How to Get Rid of Acne Scars: Treatment Options That Work

Acne scars affect up to 95% of people with moderate to severe acne, leaving behind visible reminders long after breakouts clear. While these scars won't disappear overnight, proven treatments can significantly improve their appearance. The right approach depends on your scar type, skin tone, and whether you choose at-home care or professional procedures.

Understanding Your Scar Type

Atrophic scars—the most common type—create depressions in your skin. These include ice pick scars (60-70% of cases), boxcar scars (20-30%), and rolling scars (15-25%). Each responds differently to treatment, which is why dermatologists often combine multiple approaches for the best results.

At-Home Treatment Options

Retinoids

Topical retinoids help rebuild collagen in scar tissue. Studies show tazarotene cream produces improvement comparable to some professional treatments. Retinoids work best for shallow scars and post-inflammatory marks, but you'll need consistent use for at least 3-6 months to see changes. The maximum effect can take 1-2 years.

Vitamin C and Niacinamide

Vitamin C supports collagen production and wound healing, making it useful for mild scars. Niacinamide excels at fading dark spots and redness from post-inflammatory marks. However, neither ingredient creates significant improvement in deep indentations—those need professional intervention.

Professional Procedures That Deliver Results

Laser Therapy

Fractional CO2 lasers show strong results for deep scars, with research indicating superior outcomes to most other forms of treatment. Lasers trigger new collagen formation but require longer recovery time and carry higher complication risks, especially for darker skin. Most people need several sessions.

Microneedling

In one trial, 73% of patients who received microneedling improved by two or more grades on standard scarring scales. Most people need 3-6 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart. Microneedling is also safer for darker skin tones than laser treatments.

Chemical Peels

Medium-depth chemical peels remove damaged skin layers, helping with discoloration and shallow scars. They work best when combined with other treatments rather than used alone. Expect 3-6 treatments for noticeable improvement.

Dermal Fillers

Fillers temporarily plump depressed scars, providing immediate improvement for rolling scars. Results last 6-18 months before requiring repeat treatment.

Surgical excision

For deep or large scars, it is possible to have skilled surgeon remove the scar tissue and suture the area closed. This will leave a scar, but in the right hands it can result in a much improved scar.

Realistic Timelines and Expectations

At-home treatments require 3-6 months of consistent use before visible changes appear. Professional procedures work faster but still need multiple sessions. Research shows combination therapy—using several treatments together—produces the best outcomes. For example, pairing microneedling with chemical peels significantly outperforms either treatment alone.

Daily sunscreen is essential during any scar treatment, as sun exposure darkens scars and reduces treatment effectiveness.

When to See a Dermatologist

Consult a board-certified dermatologist if you have moderate to severe scarring that is bothersome or if you're considering professional treatments. A dermatologist can assess your scar type and skin tone to create a personalized treatment plan that balances effectiveness with safety.

While acne scars can feel permanent, proven treatments exist for every scar type and budget. The key is matching the right approach to your specific scarring pattern and committing to the treatment timeline.