Select is editorially independent. Our editors selected these deals and items because we think you will enjoy them at these prices. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn a commission. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time. Treatments for acne scars are typically intensive, the best results coming from lasers, injections and fillers best handled by medical professionals, experts told us. There are, however, some solid home treatments you can consider if you want to improve the appearance of acne scars.
To understand how some of these at-home treatments work — and what their limitations are — we consulted dermatologists and found some highly rated options to consider based on their guidance. Before you choose an at-home treatment, it's important to understand what acne scars are, what they aren't and when to differentiate them from hyperpigmentation, dark spots caused by inflammatory skin issues like acne and eczema, according to board-certified dermatologist Corey Hartman , MD.
While hyperpigmentation can fade away on its own within 12 months, acne scars are permanent textural changes like bumps and roughness, according to Hartman. Since people with darker skin tones naturally have more melanin in their skin, they are more likely to experience hyperpigmentation due to those aforementioned inflammatory skin issues, explained Arisa Ortiz , MD, the director of laser and cosmetic dermatology at UC San Diego.
Inflammation from blackheads, whiteheads and cystic acne — large and sometimes painful breakouts — can damage skin tissue and result in acne scars, too, noted board-certified dermatologist Michele Green , MD. She said the "best way" to avert acne scars is to treat and prevent breakouts from occurring in the first place.
There are hundreds of anti-acne products on the market, including acne face washes , acne spot treatments and acne sunscreens. If you need help creating a routine or just want professional guidance, the MDs we consulted recommended consulting your local board-certified dermatologist.
To that end, we highlighted a few dermatologist-recommended ingredients that can help treat your current breakouts and prevent new ones and acne scars from forming. But they are less noticeable than pitted scars and can be resurfaced more easily. For deep boxcar scars whose bases are comprised of normal-looking skin, the punch elevation technique may be used. During punch elevation, only the base of the scar is excised. The dermatologist then elevates the base to the skin's surface, where it is attached with sutures, steri-strips, or skin glue such as Dermabond.
Unlike with skin grafting, the skin after punch elevation has the same tone and texture as the surrounding tissue. Subcutaneous incision, also known as subcision, is used to treat rolling acne scars, as well as some depressed acne scars. Subcision is a simple surgical procedure performed under local anesthesia. A needle or small scalpel is inserted to run parallel to the skin's surface.
The instrument cuts the bands of tissue that tether the skin to deeper structures. The skin visibly lifts once these bands have been released, smoothing the skin surface's appearance. Dermabrasion is performed under local anesthesia at your dermatologist's office. A rapidly rotating wire brush abrades the top layers of the skin.
After healing, the look of scars has softened and pitted scars are reduced in depth. Dermabrasion is used to treat depressed boxcar scarring. This procedure may make ice pick scars look more prominent because while narrow at the skin's surface, they often widen near the base.
Once considered the gold standard in acne scar treatment, dermabrasion is used less often in favor of laser resurfacing techniques. Dermabrasion may cause pigmentation changes in darker skin tones. Not to be confused with dermabrasion, microdermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure that is performed at day spas as well as dermatologists' offices.
During a microdermabrasion treatment, a machine discharges ultra-fine aluminum oxide crystals through a tube onto the skin. The crystals are simultaneously vacuumed away. A series of treatments is needed. As only the surface skin cells are removed, microdermabrasion works best on hyperpigmentation. This treatment won't do anything for pitted or depressed scarring. Another treatment option for depressed acne scars is the use of dermal fillers.
A filler substance is injected into the acne scar, elevating the base of the scar so it is more even with the skin's surface. Results are not permanent, so treatment will need to be repeated after several months. Substances used as dermal fillers include human and bovine collagen, hyaluronic acid, and fat transferred from the patient's own body. Your dermatologist will help you decide which filler will be most appropriate for you. Steroid treatments are often used for raised hypertrophic and keloid scars.
Steroids may be injected directly into the scar tissue, causing the tissue to shrink or flatten, softening the scar tissue and improving the overall appearance. Corticosteroid creams and impregnated tapes which are infused with a corticosteroid, applied over the scar and left on for several hours at a time may also be used to treat hypertrophic scars.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing. If you have cystic or nodular acne, it may be more likely to scar. That's because the blemishes form deep under your skin.
Picking or squeezing pimples may also cause scarring, so it's best to avoid popping them so they'll heal correctly. It probably can't get rid of them, but it may be able to make them lighter. A review found that aloesin, a component in aloe vera , is effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, including the dark marks left behind by acne. It's important to be realistic, and understand that most scars can't be completely erased. But much improvement can be achieved with the right treatment or combination of treatments.
Your dermatologist can recommend the most appropriate scar treatments for you. Many people choose to not treat their scars, and that's OK too.
Remember, the scars are much more obvious to you than they are to anyone else. Dealing with acne can be frustrating. Our free guide provides expert tips to help you take control. Sign up and get yours today. Different cutaneous innate immunity profiles in acne patients with and without atrophic scars. Eur J Dermatol. Guidance on the diagnosis and clinical management of acne. Clin Exp Dermatol.
Woolery-lloyd H, Kammer JN. Treatment of hyperpigmentation. Semin Cutan Med Surg. The best approach is to get treatment for acne soon after it appears to prevent further severe acne and more scarring. If you have nodules, see your doctor or dermatologist for treatment. Most of the time, those reddish or brownish acne marks that are left behind after pimples clear up will fade with no need for treatment. Picking or squeezing acne can increase the risk for scarring, though.
Treatments depend on how severe the scars are. In some cases, a doctor or dermatologist may suggest a chemical peel or microdermabrasion to help improve the appearance of scarred areas. These milder treatments can be done right in the office. For "rolling" scars, doctors sometimes inject material under the scar to raise it to the level of normal skin. Finally, in some cases, a doctor may recommend surgery to remove deeply indented scars. One thing you shouldn't do to deal with acne scars is load up your face with masks or fancy lotions — these won't help and may irritate your skin further, making the scars red and even more noticeable.
If you have a red or brownish mark on your face that you got from a bad zit, it should eventually fade. However, it may take 12 months or longer.
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