About all

Removal of acne marks: Acne scars: What’s the best treatment?

How to Treat Acne Scars and Marks 2018

How to Treat Acne Scars and Marks 2018

SubscribeGive A Gift

Things you buy through our links may earn Vox Media a commission

Photo: George Marks/Getty Images

You may have noticed some posts from our friends at the Strategist on the Cut. They’ll be dropping in every now and again, sharing their expertise on the basics you don’t have time to research and the weird and wonderful things you don’t yet know you need.

Even if battling zits is a distant memory, filed away with high-school gym class and algebra tests, acne marks and scars can annoyingly linger long after pimples are gone. “If someone gets a very large pimple or cyst, the natural healing process of the skin will create a scar,” says David Avram, M.D., of Heights Dermatology and Laser. “The more intense the inflammation, the more likely it will leave a scar.”

True acne scars — as in indentations in the skin like ice-pick scars — can only be erased with professional procedures like microneedling or lasers. Fortunately, what most of us refer to as “scars,” according to Julia Tzu, M.D., founder and medical director of Wall Street Dermatology, are actually marks caused by post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (brown spots) or post-inflammatory erythema (red spots), that will fade over several months or years. Fortunately, there are products that can speed up the process.

We spoke with Tzu, Avram, Arielle Nagler, M. D., of NYU Langone Medical Center, and Michele Farber, M.D., of Schweiger Dermatology, to get their recommendations for treating, preventing, and camouflaging acne marks.

How to treat existing acne scars

CeraVe Face Sunscreen With Zinc Oxide Broad Spectrum SPF 50

$15

Since the UV rays and visible light from the sun can further darken acne marks, all the dermatologists agree it’s essential to wear sunscreen daily. “Sun protection can make a big difference in whether or not these marks remain permanent,” says Nagler, so much so that she’ll often recommend patients wait and see what their scars look like after a year of careful sun protection before opting for an expensive or invasive procedure. This CeraVe oil-free sunscreen is ideal for acne-prone skin, and also contains niacinamide, which is known to help brighten skin and fight inflammation.

$15

at Ulta Beauty

Buy

RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream

$25

Despite its name, this RoC cream is for more than just wrinkles. Retinol, its active ingredient, works to fade marks by increasing the rate of cell turnover. Avram likes RoC for its powerful retinol, available without a prescription.

Ambi Skincare Fade Cream

$5

Both Avram and Tzu recommend looking for products with mark-fading hydroquinone. Ambi Fade Cream includes 2 percent hydroquinone, the highest concentration allowed without a prescription. “It also contains soy, which is well known for treating pigmentation issues, and vitamin E which helps with scarring,” says Tzu. While the FDA considers hydroquinone safe, it is banned in Europe and can potentially cause irritation or further discoloration, so remember to patch-test and check with a dermatologist whether it’s right for you.

$5

at Amazon

Buy

$8

at Target

Buy

SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense

$98

From the makers of every beauty editor’s favorite vitamin C serum, this SkinCeuticals potion is specifically designed for fading and preventing hyperpigmentation. It features niacinamide for brightening and evening skin tone, and kojic acid for lightening dark spots. It’s a good alternative if you don’t want to use hydroquinone.

PCA Skin Pigment Gel HQ Free

$57

thecut.com/_components/clay-paragraph/instances/cjixe82w000ai395ze46o7qii@published” data-word-count=”54″>Another ingredient derms like for fading marks is azelaic acid. Farber says it inhibits the formation of an enzyme called tyrosinase, which in turn stops the mechanism that produces skin-darkening melanin. This PCA treatment pairs azelaic acid with kojic acid and exfoliators like lactic and glycolic acids for a multi-pronged attack on dark marks.

$57

at Lovely Skin

Buy

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

$11

And an under-$10 azelaic acid from cult skin-care favorite the Ordinary.

