Acne can clear in days or weeks, but the marks it leaves behind may last much longer. If you are trying to figure out how to get rid of acne scars, the first thing to know is that not every mark left by a breakout is actually a scar.
Some spots are temporary changes in skin color. Others are true scars caused by changes in collagen and skin structure. That difference matters because a cream that helps fade a dark mark usually cannot rebuild a deep ice-pick or rolling scar.
The good news is that acne scars can often be made significantly less noticeable. The right approach depends on whether you have discoloration, depressed scars, or raised scars, as well as your skin tone, active acne, treatment history, and tolerance for downtime.
Quick answer: The most effective way to get rid of acne scars is to identify the scar type first. Mild discoloration may improve with sunscreen and topical ingredients, while true depressed or raised scars often need treatments such as microneedling, chemical peels, laser resurfacing, subcision, fillers, steroid injections, or minor scar surgery.
Are Acne Marks and Acne Scars the Same Thing?
No. This is one of the most common sources of confusion.
After a pimple heals, it may leave behind a red, pink, brown, purple, or grayish spot. The skin may still feel completely flat. These marks can gradually fade because the underlying skin structure has not necessarily been permanently damaged.
A true acne scar involves a structural change in the skin.
When an inflamed acne lesion damages tissue, the body tries to repair the area by producing collagen. If too little collagen is produced, a depression can form. If too much is produced, the scar may become raised.
The American Academy of Dermatology notes that discoloration associated with a new acne scar may fade with time, while acne scars themselves rarely disappear completely without treatment.
That means your first step should not be buying a random “scar removal” product. It should be determining what you are actually treating.
Know Your Acne Scar Type Before Choosing Treatment
Different acne scars respond differently to treatment. Someone with rolling scars may need an entirely different strategy from someone with ice-pick scars or keloids.
Ice-Pick Scars
Ice-pick scars are narrow, deep indentations that extend downward into the skin.
Imagine a tiny hole that looks wider at the surface and becomes narrower as it goes deeper. These scars commonly occur on areas such as the forehead and upper cheeks.
Because they can extend relatively deeply, superficial skincare alone usually cannot completely correct them.
Dermatologists may consider procedures such as punch excision or other targeted techniques for particularly deep scars.
Boxcar Scars
Boxcar scars are depressed scars with more clearly defined edges. They may be shallow or deep and commonly appear on the cheeks and jaw.
Depending on their depth, treatment may involve resurfacing procedures, microneedling, fillers, laser treatment, or a combination of approaches.
Rolling Scars
Rolling scars have sloping edges that create a wavy or uneven skin texture.
Some rolling scars are tethered to deeper tissue by fibrous bands. When that happens, simply resurfacing the top of the skin may not address the underlying problem.
Subcision can be used to release these fibrous bands so the depressed area can rise closer to the surrounding skin surface.
Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars
Unlike atrophic scars, hypertrophic and keloid scars are raised.
They form when the healing process produces excess fibrous tissue and collagen. Raised acne scars are more frequently seen on areas such as the chest, back, shoulders, and jawline.
These scars require a different approach from depressed scars. Steroid injections, for example, may be used to soften and flatten certain raised scars.
How to Get Rid of Acne Scars at Home
Home treatment has limitations.
Skincare can improve skin tone, reduce the appearance of some superficial imperfections, and prevent new acne from creating additional scars. But skincare cannot physically release tethered scars or replace substantial tissue lost from a deep atrophic scar.
Use Sunscreen Every Day
Daily sun protection is one of the simplest steps you can take.
Sun exposure can make differences between scarred and surrounding skin more noticeable, especially when post-acne discoloration is present.
Mayo Clinic specifically identifies sunscreen as a home-care measure that can help reduce the contrast between scarred and unscarred skin.
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen appropriate for your skin and use it consistently rather than only after cosmetic procedures.
Consider Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid is commonly used in acne-focused skincare and may also help some people dealing with discoloration associated with breakouts.
Mayo Clinic lists azelaic acid among topical ingredients that may help with the appearance of acne scars.
