Expert reviewed by:
Katrine Kourkina, Advanced Medical Aesthetician & Laser Technician Certified by Venus Versa
Acne often clears up after months or years, but the marks it leaves can stay. Many people wait for acne scars to fade on their own, only to find that the dents and rough texture remain long after the breakouts are gone.
That’s because some post-acne marks are not surface-level. When deep inflammation damages the skin’s structure, the body repairs it with collagen, and the repair isn’t always even. Too little collagen leaves depressed scars. Too much leaves raised ones.
The right treatment depends on your scar type, scar depth, skin tone, and how your skin heals. Skincare can improve discoloration and overall skin quality, but textured scars usually need professional treatment that stimulates collagen remodeling.
Acne Marks vs. Acne Scars
These are often confused, and they need different treatment.
Acne marks are temporary color changes after a pimple heals:
- Red or pink spots (post-inflammatory erythema)
- Brown or dark patches (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or PIH)
Marks typically improve over weeks to months with sun protection and targeted skincare.
Acne scars are changes in the skin’s actual structure. You’ll see dents, uneven texture, or raised areas, especially when light hits your skin at an angle.
Quick test: If your skin feels smooth but looks discolored, you likely have marks. If you can see or feel dents or bumps, you likely have scars. Many people have both.
Why Some People Scar and Others Don’t
Scarring depends on how severe the acne was, how much inflammation it caused, your genetics, and how your skin heals. Deep, painful lesions such as cysts and nodules are the most likely to scar. Picking and squeezing raise the risk, because they can push inflammation deeper and disrupt healing.
Treating active acne early is one of the best ways to prevent scars in the first place.
Types of Acne Scars and How They’re Treated
A skin professional will identify your scar type first, because no single treatment works for all of them.
| Scar type | What it looks like | Treatments often considered |
| Ice pick | Narrow, deep, puncture-like | TCA CROSS, punch excision, laser, combination treatment |
| Boxcar | Wider depressions with defined edges, often on cheeks | Laser resurfacing, microneedling, subcision, fillers |
| Rolling | Wave-like contour from tethered tissue | Subcision, laser, microneedling, fillers |
| Raised (hypertrophic or keloid) | Firm, thick, elevated | Steroid injections, silicone, laser, other dermatologist-guided options |
Most people have more than one scar type, which is why combination plans usually work better than a single procedure.
A note on raised scars: Hypertrophic scars and keloids can worsen with aggressive treatment, and keloids can recur after removal. These should be assessed by a dermatologist before any procedure.
Acne Scar Treatment at Home
Home care works best for marks and mild texture. It will not fill in deep scars.
Retinoids are among the best-studied ingredients for supporting skin renewal, smoothing mild texture, and preventing new breakouts. Start slowly, a few nights a week, and expect some dryness or irritation early on. Avoid prescription and over-the-counter retinoids if you’re pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding unless your doctor approves them.
Vitamin C can help brighten dark marks and dullness. It’s a helpful part of a routine, not a fix for deep scars.
Sunscreen matters more than any other step. UV exposure darkens marks and slows fading. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day, in a lightweight formula suited to acne-prone skin.
Don’t pick or squeeze. It’s the simplest and most effective way to avoid making scars worse.
Silicone gels or sheets are sometimes used for raised scars. Check with a professional first.
Professional Treatments for Acne Scars
Professional treatments resurface the skin, stimulate collagen, release scar tissue, or add volume beneath a depressed scar.
Chemical Peels
Peels use acids to remove damaged outer layers and encourage renewal. They’re best for marks, uneven tone, and mild texture. Deep ice pick and boxcar scars usually need something stronger. For darker skin tones, choose peel type and strength carefully to avoid pigmentation changes.
Microneedling
Tiny needles create controlled micro-injuries that trigger collagen and elastin production. It’s commonly used for depressed scars, uneven texture, and enlarged pores. Results build gradually over weeks to months, and most people need a series of sessions.
Dermal Fillers
Fillers can temporarily lift certain depressed scars, such as some rolling and boxcar scars, by restoring volume underneath. Results are temporary and don’t rebuild the skin’s structure, but they can soften the shadowing that makes scars noticeable.
Subcision
A fine needle releases the fibrous bands that pull rolling scars downward, letting the skin lift. It’s often paired with other treatments.
Laser Treatment
Lasers are among the most widely used options for textured scars. They create controlled injury that stimulates collagen remodeling and improves texture.
- Ablative lasers (such as CO₂ or Er: YAG) remove thin layers of skin. They tend to give stronger results but involve more downtime and risk.
- Non-ablative lasers leave the surface intact. They’re gentler with less downtime, but typically need more sessions for more modest change.
- Fractional lasers treat a pattern of microscopic zones, leaving surrounding skin intact to speed healing. They exist in both ablative and non-ablative forms.