$11

at Sephora

Buy

$11

at Ulta Beauty

Buy

SkinCeuticals C + AHA

$136

thecut.com/_components/clay-paragraph/instances/cjixeazwf00aw395zg45w0dxh@published” data-word-count=”92″>Yes, it’s another pricey SkinCeuticals serum, but dermatologists absolutely love their products for treating acne marks. You’ll get more bang for your buck with the inclusion of glycolic and lactic acids, two alpha-hydroxy acids that Avram says help fade marks by exfoliating the top surface of the skin. Nagler says “vitamin C is helpful as an adjunct in preventing free radical damage, which helps with pigmentation.” It’s also worth investing in a high-quality serum since, according to Nagler, vitamin C isn’t stable — and is therefore less effective — in some other products.

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum

$90

Some acids can be tough on the skin, especially on sensitive skin, so Farber is a fan of this Drunk Elephant serum she calls “less irritating, relatively tolerable, and not as drying.

$90

at Sephora

Buy

$90

at Ulta Beauty

Buy

How to prevent them

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash

$7

When it comes to acne scars — especially difficult to treat indented or raised ones — the best offense is a good defense. If you’re still struggling with active acne and want to avoid future scarring, Avram likes this drugstore-staple Neutrogena wash because it contains salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid that he says “exfoliates the skin, softens the appearance of the acne itself, and has some antibacterial properties.”

$7

at Ulta Beauty

Buy

PanOxyl Acne Creamy Wash, 4% Benzoyl Peroxide (Pack of 2)

$22

thecut.com/_components/clay-paragraph/instances/cjixedstv00bh495zogsepfs8@published” data-word-count=”35″>Another one of Avram’s favorite preventative ingredients is benzoyl peroxide. It works by killing off acne-causing bacteria and reducing inflammation in the skin. A wash, like this one, will help prevent new acne from forming.

$22

at Amazon

Buy

$22

at Amazon

Buy

Differin Acne Treatment Gel

$18

Skin-care geeks rejoiced when the formerly Rx-only Differin gel became available over the counter, in 2016. A prescription-strength retinoid, Differin also affects cell turnover faster than OTC retinols to prevent the formation of new acne. Avram recommends it for those dealing with a lot of small pimples and only the occasional monster cyst. Because Nagler says retinoids “encouraging collagen remodeling,” a well-tolerated formula like Differin can also reduce the appearance of deeper scars.

$18

at Ulta Beauty

Buy

How to camouflage the ones you have

Clinique Redness Solutions Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15 With Probiotic Technology

$29

While you’re waiting on all those active ingredients to kick in, Tzu says it’s best to use “makeup or foundation with a green tint to neutralize the redness.” She likes the Clinique Redness Solutions line, designed to color-correct red marks or spots. While this foundation includes SPF, it’s still best to layer over a dedicated sunscreen for maximum protection.

$29

at Ulta Beauty

Buy

Dermablend Quick Fix Concealer

$26

thecut.com/_components/clay-paragraph/instances/cjixegqtb00c2395zuctfzz3r@published” data-word-count=”60″>Strat beauty editor Rio Viera-Newton mentioned this paraben- and fragrance-free concealer in her post on makeup for broken-out skin. “This has helped me conceal even the worst of the worst,” she wrote. Designed for buildable coverage, it will also work on masking those acne marks until they gradually fade away, and the gentle formula means it won’t cause additional irritation.

$26

at Ulta Beauty

Buy

GET THE STRATEGIST NEWSLETTER

Actually good deals, smart shopping advice, and exclusive discounts.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google
Privacy Policy and
Terms of Service apply.

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best women’s jeans, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, ultra-flattering pants, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

Every editorial product is independently selected. If you buy something through our links, New York may earn an affiliate commission.

How to Treat and Prevent (and Hide) Acne Scars and Marks

Things you buy through our links may earn Vox Media a commission

  1. thecut.com/_pages/clj8s62on000k0iea8jhnxvbb@published” data-track-authors=”Claire Comstock-Gay” data-track-headline=”Madame Clairevoyant: Horoscopes for the Week of June 26″ data-track-index=”0″ data-track-component-title=”Most Popular”>

    Madame Clairevoyant: Horoscopes for the Week of June 26

  2. The Insomniac Tech Worker Juggling 4 Women

  3. What Happened to Maya Kowalski

  4. thecut.com/_pages/cl9cwh7ya0000jyeh8s4bo8qu@published” data-track-authors=”Sangeeta Singh-Kurtz” data-track-headline=”Shein Takes Influencers on Factory ‘Tour’” data-track-index=”3″ data-track-component-title=”Most Popular”>

