You’ve cleared your acne. The breakouts are gone. But the reminders remain, etched into your skin in the form of scars that make you self-conscious about your appearance.
If this describes you, you’re not alone. According to research, around 80% of people experience acne at some point, and a significant portion develop scarring. The good news that not many people talk about: acne scars are treatable. You don’t have to live with them.
At Skinneon, we treat acne scarring every week. In this guide, we’ll explain the different types of scars, why they form, and most importantly, which treatments actually work.
Why Acne Leaves Scars in the First Place
Understanding how scars form is the first step to treating them effectively.
When severe acne develops, it damages the skin’s deeper layers. Your body tries to repair this damage by producing collagen. But here’s where it goes wrong: the body either produces too much collagen (creating raised scars) or too little collagen (creating depressed, pitted scars).
The more severe your acne was and the longer it lasted, the more likely you are to develop noticeable scarring. Picking or squeezing spots also dramatically increases scarring risk, because you’re creating additional trauma to the skin.
Not everyone who has acne develops scars, but if you have deeper cystic acne, the risk is higher.
The Three Main Types of Acne Scars
Acne scars come in different shapes and depths, and treatment depends on which type you have.
Atrophic scars (the most common type) are pitted or indented. They sit below the surface of the surrounding skin. These form when the body doesn’t produce enough collagen to fill the space left by the acne lesion.
Within atrophic scars, there are subtypes:
Ice pick scars are narrow, deep, and sharp-edged. They look like small puncture wounds and are challenging to treat because of their depth.
Boxcar scars are wider and have defined edges, resembling chickenpox scars. They’re usually more responsive to treatment than ice picks because they’re less deep.
Rolling scars appear as shallow, wavy depressions across a larger area, giving the skin an uneven, undulating appearance.
Hypertrophic scars are the opposite of atrophic scars. They’re raised and thickened, usually appearing on the back or chest. These form when the body overproduces collagen during healing.
You might have a combination of scar types, which is why a proper assessment is important before choosing treatment.
How Microneedling Works for Acne Scars
Microneedling is one of the most effective treatments we offer for acne scarring.
Here’s how it works: fine needles create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. Your body’s natural response is to trigger its healing process, which involves producing new collagen and elastin. Over time, this new collagen fills in the depressed scars and smooths the skin’s texture.
The beauty of microneedling is that it works across all skin types, including darker skin tones where some treatments carry higher risks of complications.
A typical course of microneedling for acne scars involves 3-4 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart. Most people see noticeable improvement after the second session, with continued improvement for several months as new collagen continues to develop.
The procedure itself feels like someone’s gently rolling sandpaper across your skin. It’s not painful, though mild discomfort is normal. Numbing cream is applied beforehand to minimize any sensation.
After microneedling, your skin will look red and slightly swollen for 24-48 hours. This is the healing process at work. You’ll need to avoid sun exposure and heavy skincare products for a few days, but most people return to normal activities immediately.
Chemical Peels for Surface-Level Scarring
If your scars are more superficial and you want a different approach, chemical peels are worth considering.
A chemical peel uses a controlled chemical solution to remove the top layer of skin, promoting new skin growth underneath. They’re particularly effective for rolling scars and mild textural irregularities.
Our Dermalogica Pro Power Peel is a customizable system that can be adjusted for different skin concerns and scar depths. Medium to stronger peels deliver better results for scarring than light peels. You’ll experience redness and peeling for 5-7 days, then significant improvement in skin texture.
Most people need a series of 3-6 peels spaced 4 weeks apart to see optimal results.
The real advantage of the Pro Power Peel is customization. Your therapist can layer the treatment to target your specific scar depths and types, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
Advanced Facials for Scar Support
While advanced facials aren’t a primary scar treatment on their own, they support the healing process between deeper treatments.
Our Hydro Diamond Facial combines powerful exfoliation with hydration and LED light therapy. When used alongside microneedling or peels, it accelerates healing and keeps your skin supported throughout your scar treatment course.
Many clients incorporate regular advanced facials (every 4-6 weeks) between their primary scar treatments. This keeps the skin healthy and supports collagen production.
Combination Approaches: Often the Best Route
Here’s what we’ve learned from treating hundreds of clients: the best results often come from combining treatments.
For example, you might start with 3 sessions of microneedling to address the overall texture and mild scarring. Then add 1-2 chemical peel sessions to tackle the shallow rolling scars. Between treatments, monthly advanced facials keep your skin supported and healing.
The combination addresses different depths and types of scarring in one comprehensive approach.
This is why your initial consultation is so important. A proper assessment determines which scars respond best to which treatments, and a skilled therapist can design a plan that delivers real results.
When Can You Start Treatment
You need to wait until your acne is completely clear before starting scar treatment. This is crucial.
Active acne means active inflammation. Treating scars while acne is still present can irritate your skin further and potentially worsen your breakouts. Plus, new acne will create new scars, undoing your progress.
So the first step is ensuring your acne is under control. Once your skin is clear for several weeks, you’re ready to move forward with scar treatment.
Timeline: When Will You See Results
Results from acne scar treatment aren’t instant, but they’re consistent.
With microneedling, you’ll notice slight improvement after the first session, more noticeable improvement after the second, and significant improvement by the third or fourth session. Full results continue improving for several months after your last treatment as new collagen develops.
With chemical peels, results are more gradual. You’ll notice smoother texture and less noticeable scars after the first peel, with significant improvement by the third peel.
Most people see their best results 2-3 months after completing their full course of treatment.
Cost and Investment
Acne scar treatment is an investment, not a quick fix.
A full course of microneedling (3-4 sessions) requires a significant investment, as do multiple chemical peel sessions. The good news is that results are lasting. You’re not paying for a temporary fix like makeup or skincare creams.
During your consultation, your therapist will discuss costs and create a treatment plan that fits your budget. Some people start with microneedling and add peel sessions later. Others prefer to combine treatments upfront for faster results.
Prevention: The Cheapest Solution
While we can’t turn back time and undo past scarring, you can prevent new scars from forming if you still experience occasional breakouts.
Never pick, squeeze, or scratch spots. This is the number one reason acne scars get worse. Let spots heal naturally, even though it’s tempting to pick at them.
Use appropriate skincare to manage active acne. Salicylic acid and other acne-fighting ingredients can prevent severe breakouts that would scar.
Seek professional help early if acne is severe. The worse the breakout, the higher the scarring risk.
Your Next Steps
Acne scarring doesn’t have to define your skin forever. With the right treatment plan, you can achieve dramatic improvements in texture and the appearance of your scars.
The first step is a consultation where we assess your scars and discuss which treatment approach would work best for your specific situation.
Call us on 07455673619 or email info@skinneon.co.uk to schedule your appointment.
