Best Treatment for Acne Scars: Match the Treatment to the Scar

Separate colour from a change in texture

A brown or grey mark after a pimple may be post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. A pink or red mark can reflect lingering vascular change. These flat marks are different from a depression or raised area that changes the skin’s contour.

True acne scars include narrow ice-pick scars, broader boxcar scars and rolling depressions, as well as raised scars. People can have several types at once. The AAD acne scar overview explains why scar care starts with identifying the problem rather than treating every post-acne mark in the same way.

Look at the area in normal lighting, without stretching or squeezing it. If you are unsure what you are seeing, a consultation is more useful than selecting a product labelled simply “scar repair”.

How professional treatments are selected

For depressed scars, a dermatologist may consider approaches such as scar surgery, fillers, resurfacing or microneedling. The choice depends on the shape and depth of the scar, skin tone, medical history and expectations. More than one approach may be needed for mixed scarring.

Raised scars require a different strategy because excess scar tissue is part of the problem. Treatments may include injections or selected laser procedures. The AAD consultation and treatment guide describes why encouraging collagen is not the correct answer for every scar type.

Ask what improvement is realistic, how many visits may be needed, what downtime involves and what aftercare is required. A treatment plan should make those practical details understandable before you commit.

Treat active acne before new scars develop

If you are still getting inflamed lesions, include acne control in the plan. Otherwise, new scars can appear while older ones are being treated. Tell your clinician which acne medicines and devices you currently use and what you have tried recently.

Avoid picking at lesions or attempting home needling and aggressive peels. Inappropriate treatment can create additional inflammation or pigmentation. If scarring is already developing, seek help early rather than waiting through multiple cycles of ineffective home products.

Our guide to persistent cystic acne explains when deep lesions need dermatologist-led treatment.

What red light therapy can realistically contribute

Celluma’s Acne programme may fit a plan for suitable active acne. Treating depressed or ice-pick scars is a separate goal that needs assessment of the scar’s structure. A Wrinkles programme is not an established treatment for restoring the volume of those scars.

Research on skin appearance and collagen does not automatically establish a treatment for structural acne scarring. If a practitioner proposes light therapy around a scar procedure, ask which outcome it is intended to support and how the timing fits the aftercare instructions.

The exact device’s current manual remains the source for its programmes and use. Choose a programme for its named application, and discuss scar correction separately with your dermatologist.

Build a plan for colour changes and aftercare

Flat dark marks often call for a different conversation about acne prevention, sun protection and suitable pigment treatments. See our dark-spot guide for that specific concern. A product that improves pigmentation cannot mechanically lift a tethered scar.

After a procedure, follow the clinician’s care plan rather than adding new actives or LED sessions yourself. The AAD aftercare guidance emphasises individual instructions. Keep the treated area protected as directed and attend the planned review.

Use consistent photographs to discuss changes. The most useful outcome may be softer texture or less noticeable shadows, rather than complete removal. Agreeing that goal beforehand makes treatment decisions clearer.

Frequently asked questions

Can red light therapy remove pitted acne scars?

Celluma is not an established treatment for filling pitted scars. A dermatologist can assess the scar’s structure and discuss procedures that specifically address it.

Are flat brown acne marks permanent scars?

Usually they are pigmentation changes rather than structural scars. They may fade over time, and acne control, sun protection and suitable treatment can help.

Can one treatment fix every acne scar?

Different scars often need different or combined approaches. The right plan depends on scar type, skin tone and the improvement you want.

Should I treat acne or scars first?

Control ongoing breakouts as part of the plan so that new scars are less likely to develop. Your dermatologist can then advise when to start scar procedures.