    Shein Takes Influencers on Factory ‘Tour’

  5. The Transgender Family Handbook

  1. What Happened to Maya Kowalski

  2. thecut.com/_pages/clj8u9r1b000l0ifmwcnodwp2@published” data-track-authors=”Alyssa Shelasky” data-track-headline=”The Insomniac Tech Worker Juggling 4 Women” data-track-index=”1″ data-track-component-title=”Most Popular”>

    The Insomniac Tech Worker Juggling 4 Women

  3. The Story of Caroline Calloway & Her Ghostwriter Natalie

  4. Madame Clairevoyant: Horoscopes for the Week of June 26

  5. thecut.com/_pages/clj4nwqi4001z0pi6hhyyeo24@published” data-track-authors=”” data-track-headline=”The Transgender Family Handbook” data-track-index=”4″ data-track-component-title=”Most Popular”>

    The Transgender Family Handbook

The Latest

how i get it done

Hayley Kiyoko Goes Rogue

The singer-songwriter turned her viral “Girls Like Girls” music video into a bestselling YA novel through sheer force of will.

sex diaries

The Insomniac Tech Worker Juggling 4 Women

This week’s sex diary.

astrology

Madame Clairevoyant: Horoscopes for the Week of June 26

On Friday, Neptune, planet of mysticism and illusion, goes retrograde.

By Claire Comstock-Gay

celebrity

A Cardi B Fan Started a Petition Against Nicki Minaj’s Husband

The petition appears to be part of an elaborate prank.

fast fashion

Shein Takes Influencers on Factory ‘Tour’

Looks like the “beautiful” company failed to showcase its brutal working conditions.

swimwear

22 Swimsuits Worth the Awkward Tan Lines

From Good American, Cult Gaia, J.Crew, and more.

parties!

Pharrell Williams and More of the Bestest Party Pics This Week

We’ve rounded up the best party pics from Paris Fashion Week, Pride, and more.

life after roe

Find an Abortion

An exhaustive guide to the clinics still open in each state, how to reach them, and the services they offer.

By the Cut

friday sales

22 Things on Sale You’ll Actually Want to Buy: From Aerie to Merrell

Including a Dyson hair-dryer dupe and a sitewide sale at True Botanicals.

happy pride

How Did Pride Get So Damn Expensive?

Queer people are maxing out credit cards, working extra shifts, or skipping trips to see family to pay for NYC’s biggest parties.

obsessive tester

I Am a Body-Oil Enthusiast and These Are My Ultimate Favorites

Get ready to glow.

the hard part

Leave That Screaming Kid Alone

The summer travel season has become complain-about-other-people’s-kids season. If not even children can take up space without reproach, who can?

By Amil Niazi

rules to live by

Abby Elliott Tames The Bear

The Saturday Night Live alum is back as the only put-together character on TV’s most chaotic show.

mysteries

Missing Titan Submersible Passengers Believed Dead

Officials now say the ship likely imploded shortly after it was deployed with five people onboard.

power

Kesha and Dr. Luke Settle Defamation Lawsuit

After a long legal battle, Kesha said she’s “looking forward to closing the door on this chapter of my life and beginning a new one.”

taste test

Numa Perrier Knows How to Bless a Film Set

The filmmaker wanted to create a sacred space for actors Gabrielle Union and Keith Power when directing The Perfect Find.

always shopping

The Best Summer Pants for Legs That Need a Break

Nothing better than linen on the beach.

niche drama

An Exhaustive Guide to Scandoval

The Vanderpump Rules cheating scandal you suddenly care about even if you don’t know what Vanderpump Rules is.

life after roe

What’s an Ex–Abortion Doctor in Alabama to Do?

Fight for better pregnancies and births for those who have no choice.

By Irin Carmon

life after roe

The Diagnosis That Changed How I Felt About Abortion

“My mindset was, If I have a sick baby, it’s not my choice to end their life. And then this was like a bomb exploded.”

