Top Treatments for Acne Scars

Updated on: 16th December, 2024

This guide will walk you through the different types of acne scars and the best treatment options for each.

Acne scars come in various forms, but they generally fall into two main categories:

Pigmented Scars: 

These appear as dark spots or patches caused by inflammation during active acne breakouts.  They may be brown, black, or even reddish in colour. 

Depressed Scars: 

Also known as “atrophic scars,” these include deep pits or indentations that occur when tissue beneath the skin is damaged.  Many people experience both types, requiring a combination of treatments to target the pigmentation and skin texture issues.

Dark-Colored Scars 

• Superficial Treatments: 

Over-the-counter products with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) are effective at gently exfoliating the top layer of skin. 

Chemical peels that include mild concentrations of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can also be used to treat surface pigmentation.

• Deeper Pigmentation Treatments:

Laser treatments, such as Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers, can target melanin below the surface and reduce more stubborn pigmentation. 

Red-Colored Scars 

• Topical Medications:

Prescription creams that include ingredients like azelaic acid or tranexamic acid can reduce redness over time by improving blood vessel function.

• Laser Treatments:

 If topical options aren’t effective, lasers like IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) or long-pulse Nd:YAG can address redness by shrinking blood vessels causing discoloration.

These scars need treatments that restore lost skin volume or resurface uneven skin. Options include:

Volume Restoration 

• Subcision:

This minimally invasive procedure uses needles to break up the tough fibres under the skin that pull down on scars, helping lift the skin surface.

• Energy-Based Devices:

Energy-based devices, such as erbium YAG lasers, fractional CO2 lasers, MNRF, and advanced systems like Fotona, boost collagen production to naturally fill in depressed scars.

Resurfacing Treatments

• Fractional Resurfacing:

 A controlled method that treats small “fractions” of skin at a time, combining effectiveness with quicker recovery periods. 

• Full Ablative Resurfacing:

A more intensive option that removes the entire skin surface layer, offering dramatic results but requiring more downtime and a higher tolerance for possible side effects.

Selecting the best treatment depends on factors like the type of scars, their severity, and your willingness to undergo more intensive procedures. Here are some key points to consider:

• Severity of the scars (are they superficial or deeply embedded?) 
• Type of scars (pigmented or depressed, or a mix of both?) 
• Time Frame (some treatments may take months, others a few weeks). 
• Side-Effect Tolerance (such as peeling or redness from chemical peels). 

The Importance of Dermatological Care 

While at-home treatments might help with mild cases, consulting the best dermatologist in Pune ensures the best results. Professionals can assess scar types accurately and recommend advanced procedures tailored for your skin.

To maximize results, adopt these habits alongside your primary treatment:

1. Use sunscreen daily to protect healing skin from harmful UV damage. 
2. Stick to a gentle skincare routine with non-irritating cleansers and moisturizers suitable for acne-prone skin. 
3. Stay consistent; many treatments take multiple sessions or weeks to show full results.