How To Get Rid of Acne Scars? Your Guide to Acne Scarring

Are you faced with scars that seem to linger on your skin?

Have you tried to remove these with no visible results?

The truth is, acne and acne scarring can be just as stressful as one another. This is precisely why taking an evidence-based, expert approach can prove to be helpful for all kinds of acne scarring.

See your guide to addressing acne scarring:

How Do Acne Scars Happen On the Skin?

When major damage hasn’t been inflicted onto the skin’s tissue, the skin is typically able to sufficiently repair itself. However, in cases where the breakout goes deep into the skin, and as a result, causes damage, this is what’s behind scarring. According to an article on PubMed Central, an “excessive collagen deposition” is what’s responsible for a Hypertrophic scar formation. This is because the body is overproducing on collagen, causing a thick and raised scar.

As noted by another PubMed Central article, Atrophic scars stem from “destructive inflammation in the deep dermis“. By doing so, it negatively impacts your skin’s ability to produce collagen for skin repair. Which is what causes the look of indentations on the skin’s surface.

Here’s How to Identify the Different Types of Acne Scars

You may find yourself wondering “So how do I know what kind of scarring I have?” There are some key signs behind each of the scar types. This can then help you to identify the kind of treatment plan that is appropriate for your skin type.

• Ice Pick Scars: As implied by its name, these kinds of scars resemble punctures made by an ice pick. However, these are often deep into the skin, which can make it more stubborn to treat.
• Boxcar Scars: These scars are flat at the base, often appearing as circular in shape, but with sharp edges. This can then be identified by either resembling a rectangle or a box.
• Rolling Scars: Wavy, ripple-like scarring that goes downwards on a relatively normal skin surface. It makes indents in the skin that may appear as tiny M letters, and are common on the cheeks and jawline.
• Keloid and Hypertrophic Scars: These scarring types are both caused by excess collagen production during healing. However, Hypertrophic scars don’t spread, and Keloids do, which is why medical intervention is needed.

*Please note that the above is a general guide on the types of skin scarring. For a professional skin evaluation, get in touch with our team of nurses for a skin consultation.

How to Get Rid of Scars On Your Face: Potential Acne Scar Treatments

While removing acne scarring isn’t guaranteed, there are ways you can reduce its appearance on the skin’s surface. Whether it’s making dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, all the way to selecting the right skincare ingredients. So in short, how to get a removal for acne scars varies from person to person.

Explore the main acne scar treatments below:

How to Heal Acne Scars Naturally

Many may find themselves contemplating “How do you remove acne scars naturally?” Luckily, some natural solutions can be useful for use on the skin. From stimulating its naturally occurring healing process, all the way to improving the appearance of mild discolouration.

According to a Science Direct article, herbal bio-actives like aloe vera contain “antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities”. All of these properties are helpful for not only targeting acne causing bacteria, but also acne scarring through antioxidants.

However, there are some natural remedies which can be effective for your skin.

See these below:

 

Natural option	What it does	Best practice
Aloe Vera	Aloe vera may help with active acne, post-acne scarring, redness, and the skin’s natural repair process.	Apply gently to the affected area to help soothe the skin and support healing.
Honey	Honey has antimicrobial qualities that may support natural tissue recovery and improve skin texture.	Apply a thin layer to the skin and leave it on for a short time or overnight, depending on skin tolerance.
Rosehip Seed Oil	Rosehip seed oil may help reduce pigmentation and discolouration. It contains Vitamin A, which supports skin healing.	Massage a small amount into the skin as part of your skincare routine.
Staying Hydrated	Drinking enough water helps hydrate the skin from within and supports the body’s natural healing process.	Drink water consistently throughout the day to support skin elasticity and collagen production.
Facial Massage and Circulation	Gentle facial massage can improve blood flow, helping deliver oxygen and nutrients that support skin repair.	Massage the face for 5–10 minutes using your hands or a gua-sha.

*If you’re wondering, “Will acne scars fade away on their own?” Superficial marks often do, given time and consistent sun protection. Deeper structural scars, however, rarely resolve without some form of active intervention.

 

Apply the Right Skincare Ingredients to Your Routine

The right acne scarring skincare routine at-home can be just as important as in-clinic. This is precisely why it’s important to choose products that contain the right topical ingredients. By selecting products formulated to address scarring, this can help to reduce the appearance of blemishes on the skin. Providing benefits like boosting collagen, and accelerating cell turnover.

See some key skincare ingredients below:

Ingredient	What it does	Best practice
Vitamin C	A powerful antioxidant that supports collagen production and helps the skin’s natural recovery process. It may also brighten the skin, fade post-acne pigmentation, and smooth the look of scarring.	Use consistently as part of a skincare routine, commonly in serum form.
Glycolic Acid	A chemical exfoliant that supports cell turnover. When introduced slowly, it may help fade hyperpigmentation and reduce the appearance of indented scars over time.	Introduce gradually and avoid overuse, especially if the skin is sensitive.
Retinoids / Vitamin A	Helps increase cell regeneration and supports collagen production. It may also reduce dark pigmentation by helping regulate melanin production.	Start slowly and use as directed, as retinoids can be strong on the skin.

*According to a Pub Med Central Study, the use of both retinoic and glycolic acid is a promising treatment. This can be described as “minimising the need of procedural treatment for acne scars”. The effectiveness can come down to how both work in synergy, boosting collagen production.

How In-Clinic Treatments Can Be Effective

While natural remedies, and skincare ingredients are promising, clinical treatments penetrate the skin layers more deeply. Which is why, these are often seen as the best treatments for acne scar removal, targeting indents like ice pick and rolling scars. This is because these kinds of blemishes are “depressed” as they potentially range from being 0.5mm, to 3.0+mm deep into the skin.

See some of the best treatments for acne scars:

Treatment	What it does	Supporting note
Fractional RF Laser	Uses radiofrequency heat and micro-needles to stimulate cellular regeneration. This can help reduce the appearance of deep acne scars.	A PubMed Central study noted fractional radio frequency as effective for acne scars across different skin types, with no adverse effects reported.
Skin Needling	Uses fine, controlled needles to create micro-channels in the skin. This helps stimulate collagen, elastin, and the skin’s natural repair response.	A PubMed Central evaluation suggests microneedling can be a safer option than more invasive treatments because the epidermis remains intact.

*At Results Laser Clinic, we offer Skin Needling and Fractional RF Laser as treatments that can address acne scarring. For a tailored solution that potentially targets your skin goals, contact our team for a consultation.

Next steps?

Results Laser Clinics is one of Australia’s most trusted providers of Laser Hair Removal, Skin treatments & Cosmetic Aesthetics Treatments. We are committed to delivering results that make you look & feel your best.

Book your free skin analysis and complimentary consultation with our experts today! You can also save time and buy treatments from the comfort of your own home via a Results Online account! Our full-price list can be found here.