More Stories

Email

You\’ll receive the next newsletter in your inbox.

*Sorry, there was a problem signing you up.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google
Privacy Policy and
Terms of Service apply.

Already a subscriber?

What is your email?

This email will be used to sign into all New York sites. By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive email correspondence from us.

Enter your email:

Please enter a valid email address.

Sign In To Continue Reading

Create Your Free Account

Password must be at least 8 characters and contain:

This password will be used to sign into all New York sites. By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive email correspondence from us.

You’re in!

As part of your account, you’ll receive occasional updates and offers from New York, which you can opt out of anytime.

Already a subscriber?

What is your email?

This email will be used to sign into all New York sites. By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive email correspondence from us.

Enter your email:

Please enter a valid email address.

Sign In To Continue Reading

Create Your Free Account

Password must be at least 8 characters and contain:

This password will be used to sign into all New York sites. By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive email correspondence from us.

You’re in!

As part of your account, you’ll receive occasional updates and offers from New York, which you can opt out of anytime.

Already a subscriber?

Already a subscriber?

14 Ways to Reduce and Remove Acne Scars

If you’re dealing with acne, you may well be dealing with the scarring that can come with it.

Whether it’s on your face, chest, back or anywhere else on your body, it’s totally understandable to be, well, not so into the look of the acne scarring and surrounding skin.

But we’ve got you. Not only is acne scarring pretty common, but it’s also very treatable. There are lots of ways to significantly reduce the appearance of acne scarring and get your skin back to its smooth, soft and glowing self.

Why can acne leave scars?

Like any other kind of scar, acne scars are basically what’s leftover after your skin heals. They can appear on your face, back, chest or any other part of your body that has acne.

When acne crops up on the skin, it can cause inflammation under the skin’s surface. This inflammation has the ability to damage skin tissue, which your body then works to fix.

It does this by producing collagen — one of the proteins responsible for firm skin as well as repairing damaged tissue. Sometimes, though, your body may produce too much or too little collagen, which leads to the formation of a scar.

‍Too much and the scar will appear as a raised bump, too little and it forms an indentation in your skin.

Because inflammation is at the root of acne scarring, more inflammatory types of acne lesions (think cysts and nodules) that go deep below the surface of the skin tend to scar more than mild forms (whiteheads, blackheads and papules).

In short, the more serious the case of acne, the higher the likelihood of it leaving scars. Squeezing, pinching and picking at a pimple can also make it more likely to scar, as this can aggravate inflammation.

Remember, your genes play a big part when it comes to scarring. Genetics are responsible for your skin type, the kind of acne you have and how often you experience it as well as your body’s ability to repair itself.

And even if you have acne, it’s not a given it’ll leave scars — around one in five people who have acne will experience scarring.

Common types of acne scars

As we know, acne scars are a result of your body making either too much or too little collagen. For that reason, they generally fall into one of two categories: atrophic scars and hypertrophic scars.

Atrophic acne scars happen when your body doesn’t produce enough collagen, resulting in indentations. Types of atrophic acne scars include:

  • Ice-pick scars: These scars are narrow but deep and usually resemble small, round holes.
  • Boxcar scars: These are wider scars that can be shallow or deep. They kind of look like U-shapes with well-defined edges.
  • Rolling scars: Like boxcar scars, rolling scars are somewhat wide. However, they have curved edges and their appearance can be quite variable.

Hypertrophic acne scars (also known as keloid scars) are the result of too much collagen being produced, leading to a raised bump on the skin.

While atrophic scars are usually found on the face, hypertrophic acne scars tend to surface on the chest and back. Several people with acne may have only one kind of scarring, while many others will have a mix of different types.

And while not technically a form of scarring, some may also experience hyperpigmentation, which is a darkening of the skin after a pimple disappears.

Is there a way to permanently remove acne scars?

We’re sorry to be the bearers of bad news: the very nature of scarring means it’s pretty much permanent.

That being said, a combination of at-home and dermatological treatments has the potential to help reduce the appearance and size of acne scars, which can make a huge difference to the look of your skin.

Wondering what kind of acne scar treatment to go for? The type of scarring, as well as how extensive it is, is a big factor. Light hyperpigmentation, for example, tends to respond well to at-home products and sometimes even goes away on its own.

