Acne scars: How to remove them effectively?

You struggle with stubborn acne for months, sometimes years, and just when your skin starts to calm down and you think the worst is behind you, a new challenge appears – scars.

The problem is that acne scars often last much longer than the pimples themselves. This can be quite exhausting, especially when you feel like you've invested so much time, effort, and persistence in your skincare.

The good news is, you don't have to live with them. Today, we will take a closer look at what these imperfections truly are and what are the most effective steps to erase them.

What is acne?

Acne (acne vulgaris) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition where the pilosebaceous follicle gets clogged by excess sebum, dead cells, or bacteria like Cutibacterium acnes. 

This condition creates the perfect conditions for inflammation and the appearance of various imperfections – from blackheads and whiteheads to red, painful, and deeper cystic or subcutaneous pimples.

How do acne scars form?

In milder forms of acne, the skin often recovers without permanent marks. However, when inflammation penetrates deeper into the skin, damages the follicle wall, and affects the dermis, the risk of permanent changes in skin structure increases.

Even during inflammation the body activates a natural healing process. At the site of damage, the skin begins to form new tissue and collagen fibers to restore the affected area.

The problem is that the skin doesn't always manage to heal completely evenly. If the body produces too little or too much collagen, scars may appear. 

Scars vs. acne marks: what's the difference?

Acne can leave both marks (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) and scars. Although often confused, there is a significant difference between them.

Types of acne scars

Acne scars are classified into three main types: atrophic (indented), hypertrophic (raised), and keloid. Each requires a different approach, so the first step is to identify the type of scar present.

Atrophic scars

Atrophic scars are the most common type of acne scars. They appear as indentations on the skin and occur when not enough new tissue is formed during healing. 

With these, the skin seems to "sink" inward instead of healing smoothly and evenly.

Narrow and deep scars (ice pick)

These are small but deep scars that resemble fine punctures in the skin. They are usually narrow at the surface but penetrate deeper, making them one of the more difficult types to treat. They most commonly form after deeper inflammation.

Wider indented scars (boxcar)

These scars are wider with more clearly defined edges. They look like small indented areas with a straighter or sharply defined bottom. They can be shallow or more pronounced, and the skin in this area often looks uneven.

Wavy indented scars (rolling)

These give the skin a wavy, uneven appearance. They are usually wider, with gentle and rounded outlines, rather than sharply defined edges. It is this type of scar that often creates the sensation that the skin's texture is "grooved" or uneven over larger areas.

Hypertrophic and keloid scars

Unlike atrophic scars, which appear as indentations, hypertrophic and keloid scars are raised above the skin's surface. They form when the skin produces more connective tissue than necessary during healing.

Hypertrophic scars remain within the boundaries of the original pimple or injury. They can appear as dense, raised areas and are sometimes redder or darker at first. They are more common in areas such as the jawline, back, chest, and shoulders.

Keloid scars are more pronounced and extend beyond the boundaries of the initial inflammation. They continue to grow even after the skin has started to heal, making them more difficult to manage. They usually appear denser, thicker, and more voluminous.

LED Therapy

LED therapy can be a very good addition to the fight against acne scars. Different types of light reach different depths in the epidermis, stimulating various benefits:

• Red light (630–660 nm) – supports collagen synthesis, stimulates skin regeneration, and improves elasticity. This is why it is one of the most beneficial types of light when the goal is for the skin to gradually appear smoother and for minor textural irregularities to become less visible.
• Blue light (415–470 nm) – has an antibacterial effect and is most commonly used when there are active breakouts in addition to scars. By helping to manage inflammation, it indirectly reduces the risk of new marks and scars appearing.
• Yellow light (around 590 nm) – soothes sensitive skin, reduces redness, and helps achieve a more even skin tone. This makes it particularly useful when there are residual red or pigmented marks after acne, in addition to scars.
• Infrared light (830–850 nm) – invisible to the human eye, but penetrates deeper layers of the skin and aids regenerative processes. It is often used as a supplement when the goal is for the skin to regenerate better and gradually appear calmer and smoother.

For home use, I most often recommend using an LED mask 3 to 5 times a week, for 15 to 20 minutes per session.

With this type of care, consistency is much more important than overdoing the duration. Visible results are often noticed within 1 to 4 months.

Learn all about LED therapy in our latest article!

Take care of your skin with LED therapy

Keep your skin calm and balanced with LED light therapy, designed for safe home use.

See LumiTech+

Daily Sun Protection

Daily sun protection is one of the most important steps if you want to prevent acne marks and scars from becoming more visible.

The sun can make marks darker, more stubborn, and slower to fade, and when the skin around a scar darkens, the scar itself becomes even more prominent.

Therefore, SPF is a mandatory part of care for a more even and calm skin appearance. And if you use acids, retinoids, or other active ingredients, sun protection becomes even more crucial.

It's best to look for a light, non-comedogenic product with broad-spectrum protection and SPF 30 or higher, which you can apply confidently every morning.

Professional Methods

When scars are deeper, older, or more pronounced, home care alone is usually not enough. In such cases, the best results are achieved with professional procedures selected according to the type of scar, its depth, and the overall condition of the skin.

