How to reduce acne scars: Dermatologist-approved treatments and skincare

Published: July 2022

Last Reviewed: September 2025

Acne scars are a very common concern and can affect both skin texture and self-confidence. Many people who have struggled with acne find that even once breakouts clear, scars or marks remain as a lasting reminder.  

The good news is that while scars cannot always be removed completely, there are effective ways to reduce their appearance. With the right combination of dermatologist treatments and supportive skincare, acne scars can become far less noticeable over time, allowing skin to appear clearer and smoother.

Acne scars develop when the skin’s natural healing process is disrupted after a blemish. During healing, the body produces collagen to repair the damaged skin. If the skin produces too little collagen, depressed scars form (atrophic) because the tissue is not fully rebuilt. If the body produces too much collagen, raised scars (hypertrophic or keloid) can appear as excess tissue builds up. 

It’s important to note that scars are different from post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Pimple marks are temporary discolourations that often fade with time, while scars are permanent changes to the skin’s structure

There are several reasons why acne scars develop. Severe inflammation, caused by nodules or cysts, can damage the skin deeply and leave permanent marks. Genetics also play a role, with some people more prone to scarring than others. Hormonal changes during puberty or adulthood can lead to more severe acne, which increases the risk of scarring. 

Certain habits can make scars worse. Picking or squeezing acne often worsens inflammation and increases the likelihood of long-term damage. Sun exposure can also make existing scars more visible, as ultraviolet light stimulates melanin production and darkens marks.

Not all acne scars are the same, and understanding the differences can help guide treatment choices. 

• Ice pick scars: narrow, deep holes in the skin that resemble tiny puncture marks. These are often the most difficult to treat. 
• Rolling scars: caused by bands of scar tissue under the skin that create a wavy or uneven texture. 
• Boxcar scars: round or oval depressions with sharp edges, giving the skin a crater-like appearance. 
• Raised scars: hypertrophic or keloid scars, caused by too much collagen production during healing. These are more common on the chest and back. 

In contrast, pimple marks or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation are not true scars. They are flat, discoloured spots that can appear red, brown, or grey depending on skin tone. While they can take months or even years to fade, they do usually improve with time and supportive skincare.

Daily skincare plays a key role in reducing blemishes, preventing new scars, and improving overall skin texture. The Eucerin DERMOPURE CLINICAL range is developed specifically for acne-prone skin and is clinically proven to reduce blemishes and marks.  

The following steps will help you address acne at its root and prevent new blemishes from forming. 

Cleansing is the first and most crucial step in preventing acne scarring. By effectively removing impurities and excess oil, these products prepare the skin for better absorption of targeted treatments and help reduce the formation of acne scars. 

• Eucerin DERMOPURE CLINICAL Purifying Cleanser - clinically proven to control oil and reduce blemishes from the first day, helping prevent the formation of acne scars. 
• Eucerin DERMOPURE CLINICAL Correcting Cleanser - clinically tested to reduce blemishes and marks from the first use, promoting clearer skin and preventing future discolouration.  
• Eucerin DERMOPURE CLINICAL Purifying Toner - medically proven to remove blackheads and refine skin texture without drying, helping to maintain a smooth complexion and minimise blemishes.  

Effective treatment helps target the root causes of acne and the marks they leave behind. These products are designed not only to treat active breakouts but also to reduce the appearance of scars, even post-acne discolouration.  

• Eucerin DERMOPURE CLINICAL Triple Action - combines Salicylic Acid to unclog pores with patented Thiamidol to reduce post-acne marks and prevent long-term scarring.  
• Eucerin DERMOPURE CLINICAL Peeling 10 - with BHA, AHA, and PHA, it improves skin texture overnight and aids in fading post-acne discolouration, promoting smoother, clearer skin.  
• Eucerin DERMOPURIFYER Oil Control Scrub - with Lactic Acid and micro-particles to unclog pores and refine skin texture, helping prevent the formation of new scars and improving overall skin texture.  

Sun protection is essential in preventing acne scars from becoming darker or more noticeable. Properly protecting your skin from UV damage ensures that post-acne marks don’t worsen or become permanent. 

• Eucerin Oil Control Sun Gel-Cream Dry Touch SPF50+ – specifically developed for oily and acne-prone skin, this lightweight sunscreen provides very high UVA/UVB protection while helping prevent post-acne marks from darkening and supporting overall skin healing.

Daily skincare is essential, but some scars may benefit from additional support with professional treatments. These should only be carried out once active acne has healed, as treating scars while breakouts are still present can irritate the skin or worsen inflammation. 

Although these treatments cannot completely remove acne scars, they can significantly reduce their appearance. The most suitable option depends on the type of scar, its severity, and your skin type.

Dermatologist treatments may include: 

• Laser therapy: resurfaces the skin and stimulates new collagen production, helping to smooth depressed scars and improve skin texture. 
• Microneedling: uses fine needles to trigger skin repair by encouraging collagen and elastin production, which can soften the appearance of atrophic scars. 
• Chemical peels: remove the outer layers of skin to reveal fresher, smoother skin underneath and can reduce discolouration as well as shallow scars. 
• Dermabrasion: a mechanical procedure that sands down uneven skin texture, often used for more severe or deeper scars. 
• Topical treatments: such as retinoids or Salicylic Acid, which encourage faster cell turnover, helping refine texture and fade post-acne marks. 

Post-inflammatory marks may fade within months to years, depending on skin type. True scars rarely disappear without treatment, but with consistent care, they can be improved significantly. Managing expectations is important, and reducing scars is a gradual process that takes patience.

The best way to prevent acne scars is to treat acne early and consistently. Addressing breakouts as soon as they appear helps minimise inflammation, which is the biggest trigger for scarring. Avoid picking or squeezing blemishes, as this damages the skin further. 

Using a facial SPF, like Eucerin Oil Control Sun Gel-Cream Dry Touch SPF50+, is also essential for prevention. Sun protection prevents marks from becoming darker and helps to reduce the contrast between scarred and unscarred skin. 

Acne scars are common but treatable. They may not disappear completely, but their appearance can be reduced significantly. Professional treatments and consistent skincare can improve both skin texture and self-confidence. 

The Eucerin DERMOPURE CLINICAL range is dermatologist-recommended, clinically proven to reduce blemishes and marks, and supports clearer, healthier-looking skin.