How to Get Rid of Acne Scars

Boost your confidence and the health of your skin.

Acne can be frustrating enough on its own, but for many people, the marks it leaves behind are even harder to deal with. If you’ve ever wondered how to get rid of acne scars, you’re not alone. The good news is that today’s treatments offer more effective options than ever before.

At SKN WTR, we take a personalized, skin-first approach to scar revision. Acne scars are not one-size-fits-all, and neither is the solution. Understanding what type of scarring you have — and what actually works to treat it — is the first step toward smoother, clearer skin.

What Are Acne Scars?

Acne scars are the result of inflammation within the skin caused by acne lesions. When the skin’s healing process is disrupted, collagen production can become uneven, leading to texture changes that remain long after breakouts are gone.

It’s important to distinguish acne scars from post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Dark spots or redness may fade on their own over time, but true acne scars involve changes in skin texture and usually require professional treatment to improve.

Common types of acne scars include:

• Ice pick scars: Deep, narrow indentations

• Boxcar scars: Broad, shallow depressions with defined edges

• Rolling scars: Wavy texture caused by tethered collagen beneath the skin

Understanding the type of scarring you have helps determine the most effective way to approach clearing acne scars.

What Causes Acne Scars?

Acne scars form when breakouts penetrate deep into the skin and damage surrounding tissue. The body responds by trying to heal itself, but when inflammation is severe or prolonged, collagen is either lost or produced unevenly.

Several factors increase the risk of scarring:

• Moderate to severe inflammatory acne

• Delayed or inadequate acne treatment

• Picking or squeezing pimples

• Genetics

• Repeated breakouts in the same area

The earlier acne is treated properly, the lower the risk of developing scars — which is why prevention and treatment often go hand in hand.

The Best Treatments to Get Rid of Acne Scars

If you’re looking for how to get rid of acne scars, it’s important to understand that texture and pigment often need to be treated separately. True acne scars require collagen stimulation, while lingering discoloration responds best to pigment-targeting treatments.

Microneedling (Including RF Microneedling)

Microneedling is one of the most effective first-line treatments for acne scarring because it directly addresses texture and collagen loss. By creating controlled micro-injuries in the skin, microneedling stimulates the body’s natural healing response and encourages new collagen and elastin production.

When combined with radiofrequency energy, RF microneedling penetrates deeper layers of the skin, making it especially effective for more pronounced scarring.

Microneedling is ideal for:

• Mild to moderate acne scars

• Rolling and shallow boxcar scars

• Uneven skin texture

• Patients seeking minimal downtime

Because collagen remodeling takes time, microneedling is typically performed as a series of treatments, with results continuing to improve over several months. This makes it a cornerstone option when clearing acne scars.

IPL Photofacial for Post-Acne Pigment

While IPL does not treat the texture of acne scars, it plays an important role in improving the remaining pigment left behind from acne, such as redness or brown discoloration.

An IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) photofacial works by targeting excess pigment and broken capillaries beneath the skin, helping to even skin tone and brighten the complexion.

IPL is best for:

• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)

• Red or brown marks left after acne heals

• Overall skin tone and clarity

When combined with collagen-stimulating treatments like microneedling or subcision, IPL helps create a smoother, clearer overall result for patients trying to get rid of pimple scarring and discoloration.

Chemical Peels

Medical-grade chemical peels resurface the skin by exfoliating damaged outer layers and stimulating cell turnover. While peels are not a standalone solution for deep scars, they are an excellent complementary treatment for improving skin tone and surface irregularities.

Chemical peels are helpful for:

• Shallow scars

• Acne-related discoloration

• Dull or uneven skin texture

They’re often incorporated into a broader treatment plan for patients focused on how to clear acne scars safely and progressively.

Subcision

Subcision is a specialized technique used to treat depressed acne scars that are tethered to deeper tissue. By releasing the fibrotic bands beneath the skin, subcision allows the surface to lift and smooth out naturally.

This treatment is especially effective for:

• Rolling scars

• Deep, anchored acne scars

Subcision is commonly paired with microneedling or other collagen-stimulating treatments to enhance results and help patients truly get rid of scars from acne.

Combination Treatment Plans

There is no single “best” answer for how to clear acne scars — most patients see the greatest improvement with a customized combination of treatments. Acne scar revision is a process, not a quick fix, and collagen remodeling takes time.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, treating acne scars often requires multiple approaches to address both texture and tone effectively.
(Source: American Academy of Dermatology – Acne Scars Overview)

How to Prevent Acne Scars

While treatment options are highly effective, prevention is always the goal. Taking steps early can significantly reduce the risk of permanent scarring.

Key prevention tips include:

• Treat active acne promptly with professional guidance

• Avoid picking, popping, or squeezing pimples

• Use sun protection daily to prevent scar darkening

• Follow a consistent, medical-grade skincare routine

• Schedule regular skin evaluations if acne is persistent

Preventing inflammation is one of the most important steps in avoiding the need to get rid of pimple scarring later on.

The Next Step

If you’ve been searching for how to get rid of acne scars, the most important step is a professional evaluation. Acne scars vary widely in depth, severity, and effective treatment starts with a personalized plan.

At SKN WTR, we specialize in advanced skin treatments designed to rebuild collagen, improve texture, and restore confidence. Whether your scars are new or long-standing, we’ll guide you toward the most effective options for your skin.

Ready to start your journey to smoother skin?
Book your consultation today

Clearer skin is possible — and with the right approach, it’s closer than you think.