How to Get Rid of Acne Scars: What Should You Try First?
If you’ve ever cleared a breakout only to be left with lingering marks, you’re not alone, and you’re not imagining how stubborn those scars can be. Acne may come and go, but the scars it leaves behind can become a frustrating reminder long after the inflammation fades.
This Acne Awareness Month, we’re shifting the focus to healing—not just breakouts, but the skin’s texture, tone, and confidence. Whether your scars are new or something you’ve dealt with for years, today’s dermatology treatments offer real solutions. From microneedling and chemical peels to advanced laser therapy, there are more ways than ever to fade scars and prevent them from forming in the first place.
But before we explore what works, how it works, and what’s right for your skin, let’s take a closer look at how acne scars actually form and why they’re so tough to treat without the right approach.
Why Acne Scars Happen and What Makes Them Worse
Some breakouts come and go without a trace. Others leave behind marks that linger long after the acne is gone. So what causes acne to scar in the first place?
Scars form when a breakout triggers inflammation deep within the skin. As your body works to repair the damage, it produces collagen to rebuild the tissue. If too much or too little collagen is produced, the result can be uneven texture in the form of either raised scars or small indentations.
Several factors influence how severe scarring becomes, including the type of acne you have, how long it lasts, your skin’s natural healing response, and even your genetics. One of the biggest culprits is picking or squeezing pimples, which can disrupt healing and increase the risk of permanent marks. Taking early, consistent care of your skin is the best way to minimize the chance of scars forming.
How to Prevent Acne Scars Before They Start
The best way to treat acne scars is to stop them from forming in the first place. While not every scar can be prevented, taking the right steps early on can significantly lower your risk and save you time, stress, and money in the long run.
Here’s how to set your skin up for healing, not scarring:
Start Treatment Early
The longer breakouts linger, the more likely they are to cause long-term damage. Early intervention helps reduce inflammation and keeps acne from progressing to the point of scarring. A board-certified dermatologist can create a personalized treatment plan to get breakouts under control before they leave a mark.
Hands Off Your Skin
We know it’s tempting, but picking, squeezing, or popping pimples is one of the fastest ways to cause scarring. These actions push bacteria deeper into the skin, increase inflammation, and disrupt the body’s natural healing process, often leading to permanent texture changes.
Wear Sunscreen Every Day
Daily sunscreen not only protects your skin but also helps fade discoloration more effectively. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to prevent and help clear dark spots.
Stick to Your Treatment Plan
Consistency is key when managing acne. If your dermatologist has prescribed topical or oral medications—like retinoids, antibiotics, or benzoyl peroxide—use them as directed. Stopping too soon or skipping applications can cause breakouts to return and worsen, raising the risk of future scarring.
Proven Treatment Options for Acne Scars
If you’re dealing with lingering marks from past breakouts, you’re not stuck with them forever. Advances in dermatology have made it possible to significantly reduce the appearance of acne scars and restore smoother, more even skin. Whether your scars are raised, indented, or discolored, there are targeted treatments that can help, and in many cases, combining therapies offers the best results.
Let’s take a look at some of the most effective treatments available and answer common questions like how many microneedling sessions for acne scars are needed or do chemical peels help with acne scars.
Microneedling for Acne Scars
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is one of the most popular and versatile treatments for acne scars. During this minimally invasive procedure, a device with fine needles creates tiny punctures in the skin. These micro-injuries trigger the body’s natural healing response, stimulating collagen and elastin production to repair damaged tissue.
Over time, this process helps fill in indented (atrophic) scars, smooth out rough texture, and improve overall skin tone.
How Many Microneedling Sessions for Acne Scars Are Needed?
Most patients see significant improvement after 3 to 6 sessions, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Because collagen builds gradually, full results often appear a few months after the final treatment.
With that being said, Microneedling is safe for most skin types and can be enhanced by pairing it with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or targeted serums to accelerate healing and boost results.
Do Laser Treatments Work for Acne Scars?
Laser therapy is widely regarded as one of the most effective ways to treat acne scarring. It works by either removing damaged outer layers of skin or heating deeper layers to trigger collagen remodeling, depending on the type of laser used.
There are two main types of lasers used in acne scar treatment:
- Ablative lasers (like CO2 or erbium): These resurface the skin by removing its outermost layers, encouraging new skin growth and collagen production.
- Non-ablative lasers (like Fraxel or Clear + Brilliant): These target the deeper layers of skin without damaging the surface, promoting gradual healing and scar reduction with less downtime.
Laser treatments can effectively reduce both raised and depressed scars, minimize discoloration, and smooth uneven texture. They are often customized to match your skin type, scar severity, and aesthetic goals.
Do Laser Treatments Work for Acne Scars in All Cases?
While highly effective, laser treatments may not be the best fit for every skin tone or condition. A consultation with a dermatologist is essential to determine the safest and most effective laser option for your skin.
Do Chemical Peels Help with Acne Scars?
Chemical peels are another powerful tool in the fight against acne scarring, especially when it comes to discoloration and surface-level texture changes. These treatments use carefully selected acids to exfoliate the top layers of skin, encouraging new, healthy skin cells to rise to the surface.
How Do Chemical Peels Help with Acne Scars and Discoloration?
Chemical peels do help with acne scars, particularly superficial to medium-depth peels like glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid (TCA). These peels can:
- Improve skin tone and fade post-acne pigmentation
- Soften uneven or rough texture
- Stimulate collagen production in the deeper layers of skin
For best results, chemical peels are often performed in a series and can be combined with other treatments like microneedling or laser therapy for a more comprehensive approach. No matter which treatment path you choose, the key is working with a trusted dermatologist to find the right combination for your skin and your goals.
A Personalized Path to Clearer, Healthier Skin
When it comes to treating acne scars, there’s no universal fix. What works wonders for one person may not be right for another, and that’s why personalized care matters. At Skin Wellness Dermatology, we believe great results start with getting to know your skin. Our board-certified dermatologists take the time to assess your unique skin type, scar patterns, and treatment goals before creating a tailored plan.
Whether you’re dealing with deep acne scarring, mild texture changes, or lingering discoloration, we offer the latest treatment options—like microneedling, laser therapy, and chemical peels—to help you achieve smoother, more radiant skin. No matter where you are in your journey, we’re here to support you with expert guidance and results-driven care.
Expert Dermatology Care in Birmingham, Homewood, and Greystone
At Skin Wellness Dermatology, your skin is in experienced hands. With locations in Homewood and Greystone, we make it easy to access acne scar treatments from a team you can trust. Each of our clinics is equipped with advanced technology and led by providers who specialize in both medical and cosmetic dermatology.
Whether you’re exploring your first treatment or looking to build on past progress, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence. Request an appointment today to learn more about your options and start building a treatment plan that’s right for your skin.