How to Get Rid of Acne Scars: 10 Effective Treatments

How to get rid of acne scars may involve treatments such as topical creams, chemical peels, microneedling, laser therapy, fillers, or surgery. These options help improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of marks caused by acne.

Acne scars can develop after deep skin inflammation, particularly when pimples are squeezed or picked. They most commonly appear on the forehead, cheeks, and chin, and can vary in depth and severity.

How to get rid of acne scars depends on factors like skin type, age, and how deep the scars are. Treatment may include dermatologist-recommended products or in-office procedures that stimulate collagen and smooth the skin.

The main ways to reduce or remove acne scars on the face include:

1. Creams and medications for the face

Creams and medications applied to the face, as recommended by a dermatologist, may contain salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or retinoids. These ingredients help exfoliate the skin, remove dead skin cells, stimulate skin renewal, and support collagen production.

This can improve skin texture and reduce dark spots, making acne scars less noticeable.

In some cases, the doctor may also prescribe oral retinoids, such as isotretinoin.

Recommended for: Creams may be recommended for teenagers and young adults who still have pimples and blackheads on the face, or who have atrophic scars, which look like small “holes” or pits in the skin.

In addition to using creams or medications prescribed by a dermatologist, it is important to keep the skin clean and moisturized, and to apply sunscreen every day to help prevent dark spots or new scars.

2. Dermabrasion or microdermabrasion

Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion are types of exfoliation performed by a dermatologist using small devices with diamond tips or aluminum oxide crystals. These devices “sand” the skin and remove its outermost layer.

This increases collagen production, which helps support and firm the skin, leaving it smoother and more even.

Removing the outer layer of skin also allows acids and creams prescribed by the doctor to penetrate better and complement treatment. However, microdermabrasion can also be used on its own.

Recommended for: Dermabrasion is recommended for people with acne scars that cause small uneven areas or waves on the face, which is the most common type of acne scar.

The disadvantage is that treatment usually needs to be done every week, and the total treatment time can vary. Even so, this type of exfoliation helps the skin regenerate, makes it firmer, and improves the absorption of moisturizers.

3. Chemical peel

A chemical peel is performed by a dermatologist using acids such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or trichloroacetic acid. The acid is applied to the treatment area and left on the skin for a few minutes.

This causes the outer layer of skin to peel, allowing a new layer to form. The new skin is usually firmer, smoother, and more even.

This treatment is stronger and can help remove even deeper acne scars.

Recommended for: Chemical peels are usually recommended for people who do not have active acne, as treating inflamed skin may increase irritation or worsen results. They can be used at any age, depending on skin type and scar severity, especially when scars become more noticeable over time.

They are a good option for people with multiple acne scars on the face, including scars with different depths.

4. Microneedling

Microneedling is a treatment that can help reduce acne scars. It is usually performed by a dermatologist or trained skin care professional using a device with very fine needles that create tiny punctures in the skin and stimulate collagen production, helping improve skin texture.

Microneedling may be done with a roller device or a pen-like device, depending on the treatment plan. According to the FDA, legally authorized microneedling devices can be used to improve the appearance of facial acne scars in adults aged 22 and older.

Professional treatment is generally preferred, as improper or deeper needle use can increase the risk of infection, irritation, dark spots, or scarring. At-home microneedling rollers are available, but they should be used with caution and are not the most effective option for treating acne scars.

Recommended for: This type of treatment is recommended for people with mild to moderate acne scars, who do not have blackheads or pimples, and who can tolerate the discomfort caused by the needles moving across the skin.

5. Radiofrequency

Radiofrequency is a treatment that uses heat to stimulate the skin to produce new collagen fibers. This makes the skin firmer and helps make acne scars less visible.

Radiofrequency is performed by a dermatologist and may require several sessions, usually spaced 15 to 30 days apart, according to medical guidance.

Recommended for: This type of treatment is recommended for atrophic acne scars, which are scars that look like small pits in the skin. By stimulating collagen production, radiofrequency helps “fill in” the scarred area and make the skin smoother.

6. Laser

Laser treatment is done with a device that changes collagen fibers in the skin. This helps make the skin smoother and gradually reduces marks and dark spots caused by acne.

During this treatment, the professional applies the laser to the area being treated. The laser releases pulses that may cause a mild heat or burning sensation.

Recommended for: Laser treatment is recommended when creams do not work. In general, 3 to 5 laser sessions are needed, but the number of sessions depends on the depth of the scars and should be determined by a dermatologist.

7. Hyaluronic acid fillers

Hyaluronic acid fillers are applied by a dermatologist through injections into the face. This treatment helps reduce areas of fibrosis that cause skin depressions and lead to acne scars, making the skin look more even.

In addition to hyaluronic acid, the doctor may also recommend using the person’s own fat as a filler. This fat is taken from another part of the body, processed, and applied to the scarred area.

Recommended for: Hyaluronic acid fillers are recommended for people with acne scars that do not change shape when the skin is stretched, and for those who do not want to have other treatments.

The disadvantage of this treatment is that it is not permanent. Results may last about 6 months to 1.5 years, depending on the filler used.

8. Plasma injections

Plasma injections are a type of treatment that involves injecting the person’s own blood and plasma into the entire area being treated.

When blood is injected into the face, it is not fully absorbed by the skin. This leads to clot formation and the production of new collagen and fibrin fibers, which help fill in small pits on the face and leave the skin firmer and more even.

This treatment should be performed by a dermatologist and can have good results, although it is not commonly used for acne scars.

Recommended for: Plasma injections are recommended for people who are not afraid of needles and cannot have another type of treatment.

9. Corticosteroid injections

Corticosteroid injections directly into acne scars can help treat raised and thick scars. This type of treatment is performed by a dermatologist in the office.

In some cases, the doctor may also inject fluorouracil, also known as 5-FU, into the scar. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, other injectable medications may also be used to treat raised acne scars. Fluorouracil is a chemotherapy medication that can help soften raised scars and make the skin more even.

Recommended for: This type of treatment is recommended for raised, thick acne scars. Several applications are usually needed to achieve the desired results.

10. Surgery

Acne scar surgery, called subcision, is a treatment performed by a dermatologist to release fibrous tissue from deeper layers of the skin that are responsible for the scar.

In addition to subcision, the doctor may recommend other options, such as punch excision. In this procedure, the doctor surgically removes the scar with a needle-like tool similar to a skin biopsy needle, and then stitches the skin.

Recommended for: These surgeries are usually recommended for deeper scars. The type of surgery used depends on the characteristics of the scar.