Its role is very different from that of procedures such as subcision or punch excision. Think of it primarily as part of a broader skincare strategy rather than a way to erase deep scars.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Alpha hydroxy acids, or AHAs, exfoliate the skin’s surface and are found in various skincare products and professional chemical peels.
Hydroxy acids may help improve surface texture and discoloration in suitable cases.
Stronger is not automatically better. Overusing acids can irritate the skin, and irritation can make pigmentation problems more troublesome.
Retinoids
Topical retinoids are widely used in acne management because they influence skin-cell turnover and help prevent clogged pores.
They can be particularly useful when you are simultaneously trying to control ongoing acne and improve overall skin texture.
However, a topical retinoid should not be expected to fill a deep boxcar scar or release a tethered rolling scar.
If you have sensitive skin, use prescription treatments, are pregnant or planning pregnancy, or are unsure which retinoid is appropriate, discuss your skincare routine with a healthcare professional.
The Best Professional Treatments for Acne Scars
If you have visible indentations or raised scars, professional treatment is usually where the biggest improvements occur.
There is no universally “best” acne scar procedure. Mayo Clinic emphasizes that treatment should be selected according to factors such as scar type, skin type, and scar severity, and multiple approaches may be combined.
Microneedling
Microneedling creates controlled microscopic injuries in the skin using very small needles.
These injuries trigger a wound-healing response and stimulate collagen formation. Over a series of treatments, this remodeling process may make depressed acne scars less noticeable.
Microneedling is often considered for atrophic acne scarring because it does not depend solely on removing the outermost layer of skin.
Results are gradual rather than immediate.
A recent systematic review comparing microneedling with chemical peels found the two approaches broadly comparable for atrophic acne scars, with no clear overall superiority for achieving clinically significant improvement.
Microneedling should be performed appropriately. Aggressive DIY needling can cause infection, inflammation, or unwanted pigmentation rather than improving scars.
Chemical Peels
A chemical peel involves applying a controlled chemical solution to the skin.
Depending on the formulation and depth, the peel removes damaged surface layers and promotes regeneration. Superficial or medium-depth approaches may be used for selected cases of acne scarring and discoloration.
Chemical peels vary enormously in strength.
A mild home exfoliating acid and a professionally performed deep peel are not equivalent treatments.
Potential side effects include irritation and changes in skin color, and Mayo Clinic notes that pigmentation changes can be a particular concern with deeper peels in darker skin.
Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing uses controlled energy to remodel damaged skin and stimulate new collagen formation.
Broadly, treatments can include ablative and non-ablative approaches. The appropriate option depends on the type and severity of scarring, desired downtime, and individual skin characteristics.
Laser treatment can produce meaningful improvements, but it is not automatically the right first choice for everyone.
People with darker skin tones or a history of keloids may have a greater risk of certain complications with some laser procedures, making careful treatment selection particularly important.
Recent research also suggests that combination approaches involving lasers and other treatments can perform well for certain outcomes, although the ideal strategy still needs to be individualized.
Subcision
Subcision is particularly useful when a depressed scar is being pulled downward by fibrous tissue underneath it.
A healthcare professional inserts a needle beneath the scar to release the fibrous bands. Once the scar is released, the skin can rise toward its natural position.
This makes subcision especially relevant to certain rolling and tethered scars.
It may also be combined with resurfacing, microneedling, fillers, or other treatments depending on the scar pattern.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers can temporarily lift some depressed scars.
A healthcare professional injects a filler beneath the indentation, adding volume so the scar becomes more level with surrounding skin.
Potential filler materials can include hyaluronic acid and other substances.
Fillers can work particularly well when volume loss contributes to the appearance of a scar, but many fillers are temporary. Maintenance treatments may therefore be required.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion mechanically removes upper layers of skin using specialized equipment.
It is more intensive than everyday exfoliation or microdermabrasion and may be considered for more significant scarring.
According to Mayo Clinic, surface scars may sometimes be substantially improved while deeper scars can become less noticeable. Possible complications include additional scarring and changes in pigmentation.
Punch Excision
Very deep, narrow scars sometimes respond poorly to treatments aimed at the entire skin surface.
Punch excision takes a different approach.
