Types of Treatment to Get Rid of Acne Scars

 

Acne scars develop when your body produces either too much or too little collagen after a breakout. The scars may be depressed and pitted if you don’t produce sufficient collagen or thick and raised if you produce too much.

Mild to moderate acne scars may be treated with at-home remedies like topical creams, microdermabrasion kits, or silicone patches. Meanwhile, persistent scars may require prescription medication or an in-office procedure from a dermatologist.

Learn more about treating acne scars, including how to get rid of them at home as well as available prescription treatments, and procedures.

Types of Acne Scars

There are several different types of scars that can develop after an acne breakout, including:

• Depressed scars: Depressed scars appear discolored and pitted or “sunken.” They are caused by a lack of collagen.
• Raised scars: Also called hypertrophic scars, these thick, wide acne scars are caused by excessive collagen.
• Keloid scars: Keloid scars are raised and take up a larger area of the skin than the original acne spot or wound.

How to Get Rid of Acne Scars at Home

There are several ways that you can try to get rid of your acne scars at home. Examples of over-the-counter (OTC) acne scar treatments include:

• Silicone patches: Silicone patches—also known as silicone adhesives, sheets, or bandages—have been used for years to reduce the appearance of raised scars. They are most effective when used on a long-term basis.
• Topicals: Mild to moderate depressed scars can sometimes be treated with at-home chemical peels, face masks, and topical creams. Look for products that contain active ingredients like salicylic acid, lactic acid, retinol, azelaic acid, or glycolic acid.
• Microdermabrasion kits: Microdermabrasion works by using tiny crystals to exfoliate the top layer of skin and stimulating collagen production. At-home microdermabrasion kits can help to treat mild depressed acne scars.

Procedures to Get Rid of Acne Scars

If your acne scars don’t fade after you try the above methods, you may need to undergo a procedure with a dermatologist. Procedures that treat acne scars include:

• Skin-resurfacing treatments: Skin-resurfacing treatments remove layers of skin and can include the top and some middle layers. This prompts your body to start producing more collagen and making new skin cells. Examples include chemical peels, dermabrasion, and professional microdermabrasion. 
• Radiofrequency: Radiofrequency uses heat energy to stimulate collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin. This method of tightening the skin can treat depressed acne scars.
• Injections: Injections of corticosteroids, interferon, and/or fluorouracil can help to flatten raised scars. For best results, most people need to receive injections every few weeks for a period of time. 
• Microneedling: Microneedling works to prompt collagen production by making small wounds in the skin with tiny needles. It’s especially effective in treating depressed scars.
• Fillers: Depressed scars can be treated and “plumped up” with the help of temporary, semipermanent, or permanent injectable fillers, such as hyaluronic acid.
• Cryosurgery: Cryosurgery, which works by freezing and “killing” scar tissue, is often used in conjunction with corticosteroid injections to treat raised scars.
• Laser therapy: Ablative laser therapy is a skin-resurfacing procedure that works by vaporizing layers of tissue. No ablative laser therapy also stimulates skin regeneration, but it’s less invasive.
• Surgery: In serious cases, surgery may be required to “lift” a depressed scar or remove a raised scar. Acne scar surgery is sometimes performed in conjunction with corticosteroid injections.
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Seeing a Dermatologist for Acne Scars

If your acne scars don’t resolve on their own or with at-home remedies, consider reaching out to a board-certified dermatologist. They can recommend prescription treatments or procedures based on your symptoms, the type of acne scar(s) you have, and your medical history. 

Preventing Acne Scars

Preventing acne scars is possible. You can try to prevent acne scars by doing the following:

• Not picking at or popping pimples
• Washing your face with a gentle cleanser twice a day
• Avoiding face scrubs and other harsh skincare products
• Applying sunscreen on a daily basis
• Removing all of your makeup before you go to bed each night
• Getting professional treatment for acne breakouts if necessary