Chemical Peel

A chemical peel is a dermatological exfoliation procedure where organic acids are applied to the skin to induce a controlled shedding of the outermost layers of the epidermis.

This stimulates collagen production, and the skin begins to renew itself faster, with new cells gradually appearing in place of damaged ones.

Depending on the scars and skin type, various acids can be used, such as glycolic, salicylic, or trichloroacetic acid, in different concentrations. This is why a peel should always be tailored to the specific condition and needs of the skin.

The best effect is usually observed with more superficial atrophic scars, uneven texture, and residual post-acne spots. For deeper and more pronounced scars, chemical peeling is more often used as part of a combined approach.

For best results, I recommend a series of several procedures.

Microneedling

Microneedling is a procedure that creates micro-channels in the skin using very fine needles. This stimulates the natural healing process and promotes the production of new collagen.

This is precisely why microneedling is one of the most commonly used methods for atrophic acne scars, especially when there is uneven texture and indented areas. Over time, the skin begins to look smoother, firmer, and more even.

Again, a course of treatments is done, and results gradually accumulate with each subsequent procedure.

Laser Procedures

Laser procedures are among the most commonly used methods for acne scars, with various types employed according to the skin's needs.

• Fractional CO2 laser: creates microscopic zones of controlled damage in the skin, thereby stimulating a strong regeneration process. It is most suitable for deeper atrophic scars, more pronounced uneven texture, and older indented scars.
• Fractional Erbium laser: works by controlled removal of superficial skin layers, but is generally a bit gentler than CO2. It is suitable for superficial to moderate atrophic scars when texture smoothing with a milder recovery period is desired.
• Non-ablative laser: heats the skin deeply and stimulates its remodeling more gently. It is suitable for mild to moderate scars, residual redness, and skin where a softer approach is sought.
• Photodynamic / IPL approach: this is not a classic laser, but intense pulsed light. It is more suitable for red marks, pigmentations, and uneven skin tone after acne than for deep textural scars.
• Hybrid laser systems: combine two different types of action in one procedure, usually superficial and deeper. This makes them a good choice when there is a mixed problem.

Subcision

Subcision is a minimally invasive procedure in which a special needle is used to release the fibrous bands beneath the scar that "pull" the skin downwards and create an indented appearance.

This allows the skin to gradually lift, and the controlled trauma stimulates the production of new collagen, which further aids in smoothing the area.

The procedure is particularly suitable for rolling and boxcar scars and is often combined with other methods for better results.

Fillers

Fillers, most commonly hyaluronic acid-based, can be used for some atrophic scars when there is a more pronounced loss of volume and indentation in the skin.

They are injected beneath the scar to lift the sunken area and make the skin appear more even and smooth.

In some cases, fillers are used as an adjunct to subcision, especially when, in addition to tissue release, volume restoration is also needed.

Injection Treatment

Injection methods for acne scars can include various approaches depending on the type of scar.

For denser hypertrophic or keloid scars, corticosteroid injections are sometimes used, which can help the scar become softer, flatter, and less visible.

For atrophic scars, injection techniques often play a complementary role and are usually combined with other procedures rather than used alone.

How to prevent new acne scars from appearing?

The best way to limit the risk of new scars is to manage acne in a timely manner and avoid further trauma to the skin.

This means not squeezing or picking pimples, maintaining consistent care tailored to the skin's needs, and seeking help from a dermatologist as early as possible for more stubborn or inflammatory acne.

Choose the perfect routine for your skin

Carefully selected product combinations, designed to work together – without overloading.

Discover your routine

FAQ

Are there good home remedies for acne scars?

Home care can mostly help with more superficial marks, uneven skin tone, and post-acne spots. However, for deeper scars, a professional approach is usually needed.

What should I use to remove acne scars?

The most suitable choice depends on whether it's about spots, superficial marks, or deeper scars. Generally, the best results are achieved with a combination of good home care and appropriately selected procedures.

How can I reduce the visibility of acne scars?

The most important factors are consistent care, the right active ingredients, and daily sun protection. For more pronounced scars, professional procedures may be necessary.

Which ingredients help against acne scars?

Among the most beneficial ingredients are retinoids, azelaic acid, AHA acids, niacinamide, and hydrating ingredients. They support skin renewal, evening out skin tone, and regeneration.

How can I speed up the healing of acne scars?

Skin recovers better when it's not further traumatized, care is gentle and consistent, and sun protection is part of the daily routine. It's also important to manage active breakouts in a timely manner.

How to deal with deep acne scars?

For deeper scars, home care alone is usually not sufficient. The best results are typically achieved with professional procedures selected according to the type and depth of the scar.

DISCLAIMER: All skincare articles are intended to aid education on specific ingredients and skincare topics. Our articles are written to be informative and informational. Any reference to a specific patient experience is not a medical offer for treatment. Please note that all Al+ Cosmetics products with listed ingredients are formulated for cosmetic use only and are NOT intended as substitutes for medical advice and/or recommendations for pharmaceutical products.