A dermatologist removes an individual scar using a small circular surgical instrument and then closes the area. The goal is to replace the deep indentation with a smaller, flatter scar that can heal more predictably.
It can be especially useful for selected deep pitted scars.
Steroid Injections for Raised Scars
If you have hypertrophic or keloid acne scars, treatments designed for depressed scars may not make sense.
Steroid injections can help soften and flatten certain raised scars by affecting the excess scar tissue.
These injections should be administered by a qualified healthcare professional because technique and dosing matter.
Which Acne Scar Treatment Works Best?
There is no single winner because “acne scars” describes several structurally different problems.
| Scar or concern | Treatments commonly considered |
|---|---|
| Post-acne discoloration | Sunscreen, azelaic acid, appropriate exfoliating acids |
| Mild textural scars | Microneedling, chemical peels, selected resurfacing |
| Rolling/tethered scars | Subcision, sometimes combined with fillers or resurfacing |
| Boxcar scars | Microneedling, laser resurfacing, fillers or other procedures depending on depth |
| Deep ice-pick scars | Targeted procedures such as punch techniques |
| Raised hypertrophic scars | Steroid injections and other scar-specific therapies |
| Keloid scars | Dermatologist-directed treatment rather than routine resurfacing |
The key principle is scar matching.
Using an expensive procedure that does not address the structure of your scar can produce disappointing results even when the procedure itself is effective.
This is also why combination treatment is common. One person can have rolling, boxcar, and ice-pick scars at the same time. Cleveland Clinic notes that people often have more than one acne scar type.
Microneedling vs. Chemical Peels: Which Is Better?
Both treatments are widely used for atrophic acne scars.
Current evidence does not support a simple claim that one is always superior.
A 2026 systematic review and meta-analysis involving 11 studies and 713 participants found no significant difference between microneedling and chemical peels in achieving clinically significant improvement. Microneedling showed a higher likelihood of achieving at least some improvement, but the authors concluded that treatment should be individualized.
Combination therapy is also being studied.
Evidence from other analyses suggests combining treatments can sometimes produce better outcomes than using one procedure alone, although results depend on the treatment combination and patient characteristics.
The practical takeaway is simple: choose treatment based on your scar type and skin rather than whichever procedure is currently most popular.
Can Acne Scars Completely Disappear?
Sometimes scars can become difficult to notice, but complete removal is not a realistic promise for everyone.
The American Academy of Dermatology explains that acne scars can fade but rarely disappear entirely on their own. Professional treatment can make skin look smoother and more even.
The amount of improvement depends on factors including:
- Scar depth and type
- Number of scars
- Skin tone
- Age of the scars
- Ongoing acne
- Collagen response
- Treatment chosen
- Number of sessions
- Aftercare
- Individual healing characteristics
Think in terms of improvement rather than erasure.
That creates a much more realistic treatment goal.
How Long Does It Take to Improve Acne Scars?
Acne scar treatment usually requires patience.
Collagen remodeling is gradual. Procedures such as microneedling may require multiple sessions, while temporary treatments such as fillers may eventually need maintenance.
Cleveland Clinic notes that people undergoing microneedling may require several treatments for optimal improvement.
Your timeline will depend heavily on the treatment.
A superficial discoloration may fade gradually with skincare and sun protection, whereas deep structural scars may require a treatment plan extending over several months.
Be cautious of products promising to permanently erase deep acne scars in a few days.
Should You Treat Active Acne Before Acne Scars?
Usually, controlling ongoing acne is a major priority.
If new inflammatory breakouts keep forming, new scars can continue developing while you are trying to correct older ones.
Early acne treatment is also an important part of scar prevention.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends treating acne early and continuing treatment, particularly because deeper inflammatory breakouts have a greater potential to scar.
A dermatologist can determine whether active acne needs to be brought under better control before starting certain resurfacing procedures.
How to Prevent New Acne Scars
Preventing another scar is often easier than treating one later.
Don’t Pick or Squeeze Pimples
Picking a breakout increases inflammation and can damage surrounding tissue.
The more inflamed a lesion becomes, the greater the potential for scarring.