Deep acne scars, such as ice pick scars and boxcar scars, are harder to get rid of and often require professional treatment. If you’ve got deeper scars, your first port of call should be a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist.

After assessing your skin and the types of acne scars you have, they can help figure out the right way to treat them.

What are the best ways to treat or remove acne scars?

OK, now to the real reason you’re here: the best ways of treating acne scars so they are (almost) no longer noticeable. It’s worth mentioning that not every acne scar treatment will work for all kinds of acne scarring.

Some scars respond pretty well to at-home solutions, while others require a bit more work.

Others still may need a combination of acne scar treatments to be effective. Plus, some treatments might be great for your best friend and not so helpful for you — there’s not necessarily a one-size-fits-all remedy.

To give you an idea of what kinds of treatments might be possible, here are 13 ways to treat acne scarring — from at-home fixes and preventative measures, to professional solutions performed by a dermatologist.

At-home solutions

If your scarring is on the milder side — say a bit of discolouration or hyperpigmentation — there are numerous topical solutions that can help with treating acne scars.

The best part? They can be used in the comfort of your bathroom.

Vitamin C

Melanin is the pigment responsible for giving your skin its colour. Sometimes, your body produces too much melanin when recovering from acne, leading to hyperpigmentation.

Topical vitamin C is a fantastic hyperpigmentation-buster because it can help stop your body from producing melanin — neat, huh? On top of that, vitamin C can help reduce the swelling and redness associated with acne, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Looking for a vitamin C serum that’ll do all of the above and more? Our Vitamin C + Ferulic Serum is the way to go.

Unlike other formulas, our serum contains a full 15 per cent dose of vitamin C, which works fast to fight dullness, dark spots and discolouration deep within the skin.

Plus, at $49, it’s a fraction of the price of other popular vitamin C products while also being more effective.

Azelaic acid

Although not as well-known as vitamin C and retinol, azelaic acid is one of our favourite skincare superheroes — and a key ingredient in our prescription acne treatment.

Not only can it help combat pimples, but it also has the power to reduce hyperpigmentation and scarring.

It does this by blocking the production of melanin and promoting cell turnover, which can help fade the appearance of acne scars. Bonus: it’s great for sensitive skin!

Prescription retinoids

While retinol can be a handy tool for reducing mild scarring, prescription retinoids can be a more effective acne scar treatment.

Software’s prescription acne treatment, which contains retinoids, can target both active breakouts as well as older scars left behind. Retinoids work by stimulating the growth of new skin cells, while also increasing the rate in which old skin cells are shed.

And, when combined with other medical-grade ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, can strengthen the skin barrier and prevent the formation of new breakouts.

Retinol

Retinol is another stellar acne scar treatment. This over-the-counter form of vitamin A is an exfoliant that gets deep under your skin.

By penetrating your dermis (the skin’s middle layer), it can actually promote elastin and collagen production — two proteins that help firm and repair your skin.

Professional solutions

Professional or in-office solutions are usually performed by a skincare or medical professional, such as a dermatologist. They tend to work well on deeper scars, like ice pick scars.

Aside from the treatments we’ve outlined below, your dermatologist might suggest other ways to treat acne scars or even a combination of solutions to get the best results.

Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion

Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion are basically really strong forms of exfoliation. Each uses a special tool to remove the top layer of skin.

Then, when new a new layer of skin emerges, it often appears smoother. The difference between the two is that dermabrasion is quite a bit stronger and produces more noticeable results.

Microdermabrasion removes dead skin cells, whereas dermabrasion travels deeper to remove some alive skin. This potentially makes dermabrasion more effective for more serious scarring.

Laser treatments

Laser resurfacing is a fantastic acne scar treatment that works by promoting collagen production, which helps your skin to heal and repair itself.

Chemical peel

Chemical peels use acids like glycolic acid, salicylic acid and lactic acid to exfoliate the top layer of skin. The result? New skin that’s significantly smoother.

There are varying strengths of chemical peels, with milder ones usually needing repeat sessions.

