Is it a scar or a dark mark?
A dent or raised area is a change in skin texture. A flat patch of darker colour after a breakout is often post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, meaning pigment left after inflammation. Discolouration around a true scar can fade while the dent or bump remains. Scar tissue forms during healing, and scars usually fade without disappearing completely. Treatment aims to reduce their visibility, which is a less exciting verb than "erase" but a more useful expectation.23
How do you remove acne scars from your face?
- 1Get ongoing acne under control first. Treating breakouts helps prevent new scars; avoid picking, popping or scratching them.
- 2Have a dermatologist assess the scar's shape, depth, colour and age. Raised and indented scars need different approaches, and some scars need time to mature before treatment.
- 3Choose a treatment plan for the actual scars. A dermatologist can combine procedures when different areas need different treatment.
- 4Plan for repeat visits and recovery. Ask how many sessions are expected, what improvement is realistic and how long the skin will take to heal.
Which treatments suit which scars?
| Scar or concern | Options a dermatologist can consider | What the treatment does |
|---|---|---|
| Uneven surface texture | Laser resurfacing, chemical peels or dermabrasion | Removes or remodels skin to make scars less visible. |
| Sunken scars | Microneedling or dermal fillers | Stimulates collagen production or adds volume beneath an indentation. |
| Scars attached to deeper tissue | Subcision | Releases the tissue holding the scar down. |
| Boxcar, rolling or ice pick scars | TCA CROSS | Applies concentrated trichloroacetic acid to individual depressions to encourage new collagen. |
| Raised scars | Corticosteroid injections or silicone gel or sheets | Helps flatten, soften or improve the appearance of raised scar tissue. |
| A stubborn pitted scar | Punch excision | Removes the scar and closes the area, leaving a smaller, flatter scar. |
Even surgery trades one scar for another rather than restoring untouched skin. Scar revision can leave a less noticeable scar, despite a name that sounds like an editing command.1
What can you use to remove acne scars?
Home products can improve appearance, not reliably remove true scars. Retinoids and facial acids can help with surface changes; retinoids and azelaic acid can also treat dark marks after acne. Silicone gel or sheets are options for raised scars, not a universal treatment for dents. Natural remedies such as honey or oils do not remove acne scars at home.457
Use a prescribed retinoid exactly as directed; dermatologists often recommend evening application. If irritation develops, contact your dermatologist before changing the amount or frequency. They can adjust use or suggest applying moisturizer first. Protect exposed skin with sunscreen offering broad spectrum protection, SPF 30 or higher and water resistance, alongside shade and protective clothing.7
How long does treatment take?
Scar treatment usually means a course of care, not one appointment. Microneedling commonly needs four to six sessions, with redness lasting a couple of days afterward. TCA CROSS commonly needs three to six treatments over several months; improvement is assessed over about six months. Treated spots can be red and sore for 24 to 48 hours, followed by small scabs. Fewer acne breakouts can take at least six to eight weeks of acne treatment; that is not a scar improvement deadline.467
Who should be careful?
Darker skin can develop darkening or lightening after laser treatment. TCA CROSS can also cause pigment changes, prolonged irritation or larger scars, so concentrated acid treatment belongs in an expert clinic. Tell the clinician about current and recent medicines: TCA CROSS requires particular caution after oral retinoid treatment because of healing complications. Arrange an assessment if a scar hurts or itches, or if you keep developing deep, painful breakouts.1256
Where this answer comes from
- 1Scars: Treatment and Causemy.clevelandclinic.org
- 2Acne scars: Overviewaad.org
- 3Scar | Keloid Scarmedlineplus.gov
- 4How To Get Rid of Acne Scars: 11 Solutionshealth.clevelandclinic.org
- 5Get Treatment for Scarsmy.clevelandclinic.org
- 6TCA CROSSdermnetnz.org
- 7Acne: Diagnosis and treatmentaad.org
