The concern around blemishes and the marks they leave behind has increased as many people experience more breakouts in isolation. If you're looking to get rid of acne scars, it's important to understand that they can be stubborn to treat, but with time, dedication, and the right products and treatments, you can effectively reduce their appearance.

To effectively treat acne scars, it's essential to first understand that they are small depressions or indentations in the skin that result from moderate to severe acne. Additionally, it's important to note that there are different types of scars, including ice pick, rolling, and boxcar scars, depending on their size, shape, and contour. According to New York City dermatologist Shereene Idriss, acne breakouts can affect not only the top layer of the skin but also the deeper levels, and as the inflammation subsides and the skin tries to heal, scar tissue can form. Factors such as severe inflammatory acne, picking at the skin, and delayed treatment can all contribute to scarring.

It is important to differentiate between acne scars and superficial acne marks, such as brown or red spots. According to Andrew Alexis, M.D., MPH, a professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, acne scars are characterized by having an indentation or depression in the skin and are permanent if not treated. On the other hand, acne marks do resolve eventually and are characterized by flat or smooth dark spots (hyperpigmentation) or persistent red spots (erythema) at the sites of a recent acne lesion. To determine if you have acne scars, dermatologist Shereene Idriss suggests running your fingers over your face or the acne-affected area and feeling for textural changes.

To get rid of acne scars and marks, prevention is key. Dermatologist Naissan O. Wesley, M.D., FACMS recommends controlling and treating acne first before undergoing additional acne scar treatments. Some acne treatments may also improve the appearance of acne scars. For moderate to severe acne, Alexis recommends following an acne regimen prescribed by a dermatologist. For an over-the-counter treatment, Wesley suggests using a daily acne treatment that contains salicylic acid and willow bark extract in a pad form to reduce inflammation and gently exfoliate the skin surface. The treatment also contains prebiotics, polysaccharides, calendula, and sage to help heal and maintain the skin's moisture barrier.

Professional in-office treatments with lasers can be very effective in improving the appearance of acne, acne marks, and acne scars, especially when used in conjunction with topicals. Naissan O. Wesley, M.D., FACMS explains that photodynamic therapy can decrease inflammation of active acne, while vascular lasers and broadband light treatments like pulsed dye laser or IPL can improve post-inflammatory pigmentation. Non-ablative and ablative resurfacing lasers are some of the best treatments for treating acne scars, particularly those that are indented. For hypertrophic or keloid scars from acne, dermatologists may use vascular lasers or resurfacing lasers combined with topical cortisone or intralesional cortisone injections.

Aside from lasers, other in-office treatments like medical-grade chemical peels and microneedling (especially combined with PRP or platelet-rich plasma) can help diminish acne marks and scars. It's important to note that patience is key when treating any kind of acne abrasion, particularly with scars where timing and results depend on the nature of the scar and the treatments chosen to treat it. Fortunately, there are many promising technologies available today, from at-home topical treatments to medical treatments at the dermatologist's office. According to Wesley, acne scarring can be disfiguring, but with the right treatments, patients can look and feel beautiful both inside and out.