Microneedling

Microneedling, or skin needling, involves using a tool with tiny needles that effectively puncture your skin to promote collagen production and in turn, reduce the appearance of scars.

While this may sound a little terrifying, skin needling is a safe procedure.

Injections

There are numerous substances that can be injected into the skin to minimise acne scarring, including steroids, collagen, fat and dermal fillers. They can either work to lift depressed scars or, in the case of steroid injections, help flatten raised scars by making skin tissue softer.

Botox is also used to relax the skin around an acne scar and, in turn, enhance its appearance.

Surgery

Surgical options to treat acne scars can be a little more intense. However, they can also be very effective with certain types of acne scars, like ice pick scars.

Surgery might involve total acne scar removal, or it could be used to break down scar tissue (which can work well for raised scars) or lift depressed scars.

Preventative measures

There are also a bunch of things you can do to try and prevent acne scars from forming in the first place.  

Control the acne

Like many things, prevention is often better than a cure. Actively trying to prevent acne is a great way to ward off scars — simply because there’s less for your skin to heal from.

Software’s personalised prescription acne treatment is a great way to tackle acne and prevent it from returning. Plus, the addition of prescription retinoids will help fade any existing discolouration or mild acne scarring you might have.

Resist the urge to pick

We get it — a big pimple in the centre of your cheek is just begging to be squeezed.

But squeezing, picking, scratching and pinching pimples can cause further inflammation and increase the likelihood of scarring. This is especially true with severe acne, like cysts.

If you really want to squeeze that pimple, there are a few ways to make the process less damaging to your skin. You can find out more here.

Quit smoking

There’s a well-known link between smoking and acne, but there’s perhaps a lesser-known one between smoking and acne scarring.

While acne scars aren’t necessarily more common in smokers, a 2015 study found that smoking can actually increase the severity of scarring.

Wear SPF

The sun can worsen things like scarring and hyperpigmentation by making them even darker. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen, however, can help combat the nasty effects of the sun’s rays.

Laser resurfacing of post-acne – removal of acne marks

Acne (acne) on the face is an unpleasant, but, unfortunately, quite common problem. Moreover, people of different sex and age suffer from it, and not just teenagers, in whom the appearance of acne is a natural consequence of hormonal changes in the body. The consequences of a rash are no less a problem: the so-called post-acne. After treatment, the inflammation goes away, but ugly dark spots often remain on the skin, and in some cases, scars. Fortunately, modern cosmetology has effective methods of dealing with acne and post-acne.

Laser resurfacing of post-acne is among the most popular techniques. In our clinic, you can use this technique at any time convenient for you.

How it works

The essence of the procedure is the treatment of a defect (post-acne) using a laser unit. The laser beam affects the cells of the upper layer of the skin in the problem area where post-acne is observed, while not affecting healthy areas. As a result, the process of cell renewal begins, the production of collagen and elastin is stimulated, trophism improves, tissues begin to “breathe”. Thus, the damaged layers are actively restored, and this happens naturally. After treatment, new, young and smooth skin is gradually formed at the site of defects – without spots and scars.

We use a fractional laser in our work, it makes it possible to process tissues in fractions, that is, in parts. Laser radiation is divided into many thin beams that “evaporate” the surface layer of the epidermis. This is how all types of scars are removed.

Main advantages

First of all, this method is good for its low invasiveness – unlike surgery and mechanical treatment of scars, laser resurfacing has a sparing effect. This is a bloodless procedure that does not require a long and complex rehabilitation, as after surgery. This is the most modern of the existing methods: post-acne treatment takes place in a mode that is comfortable for the patient, he does not need to rebuild his usual lifestyle. At the same time, scar removal is very effective: normal skin is formed in place of gross defects.

Indications and contraindications

Post-acne laser treatment is considered non-traumatic. The main indications are the presence of age spots in places of old rashes or scar defects – they can look like “pits”, depressions and seriously worsen the appearance (especially if the defects are multiple, as is usually the case). This method has few limitations: it cannot be used during pregnancy and lactation, it is also forbidden to undergo treatment during infectious diseases (for example, exacerbation of herpes, colds and flu). The most serious contraindication is the tendency to form keloid scars: in this case, laser resurfacing will be ineffective. The acute phase of acne is also a contraindication.

