For many of us, those unpleasant acne scars are one of the most frustrating reminders of past breakouts. Every time we look at the mirror, it gives a deep sense of disappointment. We are only left wondering why they often linger long after the blemishes have healed.
Acne scars leave behind visible marks that impact self-confidence, affecting productivity in many spheres of life. But you don’t need to lose hope. With the right approach, anyone can treat acne scars.
Reclaiming smooth skin will require proper skin care, which is made possible by the right skincare regimen — consistency should be your key.
Whether you are someone who is dealing with mild discoloration or deep pitted acne scars, you can minimize your problem by understanding the different types of stubborn acne scars and their treatments. Take it as a first step toward healthier skin.
We’ll walk you through different types of acne scars, their appearance, and the best treatment options available to help you stay beautiful at every age.
What Do Acne Scars Look Like?
These culprits can take the form of various shapes, depths, and sizes in different individuals. Their formation highly depends upon the severity of your acne and the healing process of your skin.
Have a look at other types of acne scars before you learn about their treatment:
Atrophic Scars
These scars give skin a sunken appearance, being flat or slightly depressed. They often result from inflammatory acne — a loss of collagen during the healing process. Atrophic scars are divided into three types:
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Ice Pick Scars: These are small, narrow, and deep scars that appear as tiny holes in the skin.
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Boxcar Scars: Their appearance is characterized by wider and angular scars with sharp edges. Boxcar scars are mostly found on the jawline and cheeks.
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Rolling scars: Rolling scars are wavy, shallow scars with an uneven skin texture.
Hypertrophic Scars
Hypertrophic scars are raised and lumpy. This is because the skin produces excess collagen during the healing process. They can be commonly found on the chest, shoulders, and back.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Although it is technically not a scar, it still leaves dark or red spots after the acne goes away.
Keloid Scars
Keloids are also raised like hypertrophic scars. The difference is that they extend beyond the acne region. They can be tender or itchy, making them harder to treat.
Effective Treatments for Different Types of Acne Scars
The best treatment for acne scars depends on the scars’ type, your skin type, and your unique needs. Here’s a look at some of the most effective options:
1. Microneedling with Radio Frequency (Exion Microneedling)
Combining microneedling and radio frequency is a game-changer for atrophic scars like rolling or boxcar scars. This advanced treatment stimulates collagen production, improving skin texture and reducing scar depth.
2. Chemical Peels
Peels like Cool Peels by Environ or glycolic acid treatments can help fade hyperpigmentation and smooth the skin’s surface by gently exfoliating dead skin cells.
3. Laser Resurfacing
Fractional and ablative lasers target deeper scars, like ice pick and boxcar scars, by removing damaged skin layers and encouraging collagen regrowth.
4. Dermaplaning and Exfoliation
Gentler options like dermaplaning can reduce the appearance of surface-level pigmentation and uneven texture.
5. LED Light Therapy
This non-invasive treatment reduces inflammation and redness while promoting collagen production to improve overall skin health.
6. Fillers for Depressed Scars
Injectable fillers can temporarily "fill in" ice pick or boxcar scars, making them less noticeable.
How to Prevent Acne Scars
While treatments are effective, prevention is always better. Here’s how you can reduce the likelihood of acne scars:
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Treat Acne Early: Waiting won’t help. Consult a dermatologist or skincare expert as soon as acne appears.
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Avoid Picking or Popping: It’s tempting, but picking at pimples increases inflammation and damages the skin, leading to scars.
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Use Sunscreen Daily: UV rays darken acne scars and slow the healing process. A good sunscreen like Colorescience can protect your skin while promoting a more even tone.
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Stick to a Skincare Routine: Stay consistent. Use products like those from Skinbetter or Environ to maintain clear, healthy skin.
Gracefully Aging and Looking Good
Acne scars aren’t just about the past—they can also make signs of aging more pronounced. As we age, our skin loses its essential protein collagen, which can make scars look deeper. But this doesn’t mean you can’t age gracefully and look your best.
By investing in treatments that boost collagen and improve skin texture, like Exion Face or Non-Invasive Facelifts, you can reduce both the signs of aging and the appearance of acne scars.
Key Takeaway
Remember, acne scars and any other skin issues are a part of our journey. Transforming your skin and regaining your confidence is possible — thanks to the modern skincare innovations. Achieve radiant, smooth skin at any age.
Why Cheeks Luxury Skin Clinic?
We all deserve to look and feel good from the inside out. At Cheeks Luxury Skin Clinic, our team of professionals knows exactly what your skin needs to plump and shine.
We excel at delivering tailored treatments, utilizing state-of-the-art technology, and providing concierge care. Our clients feel a noticeable difference in their skin and love the confidence that sparks in them. We’ve helped them achieve a glowing complexion by addressing their skin issues, including acne scars and signs of aging.
Located in Williston, Vermont, Cheeks is your destination for world-class skincare. We offer personalized consultations and advanced skin care treatments. Some well-known examples are Exion Microneedling, Cool Peels by Environ, and Biologique Recherche Facials.
You can relax while we’re here to help you love your skin again.
Radiant skin is just one treatment away! Book a free consultation to learn more.
