Whether you had acne as a teenager or adult, they are unpleasant and can leave scars. There is no easy cure for acne scarring. Certain topical solutions, cosmetic treatments, and surgery may reduce their appearance. Below we review the best treatments for acne scars.
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The most effective treatment for acne scarring depends on the type of acne scar (atrophic or keloid) and their severity. Less severe scars can be eliminated or faded using topical solutions, while acute scarring requires professional and more invasive treatments.
Patients whose acne are severe, long-lasting, and don’t fade after using topical solutions have several professional cosmetic and medical treatments at their disposal.
Chemical peels are cosmetic treatments that use chemical solutions to dissolve damaged skin layers and reveal new, fresher-looking skin. People with atrophic scars may see results from chemical peels after a few sessions. The results vary based on the scar severity and the type of chemical peel.
Light or superficial peels are typically used for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and mild atrophic scars. Medium peels address mild and moderate atrophic scars. Deep peels require only one treatment but their intensity and invasiveness is comparable to surgery. They are used to treat deep atrophic scars.
The cost of a chemical peel ranges from $125 for a light peel to several hundred dollars for a deep peel.
Note: Learn how to choose the best chemical peel for acne scars.
Microneedling is a cosmetic treatment that uses a device with tiny needles to puncture the skin. The process triggers the body’s natural response to injury and boosts collagen production. Collagen builds new skin, evens out skin tone and texture, and breaks down scar tissue, minimizing the appearance of atrophic scars. The procedure is suitable for all skin types.
Patients with mild to moderate acne typically need three to six sessions to see results. More severe scars require additional sessions. Microneedling can significantly reduce scarring.
One microneedling session at Vibrant Skin Bar costs $300.
Laser therapy uses heat to create tiny wounds on the skin and initiate the body’s defense against injury. The new collagen rebuilds the skin and remodels tissue in deeper layers. Laser therapy is an effective treatment for keloids and hypertrophic scars.
The effectiveness of the treatment depends on the type of laser used and the type and severity of the scar.
The cost of a laser treatment for acne scars ranges from $449 for a BBL laser to $2400 for Halo Pro.
Tissue augmentation is an injectable cosmetic treatment that uses soft-tissue fillers to plump up the scar tissue and even out skin with atrophic scarring.
Dermal fillers made with hyaluronic acid, poly-L-lactic acid, or calcium hydroxylapatite are commonly used in these procedures. The results are temporary, and patients need to repeat the treatment every 6 to 18 months, depending on the scar size, to maintain the effects.
The average cost of filler ranges from $700 to $900 per syringe.
Vivace is an innovative rejuvenation technology that uses a combination of microneedling, radiofrequency, and LED light. It boosts collagen and elastin production, rebuilds the skin, and reduces the appearance of atrophic scars by filling in lesions with new, firmer skin. The results develop over several months and multiple sessions.
One session at Vibrant Skin Bar costs $800.
Subcision is a surgical procedure for atrophic scars. It uses a needle to disconnect the scar from the underlying tissue. The process causes the scarred area to move up and level with the rest of the skin. However, patients require additional cosmetic treatments, such as laser resurfacing and chemical peels, to address discoloration after the surgery.
The cost of subcision ranges from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the severity of acne scar.
Cryotherapy is a cold therapy treatment for keloid and hypertrophic scars. It freezes the scar, reducing its size. Cryotherapy minimizes the appearance of scars but isn’t effective for acne scar removal. It may be combined with other treatments for more effective results.
Medical providers prescribe corticosteroid injections for keloid and hypertrophic scars. They are injected every four to six weeks to reduce the scar size. They improve the appearance of damaged skin but cannot fully eliminate scars.
Insurance companies may cover the cost of steroid injections for acne scars if the treatment is considered medically necessary. Without insurance, the injections typically cost from $50 to $150 per session.
Topical solutions can be effective for less severe acne scar removal, typically atrophic scars. They usually contain some of the following exfoliating and acne-focused ingredients:
Salicylic, glycolic, and lactic acid gently remove the damaged top layer of skin. They may brighten discoloration and hyperpigmentation that results from acne. Fruit enzymes, such as papain and bromelain, are also effective exfoliants. Retinoids speed up cell turnover and may reduce the appearance of scars.
Products to consider if you have blemish-prone skin are included Vibrant’s 4-Step Blemish System. The products are suitable for all skin types. They even out skin tone and smooth blemishes and post-acne marks.
Note that these products offer limited results and won’t help with more severe acne scars.
The best at-home treatments for acne scars include products that deeply hydrate the skin and protect it from further damage, mostly caused by the sun. They help support your skin while undergoing more invasive treatments.
Whatever acne scar solution you choose, you need to apply sunscreen whenever you leave the house.
After hydroxy acids, retinoids, cosmetic treatments, and surgery, your skin is very sensitive. Exposure to the sun and other pollutants may negate the effects of the therapy and worsen your condition.
Popular products like Elta MD UV Clear and Alastin Hydratint Pro Mineral Sunscreen offer a high degree of protection against the sun and are suitable for all skin types, including skin that has undergone a cosmetic treatment.
Other at-home solutions for acne scars include moisturizers with niacinamide and vitamin C, ingredients which fade post-acne hyperpigmentation and brighten the skin.
Vibrant Restore contains niacinamide as an active ingredient, which helps improve scarring. The product also includes several botanicals (e.g., orange peel oil) that naturally contain vitamin C and have soothing effects on the skin. Consistent use improves skin barrier health and promotes a more even complexion.
Choosing the right treatment for your acne scar depends on the type and severity of the scarring. Consulting a dermatologist or licensed skin professional is essential in identifying the acne scar type and creating a personalized treatment plan for scar reduction.
For atrophic scars, chemical peels, microneedling, and dermal fillers are good options. For hypertrophic and keloid scars, skin professionals often suggest laser therapy, corticosteroid injections, and cryotherapy. Providers recommend supporting these treatments with topical solutions designed for blemish-prone or sensitive skin to help maintain the skin barrier and overall skin health.
Some mild post-inflammatory marks can fully fade over time, especially with appropriate treatment, proper skin care, and sun protection. However, most acne scars can only be reduced to a certain degree. With a consistent, multi-step skincare approach, many patients achieve significant improvement in skin texture and up to a 90% reduction of acne scar tissue.
It’s easy to feel hopeless when dealing with acne scars, but treatments exist. They may not fully eliminate the scars, but they can reduce their appearance. Talk to your dermatologist to determine your acne scar type and the best course of action for quick and effective results.
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