Preparing and performing the procedure

Post-acne are, as a rule, quite pronounced defects. Hardware treatment allows you to make them almost invisible or even get rid of them completely. But in order for the correction to be effective, it is necessary to carefully prepare for it.

The main rule is deep skin hydration and high-quality sun protection. You can use cosmetics with hyaluronic acid in the composition. About 2 weeks before the procedure, you need to give up a beach holiday, do not sunbathe. At the first appointment, the cosmetologist will announce what other measures need to be taken. So, before grinding, you can not use home remedies with retinol and glycolic acid in the composition (this will complicate the healing process).

In our clinic, the intervention is carried out in several stages:

  1. Face cleaning from decorative cosmetics and various impurities.
  2. Application anesthesia (cream or gel on the treatment area).
  3. Post-acne treatment with laser.
  4. Soothing face mask (it helps relieve irritation, relieves burning and stinging that may occur after the procedure).

Immediately after the session, the skin will most likely look reddened. This is normal and should not cause concern. Laser systems that are used in cosmetology are highly safe – the force of exposure is clearly controlled. But tissues need time to recover. Post-acne treatment may consist of 3-5 courses with a break of several weeks. If the defect was small and a good result was achieved immediately, repeated courses are not required.

What to do after the session

Laser resurfacing of post-acne will bring good results only if the skin is properly cared for. After the procedure, it is important to follow all the recommendations of the doctor. The skin is damaged, and this means that it must be handled very carefully and carefully. Gradually, a crust will appear at the treatment sites – in no case should it be damaged, since this can lead to infection and the development of complications. The crust must be treated with antibacterial compounds – for example, chlorhexidine. After the active regeneration process begins, it is recommended to use moisturizers and reparants – for example, panthenol.

To find out prices and make an appointment for laser acne scar removal, just call us or use the online appointment form on the clinic’s website.

FAQ

Hello! I suffered for a long time with post-acne, finally decided to use a laser. I underwent treatment 2 days ago (I hope the result is worth it, although I can’t evaluate it yet). The question is: how to wash:? The face is unpleasant to touch, everything is painful, swollen, but it’s also impossible not to wash at all?

Thermal water spray is the best solution: it perfectly refreshes and soothes the skin thanks to its special composition.

Is it possible to get rid of post-acne and age spots like freckles in one session (appeared after pregnancy on the forehead, looks very ugly and spoils the appearance). There are no rough scars, but the skin where I used to have acne has become bumpy, I want to even it out …

Yes, post-acne laser treatment can be combined with pigmentation removal. In both cases, the laser is very effective. In one session, several zones can be processed.

How long after laser acne resurfacing can I go on vacation? Planned a trip to the sea in a month. Is this enough time to recover?

Sufficient. But you need to understand that you will definitely need strong UV protection – otherwise, unpleasant age spots may appear where young skin has formed. Buy a good cream with maximum UV protection. Cosmetology works best in conjunction with quality home care.

Removal of post-acne scars in Moscow at the Marina Ryabus clinic

Contents

  • Causes of post-acne
  • Post-acne removal techniques
  • Laser post-acne removal
  • Hardware methods and procedures for post-acne removal
  • Contraindications for procedures
  • Before and after photos post-acne removal
  • Cost of post-acne removal

Intense acne, improper cosmetic treatment, squeezing pimples at home leaves marks and scars on the skin. They spoil the appearance, require constant masking with the help of tonal means. Therefore, the post-acne removal service on the face is very popular. It is performed for patients of all ages. Deep scars, dark spots can persist even when signs of aging are very noticeable: wrinkles, creases, omission of tissues.

What are the methods for removing acne marks and what result to expect, we will tell in this material!

Causes of post-acne

  • deep inflammatory processes;
  • infection;
  • improperly selected home care products;
  • self extrusion of blackheads;
  • performing aggressive cosmetic procedures;
  • individual features;
  • sun exposure;
  • nodes, cysts in tissues.

