risk of dark marks. Active acne is controlled first, because treating scars while new pimples keep forming wastes time and money.

Treatment is worth considering once active acne is under control and the scars bother you.

Downtime depends on the method, so plan the first few days after each session around it.