Acne Scarring

Acne scarring is common in skins that have suffered with acne. Scarring is most commonly caused by sufferers squeezing their spots at home or picking scabs which results in their skin scarring. The scarring can appear in many different forms and treatment options will vary based on severity and main concerns.

Types of Acne Scars

Enlarged pores – Not always linked to acne but very common in oily skin types
Red marks from active acne – When the skin is still making pustules and red marks are taking a long time to fade
Red marks left from historic acne – Red patches of skin from spots that haven’t been visible for over 6 months
Pigmentation left from historic acne – Brown, pigmented patches of skin from spots that haven’t been visible for over 6 months
Mild indentation – Slight indents in the skin that have been caused by historic acne
Pitted scarring – Where the acne has left deeper, very visible indents that you can feel when you run your finger over them
Ice pick scarring – Deep holes where you can’t see the skin through them

How Best to Treat These Scar Types

Enlarged pores – These can be treated with cosmeceutical skincare and either chemical peels or HydraFacial to clear and tighten pores
Red marks from fresh spots – If you have active acne we firstly need to control this before treating the scarring. Cosmeceutical skin care will reduce oil production and regular HydraFacial’s or chemical peels are recommended to aid the skin’s healing process
Red marks from historic acne – These can be treated with cosmeceutical skincare to stimulate skin renewal alongside either HydraFacial or microneedling treatments to rejuvenate the skin and improve complexion
Pigmentation left from historic acne – Cosmeceutical skincare is essential in controlling pigmentation and reducing melanin (pigment cell) production. This can be combined with either chemical peels or microneedling for faster results
Mild indentation – This can sometimes be treated with just cosmeceutical skincare and HydraFacial, however microneedling is recommended for the best results
Pitted scarring – We would recommend either a fractional resurfacing laser such as eTwo Sublative to plump out deeper scars as the heat element gives a deeper collagen stimulation, however some clients may find they achieve results with microneedling. We would always recommend combining treatments with cosmeceutical skincare for optimum results
Ice pick scarring – This condition requires very deep treatment. We may be able to get improvement with our eTwo Sublative laser but may also advise seeking advice from an Aesthetic Doctor for treatment such as CO2 laser therapy or subcision

Every acne scar condition is different and can be influenced by many factors so we would always recommend an initial consultation where a full skin analysis will be performed to determine the correct treatment plan to fit your goals, budget and lifestyle.

All of our treatments are results driven and clinically proven to make sure you get the clear skin that you deserve.

With over 20 years combined experience in the Aesthetic industry, we have seen all grades and severities of acne scarring and have equipped ourselves with the right tools to manage all conditions. We are considered the best skin clinic in Kenilworth and one of the best skin clinics in Warwickshire so you can be rest assured that you are in safe hands.

Scroll down to follow links for more information on the best treatments available for acne scarring. Use the Book button to arrange a HydraFacial, depigmentation peel (if you are suffering with pigmented scarring), microneedling or eTwo sublative for indented scarring or General skincare consultation to discuss your options further.

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eTwo Sublative Fractional Resurfacing

eTwo Sublative is the innovative way to resurface the skin using fractionated Radio-frequency. It smooths out wrinkles and crepey skin on the face, eyes and body while the heat element creates a tightening effect. It is safe for all skin types with minimal risk or downtime.

Depigmentation Peel

This corrective superficial chemical peel targets surface hyperpigmentation such as mild to moderate age spots and sun damage with minimal discomfort or downtime.

Microneedling

The treatment creates a controlled wound to the skin to stimulate collagen formation and results in rejuvenated skin. It effectively treats acne scarring, body scars, lines and wrinkles, open pores, stretch marks and can be used to generally rejuvenate and freshen up the skin.

Hydrafacial

The internationally renowned, multi award winning skin health treatment. HydraFacial is a multi step facial that effectively extracts congestion, softens fine lines, smooths and deeply hydrates the skin with instant results visible and long term benefits, suitable for all skin types with no pain and no downtime.

Skincare Consultation

We understand that there are a lot of treatments available and it can be hard to know what is right for your skin. That’s why we offer face to face or video call consultations to discuss your skin concerns and make a bespoke treatment plan based around your goals and budget.