The condition for the appearance of post-acne does not always have to be only one – more often it is a combination of factors: for example, self-removal of acne plus improper home care. Inflammation – a pimple – leaves a scar in its place. It can be flat, retracted or convex. In color, as it should be, the scar either does not stand out against the background of the skin, or has a reddish or bluish tint.

Why do pimples appear? There are many reasons – from hormonal background to skin condition. Acne is a disease. Only an integrated approach will help get rid of regular rashes. Don’t be surprised if a beautician refers you to an endocrinologist. This measure is necessary to exclude the presence of hormonal disruptions.

Dermatovenereologist, cosmetologist, trichologist

Any technology that triggers the synthesis of new collagen works well with post-acne. This is actually the only component that can even out the skin texture. If post-acne is accompanied by post-inflammatory pigmentation, peeling, mesotherapy with vitamins and microelements will work well. And for home care, products with acids, vitamin C, and retinol will be prescribed.

Acne removal techniques

  1. Peels . Effective for non-relief acne marks (when the surrounding skin is flush with the spots), which differ from the surrounding tissues only in color. Acid peels even out skin tone, removing redness, pigmentation, narrow pores, and restore cellular respiration.
  2. Ultrasonic cleaner . Good as a method of treatment and prevention of acne. The scheme is simple: with regular professional skin cleansing, the risk of developing inflammation, and, accordingly, the appearance of post-acne is minimized.
  3. Cleaning, hydro-peeling Hydrafacial . An integrated approach to cleansing, narrowing pores, improving the quality of the epidermis.
  4. RF lifting . Good for lifting facial contours, tightening, smoothing the skin. Applicable for the correction of retracted acne scars.
  5. Mesotherapy . Injections of meso-cocktails with vitamins, trace elements.
  6. Laser removal . Stimulation of new collagen synthesis, fractional resurfacing, etc.

Please note that a course of procedures does not guarantee that post-acne will not reappear! To eliminate the risk of their occurrence, you need to regularly visit a beautician, follow his recommendations.

Laser post-acne removal

Laser method is one of the safest and most effective. By targeting the cells of scar tissue, the laser beam triggers active synthesis of collagen and elastin. The skin receives more nutrients, it becomes denser, its elasticity increases. The color of the epidermis is evened out, spots and irregularities are eliminated, pores are narrowed. In a few sessions, you can significantly reduce the severity of chronic post-acne. If the pimple spot is fresh, then it will disappear without a trace.

Recovery after the procedure is fast, the procedure itself is very comfortable, and the result is predictable and very noticeable. Of the minuses – the very high cost of procedures, the presence of time restrictions associated with exposure to the sun.

Hardware techniques and procedures for post-acne removal

Cosmetologists use different methods of post-acne hardware treatment. These are microcurrents, phototherapy, radio wave method of rejuvenation.

Contraindications for procedures

  • acne in the acute stage;
  • bleeding disorder;
  • damage to the skin;
  • high body temperature;
  • viral, infectious diseases;
  • pregnancy, lactation;
  • diseases of internal organs;
  • tendency to develop keloid scars;
  • herpes;
  • oncological diseases;
  • diabetes;
  • endocrine pathologies.

Please note that each technique has its own specific contraindications. That is why it is important to answer the doctor’s questions about your health in detail. If there are doubts, laboratory diagnostics will be assigned to eliminate obstacles to the procedures. We take our patients’ health seriously.

Photos before and after post-acne removal

It is necessary to get rid of post-acne in stages, following the advice of a doctor, without skipping procedures. The photos below show the results of the course removal of acne scars.

Cost of post-acne removal

There are many ways to remove acne marks on the face. Peelings, biorevitalization, laser procedures are effective. It is impossible to describe the exact treatment regimen and its cost in a universal form – each patient requires an individual approach. You can contact us both for the treatment of acne and for the elimination of its consequences (removal of post-acne on the face). At the initial consultation after the diagnosis, the doctor will present you with options for a range of procedures to choose from. Below are the prices for services that are provided to eliminate post-acne and other scars. You will receive detailed information from the doctor at the consultation.

The Marina Ryabus Clinic practices a comprehensive approach to improving the skin and aesthetic appearance. Acne is a sign of a disorder in the body. To eliminate them, laboratory diagnostics will be required.