According to the Mayo Clinic, acne scars can often be improved with procedures such as laser resurfacing and chemical peels, though complete removal isn’t always possible. [Source: Mayo Clinic, Acne scars: Diagnosis and treatment]
Safety Considerations
Darker skin tones. Lasers, peels, and microneedling can trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in deeper skin tones. This doesn’t make treatment off-limits. It means the device, settings, and prep need to be chosen carefully, ideally by a provider experienced with your skin type. Ask about their experience before booking.
Possible side effects include redness, swelling, temporary darkening or lightening, infection, and, rarely, scarring. Following aftercare closely lowers these risks.
You may need to wait or avoid treatment if you’ve taken isotretinoin recently (providers typically want a gap first), have active acne or infection in the area, are pregnant, tan easily or have recent sun exposure, or have a history of keloids.
Always disclose your medications, skin history, and recent sun exposure at your consultation.
How Long Until You See Results?
- Acne marks: Often improve over a few months with sunscreen and consistent skincare.
- Textured scars: Collagen takes time to rebuild. Improvement usually becomes noticeable over several weeks to months, with a full series of treatments.
Acne scars are permanent changes in the skin, so they can rarely be erased completely. A realistic goal is scars that are significantly less noticeable and smoother skin overall.
Choosing the Right Treatment
Consider:
- Your scar type. What works for rolling scars may not help ice pick scars.
- Your skin tone. It affects which devices and settings are safest.
- Downtime you can accept. Stronger treatments mean longer recovery.
- Your timeline and budget. A single event deadline calls for a different plan than gradual improvement.
A consultation is the best way to weigh these and build a plan.
Laser Acne Scar Treatment at Lumi Skins
At Lumi Skins, acne scar treatment focuses on improving uneven skin texture, reducing the appearance of scars, and supporting the skin’s natural collagen remodeling process. Acne scars develop when inflammation from breakouts damages the deeper layers of the skin, which is why deeper texture concerns often require professional treatments beyond topical skincare.
Using advanced skin resurfacing technology, Lumi Skins helps stimulate collagen production and improve the appearance of acne-related texture concerns, including depressed scars, uneven skin texture, and enlarged pores.
Treatments are performed by Katrine Kourkina, an advanced medical aesthetician with an undergraduate science degree in Psychology, a minor in Kinesiology from York University, and Laser Technician certification from Venus Versa. With over 5 years of experience, Katrine specializes in advanced aesthetic treatments, including acne treatments and skin resurfacing procedures.
What to Expect During Your Acne Scar Treatment
Skin Consultation and Assessment
Your treatment begins with an assessment of your skin concerns, including acne scar type, scar depth, skin sensitivity, previous treatments, and your desired results. This helps determine the most suitable approach for your skin.
Personalized Treatment Plan
Every person’s skin responds differently. Based on your consultation, a customized plan is created to address your acne scars and overall skin texture goals.
Treatment Session
The treatment uses advanced resurfacing technology to encourage collagen remodeling and improve the appearance of damaged skin. Treatment duration and comfort level depend on the area being treated and your individual skin needs.
Recovery and Aftercare
Following treatment, temporary redness or sensitivity may occur as your skin begins the renewal process. Proper aftercare helps support healing and protect your results.
Your provider may recommend:
-
Gentle skincare products
-
Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen
-
Avoiding excessive sun exposure
-
Following specific post-treatment instructions
Treatment Pricing
Acne and acne scar treatments at Lumi Skins start from $200 per session. The exact cost depends on your skin condition, treatment area, and the recommended number of sessions required to achieve your goals.
A consultation helps determine the most suitable treatment plan and expected investment for your individual concerns.
Learn more about Lumi Skins’ Laser Acne Scar Removal treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to get rid of acne scars?
Professional treatment is usually faster than skincare alone. Laser, microneedling, and peels can improve scars more quickly, depending on the scar type.
Can acne scars fade on their own?
Marks often fade naturally. True textured scars usually don’t disappear fully without treatment.
Are acne scars permanent?
Yes, but their appearance can often be significantly improved.
Does laser remove acne scars completely?
Rarely. It typically improves texture and makes scars less noticeable.
How many laser sessions are needed?
It varies with scar depth, laser type, and goals. Many people need a series of sessions.
Can skincare products remove deep scars?
They can improve tone and texture but can’t reach the structural change in deep scars.
Is laser safe for darker skin?
It can be, with the right device, settings, and an experienced provider. Ask about experience with your skin tone.
Can I treat acne scars while pregnant?
Many treatments and ingredients are avoided during pregnancy. Check with your doctor first.
Final Thoughts
Acne scars vary widely, so the best approach starts with understanding your scar type and matching it to the right treatment. Combine daily sunscreen and consistent skincare with professional treatment when texture is the concern, and set realistic expectations: smoother, less noticeable scars rather than a perfect reset.
If scars are still bothering you despite home care, a professional assessment is the best next step. Book a consultation with Lumi Skins → Book Now
This article is for general information and isn’t a substitute for medical advice. Consult a qualified professional about your skin.