How to Get Rid of Acne Scars

Healing the Marks Acne Leaves Behind

Clearing acne is one victory - but for many people, the journey doesn’t end there. Even after breakouts fade, acne scars and post-inflammatory marks can linger, affecting skin texture and confidence.

At Skin Ritual, we understand that acne scarring isn’t just a surface issue - the psychological and emotional impact can be immense.

Let's talk about how acne scars form, what truly works to fade them, and when to seek professional treatment.

What Causes Acne Scars

Acne scars develop when inflammation from acne causes deep structural damage within the skin, or triggers over-production of melanin or new blood vessels. They’re not all the same - and the right treatment depends on which type of acne scarring you have.

The main categories include:

• Post-Inflammatory Erythema (PIE): red or pink marks from dilated capillaries.

• Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): brown marks caused by excess melanin pigment.

• Atrophic scars: indented texture/dips in the skin (aka, boxcar, rolling, or ice-pick scars), created when structural damage occurs deep in the skin.

Understanding the difference is key: hyper-pigmentation often fades with time and gentle resurfacing, as does PIE - while true textural scars require collagen-remodelling treatments.

Can Acne Scars Be Removed Completely?

This is one of the most common questions we’re asked. While no treatment can erase scars overnight, professional therapies can dramatically smooth texture, even tone, and restore your skin’s natural luminosity. With the right approach, many clients see visible transformation within a few sessions - and continued improvement for months as collagen rebuilds. However it is important to understand that not all scars can be completely removed - treatment success depends on the severity of the scarring, and your individual wound healing process.

Professional Treatments for Acne Scars

At Skin Ritual, we combine evidence-based technology with an understanding of skin sensitivity and healing. Here’s how we treat acne scars safely and effectively:

1. SkinPen Microneedling

Microneedling uses precision-controlled needles to create micro-channels in the skin, triggering collagen and elastin production. It’s ideal for smoothing fine lines and atrophic (textural) scars. Results appear gradually over several months as new collagen develops.

👉 Learn more about SkinPen Microneedling.

2. Aerolase Neo Elite Laser

Our Aerolase laser targets redness, pigment, and residual bacteria without damaging the skin surface. It’s particularly effective for red or pink scars (PIE) and can also calm lingering inflammation. Most clients describe it as warm, not painful, with no downtime.

3. Advanced Chemical Peels

For uneven tone or mild textural roughness, a course of professional peels accelerates cell renewal and brightens pigmentation. They can sometimes be combined with laser treatments for enhanced results.

Explore our Treatment Plans for tailored combination therapy options.

Skincare For Acne Scars

Professional treatments create change - but home care supports those changes.

Use ingredients that stimulate repair and protect your results:

• Vitamin A (retinoids): increase cell turnover and collagen.

• Niacinamide: reduces pigmentation and strengthens the barrier.

• AHAs (lactic or glycolic acid): gently resurface and smooth.

• Daily SPF 30+: essential to prevent pigment from returning.

Avoid aggressive scrubbing or picking - both can delay healing and worsen scarring.

Acne Scars: Before and After, How Long Does It Take To Heal Acne Scars?

Results are cumulative and subtle at first, then steadily noticeable as new collagen forms. Expect smoother skin texture, more even tone, and a gradual softening of marks over 6-12 months. Your therapist will guide you on the ideal treatment frequency - typically every 4 weeks.

Preventing Future Scars

The best way to prevent new scars is to manage active acne early. Treat breakouts promptly, keep inflammation low, and avoid squeezing or picking.

Read our full guide on How to Get Rid of Acne for prevention tips and in-clinic solutions.

FAQs

How to remove acne scars? Through collagen-stimulating treatments like microneedling, laser, and peels, combined with targeted home care.

Can acne scars be removed completely? They can be significantly reduced in depth, colour, and visibility. True erasure is rare - but transformation is absolutely achievable.

Why do acne scars turn red or dark? Redness indicates vascular healing (PIE); darkness is melanin overproduction (PIH). Both respond to laser treatments or chemical resurfacing.

What treatments does Skin Ritual offer for acne scars? Microneedling, Aerolase Neo Elite and advanced resurfacing peels - all customised to your skin type.

Your Next Step

Acne scars tell a story of healing - but they don’t have to be permanent reminders. With the right combination of professional treatment and home support, smoother, clearer skin is absolutely possible.

Start your journey with a personalised consultation at Skin Ritual Newmarket and discover the confidence of healthy, even skin.