How you get rid of acne scars will differ depending on what types of scars you have and how severe they are. Treatment shouldn’t be started until the acne has completely healed.
Dermatological treatments
Resurfacing procedures
Laser therapy, dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels can help improve the appearance of acne scars that aren’t very deep. They all involve removing layers of skin cells to encourage skin to produce new cells. If you have darker skin, you may want to skip dermabrasion, which can result in scarring and discoloration. Some types of laser therapy may do this as well, but Nd:YAG lasers are typically safer for darker skin.
Fillers
Your dermatologist can fill in shallower scars with substances, like hyaluronic acid, collagen, or your own fat. Results usually last a few months, although some fillers are permanent.
Microneedling
Also known as collagen induction therapy, this is a good option if you have a lot of depressed acne scars. It involves using a motorized microneedling pen containing rotating needles. The pen is pressed into depressed acne scars to stimulate collagen production.
Radiofrequency skin tightening
This treatment can sometimes effectively treat deep icepick and boxcar scars. A doctor will use radio frequency to tighten skin and make depressed acne scars less visible.
Subscision
This approach involves placing a sterile needle under your skin and using it to disrupt fibrous scar tissue and “loosen” depressed scars.
Injections
A series of repeated injections of medicine, such as corticosteroids, can flatten and soften raised and thick scars.
Surgery
Surgery involves raising tissue or breaking up tissue to reduce the appearance of depressed acne scars. Cryosurgery freezes off raised acne scars, but it’s not recommended for people with darker skin.
At-home or natural remedies
You should always check in with a dermatologist before trying new acne scar treatments. A doctor can determine if you have acne scars and not another condition. They can also recommend the most effective treatment.
Many ingredients in over-the-counter chemical peels have been shown to improve acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, and redness by encouraging skin cell turnover.
Look for products with the following ingredients:
- alpha-hydroxy acids, such as lactic acid, glycolic acid, and citric acid
- salicylic acid
- retinoids
- azelaic acid
Read more about at-home chemical peels.