Acne scars – What can I do to reduce or remove them?

This method is undoubtedly worth a try, since it’s comparatively easy, convenient and affordable. You can massage your own skin, or have it massaged professionally if you prefer. 

It can prove effective too − the moisturising products and the massage effect improve skin circulation and the suppleness of scar tissue − but you’ll need to massage regularly and be patient as results will take time.

When selecting a product be sure to choose one that is non-comedogenic so as not to promote a recurrence of acne.

Specialists (dermatologists and/or beauticians) can treat acne scars with peels. Fruit Acid, Salicylic Acid or Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) are used, in varying concentrations, to remove the outermost layers of skin. As skin heals, scars may be less visible and your complexion will be smoother and more even overall. 

Fruit Acids are frequently used to treat skin marked or scarred by acne. Milder concentrations (up to 12%) are available for home use whereas beauticians have access to concentrations up to 40% and dermatologists can use concentrations up to 70%. Your dermatologist will be able to advice on the most appropriate concentration for your skin. Several peels are normally required before results are noticeable.

N.B. Skin can be very sensitive after a chemical and/or fruit acid peel, so it’s important you avoid direct sunlight (and solariums) and apply a high sun protection factor such as Eucerin Sun Gel-Creme Oil Control Dry Touch SPF50+.

This is a relatively gentle form of dermabrasion where the upper layers of the skin are removed mechanically with the help of small crystals. The treatment has a positive effect on the complexion and is suitable for dry skin, large pores or other scars too.

Microdermabrasion is pain-free and is usually carried out by a beautician. You’ll need to have regular treatments to achieve effective and lasting results.

There are devices available for home use, but microneedling is best and safest when carried out by a dermatologist or beautician to avoid the risk of further inflammation.

Facial skin is treated with a dermaroller. A dermaroller is a device fitted with numerous fine needles no more than 0.5 mm in length. These needles pierce the top layer of the skin, which sends a signal that there has been an injury that needs to be repaired. Skin responds by releasing more Collagen, Elastin and Hyaluronic Acid and, in just a short time, skin can appear tighter, younger and fresher.

Acne scars can also be treated with injections. 

Hyaluronic Acid can be injected under the indentation of atrophic scars to fill them in. However, since Hyaluronic Acid is gradually broken down by the body, results will only be short term.

The benefit of injections on hypertrophic scars is normally longer term. When injected with cortisone, the scar tissue breaks down and the elevation reduces.

One option for the treatment of keloid scars is cryotherapy. This involves a doctor ‘freezing’ the skin and then injecting a cortisone formula into the scar tissue. A downside is that this treatment generally takes quite a long time, sometimes even years, to deliver results. This is because each scar must be treated individually and the keloid reduced bit by bit. It can help to alleviate unsightly scars, but you’ll need to be patient.

With laser therapy, the skin is injured in a targeted way so as to activate its natural self-healing process. Once skin is renewed, the complexion appears smoother. There is a wide range of laser variants available and this treatment should only be conducted by an experienced dermatologist in order to avoid injuries to surrounding skin. Unfortunately, again, multiple sessions are required for visible, long-lasting results.