The American Academy of Dermatology specifically recommends avoiding picking, popping, scratching, and squeezing acne because these behaviors can increase inflammation, infection risk, discoloration, and scarring.
Treat Inflammatory Acne Early
Deep, painful nodules and cyst-like lesions deserve attention.
Waiting until severe acne has been present for months can allow additional scars to form.
If over-the-counter treatments are not controlling your acne, professional treatment may help reduce both breakouts and future scarring.
Keep Your Routine Gentle
Trying to “scrub away” acne scars often backfires.
Aggressive scrubs, excessive acids, frequent peeling, and picking at flaky skin can compromise the skin barrier and increase irritation.
A basic routine may be more useful:
- Gentle cleanser
- Appropriate acne or pigmentation treatment
- Moisturizer
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day
Add active ingredients gradually rather than introducing several strong products at once.
Common Mistakes When Trying to Get Rid of Acne Scars
One mistake is treating every post-acne mark as a scar.
Another is expecting topical skincare to rebuild a deep indentation.
People also frequently switch products too quickly. Scar remodeling takes time, and constantly changing your routine makes it difficult to tell what is actually helping.
Other common mistakes include:
- Picking active acne
- Using harsh physical scrubs
- Applying strong chemical peels at home without proper knowledge
- Performing aggressive DIY microneedling
- Skipping sunscreen
- Treating raised scars like depressed scars
- Expecting one procedure to correct several scar types
- Assuming the most expensive procedure must be the best one
- Starting scar treatment while severe acne remains uncontrolled
A scar-specific treatment plan is generally more useful than throwing multiple trending products at your skin.
Does Skin Tone Affect Acne Scar Treatment?
Yes.
Some procedures can trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, especially when the skin experiences significant inflammation.
Chemical peels and lasers therefore require thoughtful selection of treatment strength and technique.
Mayo Clinic specifically notes an increased risk of certain side effects from laser resurfacing in people with darker skin, while deeper chemical peels can also cause skin-color changes.
This does not mean darker skin cannot be treated.
It means skin type and pigmentation risk should be considered when selecting the device, treatment depth, settings, and aftercare.
A dermatologist experienced in treating your skin tone can help minimize unnecessary risk.
When Should You See a Dermatologist?
Consider professional evaluation when acne scars are deep, widespread, raised, painful, itchy, or significantly affecting how you feel about your skin.
It is also worth getting evaluated if you cannot tell whether you have scars or post-inflammatory discoloration.
A dermatologist can examine your skin and determine:
- Which scar types you have
- How severe they are
- Whether scars are tethered
- Whether active acne should be treated first
- Your risk of pigmentation changes or keloids
- Which procedures are likely to offer meaningful improvement
- Whether several treatments should be combined
This assessment matters because two people who appear to have similar “acne scars” in a photograph may have very different scar structures.
A Practical Plan for How to Get Rid of Acne Scars
If you are unsure where to begin, keep the process straightforward.
Step 1: Control active acne. Preventing new scars should come before repeatedly repairing old ones.
Step 2: Identify what remains. Determine whether you have flat discoloration, depressed scars, raised scars, or a mixture.
Step 3: Protect your skin from the sun. Consistent sunscreen can help prevent discoloration from becoming more noticeable.
Step 4: Use appropriate skincare. Ingredients such as azelaic acid or hydroxy acids may help selected superficial concerns, but don’t expect skincare to reconstruct deep scars.
Step 5: Get structural scars assessed. Depressed or raised scars often benefit most from professional procedures.
Step 6: Match treatment to scar type. Microneedling, peels, lasers, fillers, subcision, punch techniques, and steroid injections solve different problems.
Step 7: Give treatment time. Collagen remodeling and pigmentation changes do not happen overnight.
Learning how to get rid of acne scars ultimately comes down to understanding what kind of scar you have rather than searching for one universal cure. Flat post-acne marks may respond to consistent skincare and sun protection, while true structural scars often need targeted dermatologic procedures.
Start by controlling new breakouts, avoid picking your skin, protect it from UV exposure, and set realistic expectations. If your scars are indented, raised, persistent, or difficult to classify, a dermatologist can help build a treatment plan around the actual structure of your scars rather than relying on trial and error.
