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Do Acne Scars Go Away? What to Expect

If you have acne scars, you're not alone. Studies show that about 1 in 5 people who develop acne will have some degree of scarring. The answer to whether they go away depends on what type of marks you have on your skin.

The good news: some marks from acne will fade over time on their own. The bad news: true acne scars are permanent without treatment. Understanding the difference can help you set realistic expectations and decide if you need professional help.

What Fades on Its Own vs. What Stays

Not all marks left behind by acne are true scars. Here's how to tell the difference:

Post-Inflammatory Marks (Temporary)

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) appears as flat, dark spots where breakouts healed. These marks are caused by excess melanin production and can fade naturally over 6 to 24 months, though some may take longer. Darker skin tones tend to experience PIH more frequently and it may persist longer.

Post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) shows up as pink or red flat marks. These typically fade faster than dark spots, often within 3 to 6 months, as the blood vessels beneath your skin heal.

True Acne Scars (Permanent)

Acne scars involve changes to your skin's structure and won't go away without treatment. The American Academy of Dermatology notes these develop when acne causes damage deep enough to affect the collagen in your skin.

The most common types include:

• Ice pick scars: Deep, narrow pits that make up 60-70% of atrophic scars
• Boxcar scars: Wide, angular depressions with defined edges (20-30% of cases)
• Rolling scars: Broader, wave-like indentations (15-25% of cases)
• Hypertrophic scars: Raised, thick areas where too much collagen formed

These permanent scars may actually become more noticeable with age as your skin loses collagen and elasticity over time.

Why Some People Scar and Others Don't

Your risk of developing permanent acne scars increases if you have severe, deep acne (especially cystic breakouts), pick or squeeze your pimples, delay treatment for active acne, or have a family history of acne scarring. How your body heals wounds plays a major role in whether you'll develop scars.

How to Help Marks Fade Faster

While true scars need professional treatment, you can help temporary marks fade more quickly:

• Wear sunscreen daily (UV exposure darkens marks and slows fading)
• Try ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, or retinoids that support skin renewal
• Keep treating active acne to prevent new marks
• Be patient - even temporary marks take months to fade

Treatment Options for Permanent Scars

Dermatologists have effective treatments for permanent acne scars. Recent research shows combination approaches work best, with options tailored to your specific scar type. Common treatments include laser resurfacing, microneedling, chemical peels for milder scarring, subcision for rolling scars, and punch techniques for deep ice pick scars.

Most treatments require multiple sessions and can improve scars by 25-75%, though complete removal isn't always possible.

When to See a Dermatologist

Consider professional evaluation if you have depressed or raised scars that haven't improved after 6-12 months, marks that bother you or affect your confidence, active acne that's causing new scarring, or uncertainty about whether you have temporary marks or true scars. A dermatologist can assess your skin, explain which marks will fade naturally, and recommend treatments for permanent scars.

The Cleveland Clinic emphasizes that early acne treatment is your best defense against scarring. Treating breakouts promptly can prevent the deep inflammation that leads to permanent marks.

The Bottom Line

Dark or red marks from acne often fade naturally over time, though it may take many months. True acne scars involving skin texture changes are permanent without treatment but can be significantly improved with professional procedures. The key is distinguishing between temporary discoloration and structural scarring, then choosing the right approach for your situation.

References

  1. American Academy of Dermatology. Acne scars: Overview. American Academy of Dermatology. 2024 [cited Oct 8, 2025]. Available from: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/derm-treat/scars
  2. Cleveland Clinic. Acne Scars: Causes, Diagnosis, Types & Treatment. Cleveland Clinic. 2024 [cited Oct 8, 2025]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21222-acne-scars
  3. Davis EC, Callender VD. Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. 2024 [cited Oct 8, 2025]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559150/
  4. Bhardwaj D, Khunger N. Effective Treatments of Atrophic Acne Scars. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. 2015 [cited Oct 8, 2025]. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4445894/
  5. Ahmed ZS, Aboelmagd M, et al. Advancements in Acne Scar Treatment: Exploring Novel Therapies. Cureus. 2024 [cited Oct 8, 2025]. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12046493/
  6. Villainess J. How to get rid of acne scars: Treatments and home remedies. Medical News Today. 2024 [cited Oct 8, 2025]. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324784

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new skincare treatment, especially if you have underlying health conditions, are pregnant, or are taking medications.

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