Acne Scars Don’t Have to Be Forever

What are acne scars?

Acne scars are very common and are often the result of previous breakouts. These scars could be the remnants of severe acne, or you might notice a small scar here and there from the occasional pimple that popped and didn’t heal well. Many people have acne scars of some type, so remember you’re not alone. 

Acne scars come in all shapes and sizes. Dents, discoloration, and bumps can all be acne scars. Of course, redness and acne scars are the dynamic duo you wish didn’t exist, but you can help fade discoloration or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and smooth your skin with the right treatments.

What causes acne scars?

Any damage to your skin can cause a scar. Pimples are no exception. You’ve probably heard not to pick at or pop pimples. As satisfying as it is, it’s a major cause of scarring. This is why it's best to leave the pimple popping to dermatologists to avoid small blemishes turning into stubborn scars.

What are the different types of acne scars?

Acne scars won’t look the same. The look depends on how your skin was damaged. Knowing the type you have can help you understand how to fade acne scars.

Atrophic scarring

Atrophic scarring means the scar is depressed into your skin. There are several types of atrophic scarring:

• Ice pick: An ice pick scar starts wide and narrows as it goes deeper into your skin. 
• Rolling: Like the name, these scars have sloped edges that give the appearance of hills or waves. Rolling scars are more common around the jawline and cheeks.‍
• Boxcar: A boxcar scar will have jagged, sharp edges. These scars are often deep and may appear on your jaw or cheeks.

Hypertrophic scarring 

Hypertrophic scars protrude from your skin rather than causing an indent, rising above your skin. These scars occur when your skin overgrows during the healing process. You might notice hypertrophic scars along your jaw and back. These scars are often itchy and can cause mild discomfort.

You may also experience post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which happens when a dark spot is left behind after a pimple heals. If you’re wondering how to get rid of acne dark spots, many acne hyperpigmentation treatment options are available.

Treatment

Acne scars can be frustrating, but luckily there are treatment options available to help lessen the appearance of your scars. There are many DIY acne scar treatments available as over-the-counter products or prescriptions. We recommend seeing a dermatologist for a professional opinion about the best treatment for your skin. 

Keep reading for some of the best things for scarring on your face, and learn how to heal acne scars on your face fast.

Products

• Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA): Alpha hydroxy acids act as chemical exfoliants. Products containing these acids target discoloration and help smooth your skin. 
• Lactic acid: Products with lactic acid, a powerful AHA, act as a gentle peel on your skin. This helps smooth your skin’s surface, which is ideal if you have scars that cause unevenness.
• Salicylic acid: The beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) salicylic acid is a common ingredient in many facial cleansers and can be used to clear blemishes from acne-prone skin. It’s oil soluble, meaning it works deep within the pores to break down dead skin cells and excess oil. Salicylic acid is also a gentle chemical exfoliant for your skin.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a treatment option that can help mitigate hyperpigmentation caused by skin damage. If you want to know how to reduce the redness of acne scars quickly and easily, increasing your vitamin C intake is a great place to start.

Medical procedures 

Particularly deep, dark acne scars may need more than just products. If you want to know how to get rid of raised acne scars, the following medical treatments may help:

• Chemical peels: Think of a chemical peel as exfoliation to the extreme. A chemical peel is a treatment that removes layers of old skin for a refreshed complexion. Chemical peels come in different intensities, some of which will require recovery time for your skin to heal properly. If you choose to get a chemical peel, plan to stay out of the sun for a few days. Your skin will be extra sensitive. 
• Microneedling: Microneedling involves puncturing the top layer of your skin with small needles. This treatment reduces the appearance of scars by stimulating your skin’s healing process.
• Laser treatment: Laser resurfacing treatments stimulate collagen production to help heal acne scars.
• Surgery: If you have a particularly stubborn acne scar, you can have the scar surgically removed. 

Natural solutions

If you want to try Mother Nature’s remedies, a few key ingredients can help fade your acne scars. 

• Aloe vera: You’ve probably used aloe vera to help wounds or sunburns heal. If you have a blemish that turned into a scab or wound, aloe vera is a soothing and healing natural remedy. 
• Rosehip oil: Rosehip oil contains vitamin C, which is often used to brighten your complexion. Vitamin C can help fade dark spots, so if you experience any discoloration from acne scars, rosehip oil or vitamin C serum may help.

FAQ 

Can acne scars truly go away?

While acne scars may be stubborn, you can significantly improve the appearance of these scars with the right skincare products or treatments. Scars can be difficult to fade, so remember to be patient. If your scars seem extra stubborn, make an appointment with your dermatologist to learn about custom treatment options.

Unfortunately, for those who must know how to get rid of acne scars fast, there’s no miracle product to make scars disappear overnight. We recommend taking your time to find the best solution for your skin.

Do pimple scars go away naturally?

Your skin will heal over time, but once you have a scar, it might need some extra help to heal without a mark. Not every pimple will leave a lasting impression, but if you notice scars that don’t seem to be changing over time, you might need to look into acne scar treatments.

How do you get clear skin?

Everyone’s skin is different, but there are some tried and true ingredients that may help banish your blemishes for good. Facial cleansers with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are often used for treating acne. Retinol and topical antibiotics are often prescribed for acne as topical treatments and help promote cell turnover and healing. 

We recommend keeping a consistent skincare routine, using a gentle acne-treatment cleanser, and prioritizing a great daily moisturizer. Different skin types require different products, so including an exfoliating treatment or acne serum is up to you. Most importantly: Apply sunscreen daily to avoid UV damage and allow any blemishes to heal.

And remember: To avoid acne scars, don’t pick or pop your pimples. This can damage your skin more and lead to acne scars.

Start your healing journey today

Smooth skin isn’t impossible to achieve. One simple way to help smooth your complexion is to exfoliate regularly, as this removes dead skin cells to improve skin texture. Both a physical exfoliator, like a face scrub, or a chemical exfoliator would do the trick. Luckily, chemical exfoliators are often in products that treat acne scars, so this can be a good option if you want to smooth scars on your face. Just be careful not to over-exfoliate; too much can lead to irritation.

If you aren’t sure where to start, check out honest reviews from real customers on Flip. You can find a creator with a similar skin type to yours for recommendations on what products really work.