Acne Scarring FAQs

How do I get rid of acne scars?

Acne scarring requires medical treatments to resurface and retexture the skin’s surface, fractional and microneedling and the best way to reduce and remove scarring.

Can acne scars fade by themselves?

No, they will not fade by themselves. As we age skin loses collagen and makes the appearance of scars more visible, however there are medical grade treatments that are performed in a clinic which can reduce scarring visibility such as Microneedling or fractional treatments.

How long does it take to fade acne scars?

If the scars are mainly PIH (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation) then it can take around several months for them to fade, without medical intervention depressed scars (which appear as pits or craters) are permanent and will not fade on their own.

Are most acne scars permanent?

Yes, as acne scarring is a change in the skin’s texture. Depressed scarring is permanent because collagen fills in damaged skin areas, it binds the skin and also pulls the skin down and contracts it. This changes the skin’s texture permanently without the intervention of treatment.

What is the fastest way to fade acne scars?

Ablative treatments of microneedling are the best recommended treatments as they are strong enough to diminish old scar tissue and increase natural collagen production.

Best acne scar treatment?

Fractional laser treatments or microneedling are the most effective and most recommended treatments to improve the appearance of acne scars. Our skin specialists will assess the scar severity, age and colouring to determine which treatment is best for you.

Can skincare help acne scars?

Yes, having a regimented skincare routine, with products that contain Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and Retinoids can help improve the appearance of acne scars if they are red in colour. If acne scars are pigmented then additional pigment controlling products will be required to even the skin tone. For the best results skin treatments such as microneedling are recommended alongside a cosmeceutical skincare routine to get the best, most long term removal of scarring.

What is the difference between acne marks and acne scars?

Acne marks also known as PIH (post inflammatory pigmentation) appear as flat, brown or red and can fade on their own within a few months. Acne scars appear either raised or indented and are permanent.

Is retinol good for acne scars?

Yes, as it works both on the epidermis (top layer of skin) and into the dermis (middle layer) to unclog pores, improve the skin texture and tone. The sort of retinol you are using is important to consider, high street ranges tend to have much lower levels of retinol and will not make any visible difference to scarring. Cosmeceutical or medical ranges are advised for the best results.

Why do my acne marks look worse some days?

They can become inflamed if the skin is irritated, weather and temperature fluctuations can also play a part. Eating or drinking certain products can also cause inflammation.

Do’s and don’ts for acne scars

Don’t pick your pimples
Don’t squeeze your spots when they don’t have a white head as this increases infection and scarring
Don’t conceal acne with cosmetic products
Do use acids AHA’s that exfoliate away dead skin cells
Do use a high strength cosmeceutical retinol
Do wear spf

What are depressed acne scars?

Depressed acne scars, also known as atrophic acne scars, are small visible indentations to the skin. The skin that has had trauma can not regenerate enough tissue to even out the epidermal layer leaving an indented (depressed) scar.

Can anything fix acne scars?

What does an acne scar look like?

There are a few types of scarring:

Acne marks – Acne marks also known as PIH (post inflammatory pigmentation) appear as flat, brown or red and can fade on their own within a few months.
Rolling scars – Broad indentations in skin, have rounded sloping appearance.
Boxcar scars – Steep, defined edges that can resemble of a print left from pushing a finger nail into the skin.
Ice pick scars – Deep and narrow, usually less than 2mm in diameter, resemble to that of a large empty pore.
Raised acne scars – Less common than depressed acne scars. Bumpy, uneven surface that catches the light. There are 2 types of raised scars, keloid scars and hypertrophic scars.

What can I do to prevent acne scars?

Do not squeeze or pick spots if they do not have a white head and your skin has not been properly prepared for extraction.
Make sure you’re using the correct skincare to target, treat and repair your breakouts,
Avoid scrubbing skin with harsh skin products to avoid spreading bacteria.
Wear an Oil free SPF 50 daily, ensure this is a stand alone product, having SPF in your makeup or other products will not give you the best protection.

Acne scar treatment cost UK?

Prices will vary based upon your location, the quality of the machine being used and the experience of your practitioner. Head to our price list to see pricing of our eTwo sublative and Exceed microneedling treatments which are the most commonly recommended treatments for acne scarring.