Woman with acne problem near mirror indoors

Oct 24, 2026Acne

How to Get Rid of Acne Scars and Marks: Which Treatment Do You Need?

Medically reviewed by Dr. Kate Healy, MB BCh BAO, MICGP, CFPC – 2026-10-23

Acne marks and scars need different approaches. Flat colour changes may benefit from controlling acne, sun protection and targeted skincare, with selected procedures for some. Textural scars usually need a procedure matched to their structure, chosen after assessment. The realistic aim is improvement: making the change less noticeable, rather than promising removal.

If you are researching how to get rid of acne scars, the useful question is what needs to change: redness, pigment, texture, or a combination. Marks change colour; scars change contour. Our guide explains how to tell acne scars from acne marks, while the acne concern overview sets out the wider care pathway.

Which treatment for which? A quick guide

Concern	What it is	First priorities	Options a physician may discuss	Available at Merrion?
Red or pink marks (PIE)	Residual vascular and inflammatory colour change	Settle inflammation; gentle care and sun protection	Supportive skincare; vascular laser or IPL in selected cases	Yes: skincare. Not offered: vascular laser and IPL
Brown or grey marks (PIH)	Pigment left after acne inflammation	Limit new inflammation and sun-related darkening	Targeted skincare; selected procedures after risk assessment	Yes: medical-grade skincare. Discuss at assessment: procedural suitability
Ice-pick scars	Narrow, deep depressions	Assess depth and active acne	Scar-specific techniques rather than relying on broad surface renewal	Discuss at assessment: scar-specific techniques
Boxcar scars	Depressions with defined edges	Assess depth, edges and healing history	Selected resurfacing or collagen-remodelling approaches	Yes: laser resurfacing and microneedling; suitability requires assessment
Rolling scars	Broader depressions, sometimes tethered	Assess whether underlying attachments need attention	Tether-release techniques; collagen-remodelling as part of a plan	Yes: microneedling. Discuss at assessment: tether-release techniques
Raised scars	Excess scar tissue, including hypertrophic scars or keloids	Assess healing tendency before further procedures	A raised-scar management plan, with referral where appropriate	Discuss at assessment

Mixed patterns are common, so more than one row may apply.^[1] This table is a starting point for discussion, not a self-prescription or a statement that every listed option suits your skin.

Before treating marks or scars: address active acne

Ongoing inflammation can create new marks and scars while older ones are being treated. Reducing that activity may therefore be the first priority, particularly when lesions are deep or painful.^[3]

A staged plan can address breakouts alongside supportive care for marks, with procedures for texture considered when appropriate. The Merrion Acne Treatment Program is one care pathway to discuss after assessment; its suitability depends on what is present, previous treatment and skin tolerance.

How to get rid of acne marks

Red marks: post-inflammatory erythema

With red marks, the first focus is usually on settling inflammation and keeping the skin comfortable. Gentle cleansing, moisturiser, sun protection and avoiding picking provide a supportive foundation. Stronger exfoliation does not necessarily address the vascular changes behind persistent redness.

Some clinics use vascular laser or intense pulsed light (IPL) for selected red marks.^[1] These approaches differ from treatments intended primarily for pigment or depressed scars. Merrion does not offer vascular laser or IPL. If either may suit you, Dr. Kate can talk this through with you at your assessment.

Redness that is spreading, uncomfortable or still associated with active lesions needs review before it is treated as a residual mark.

Brown marks: dark spots from acne

For post-acne hyperpigmentation, daily sun protection helps limit further ultraviolet-related darkening. A tolerable routine and control of new breakouts matter too; each fresh inflammatory lesion may leave another dark spot.

Selected brightening ingredients may help reduce the appearance of pigment. However, irritation can produce additional pigmentation, especially in more richly pigmented skin. Aggressive procedures can also worsen the concern they were intended to address.^[2]

Merrion's scar-support skincare collection is a starting point for discussing supportive products. Each formula should have a clear role in your routine; a collection labelled for scars will not correct every post-acne change.

How to treat acne scars by type

Ice-pick scars: why depth changes the approach

Ice-pick scars are narrow and deep, so broad surface renewal may not adequately address their structure. For ice-pick scars, treatment discussions may include TCA CROSS, a technique using carefully targeted chemical application within selected scars.^[1]

This is a clinical technique, not a home peel. Selection and application matter, because inappropriate treatment can cause further pigment change or scarring. It is described here to explain why depth matters, not to suggest it suits every ice-pick scar.

Boxcar scars: consider depth and edges

For boxcar scars, depth and edge definition help determine whether resurfacing or a collagen-remodelling approach may be useful. A shallow depression and a deeper, sharply edged scar may need different plans.^[1]

Merrion's page on laser resurfacing for scars has more detail about the treatment. An assessment is needed to establish whether it suits the scar, skin tone and healing history. Laser resurfacing is a broad category, and evidence for one approach should not be assumed to apply to every device or scar.

Rolling scars: assess tethering before surface treatment

Rolling scars can involve attachments that pull the surface downward. Where tethering contributes, surface collagen stimulation alone may leave that underlying attachment unaddressed.

Subcision is a technique used to release some tethered scars beneath the skin.^[1] It requires clinical assessment and carries risks, including bruising, pigment change and further scarring.

Microneedling for acne scars may be considered for some textural changes as part of a combined plan. Its collagen-remodelling role does not mean that it releases tethering or suits every depression.

Raised scars: a different management pathway

Hypertrophic scars and keloids involve excess scar tissue. Their management differs from approaches for depressed scars. A history of raised scarring matters before any procedure, and an assessment may lead to a different care pathway or referral.

Does skincare help acne scars? Retinol, niacinamide and other ingredients

Skincare can support acne control, colour and skin health, but it cannot reliably fill a deep pit or release tethered tissue. An “acne scar cream” should be assessed by its ingredients and purpose, rather than its name.

Retinol and prescription retinoids

Cosmetic retinol supports skin renewal, but its evidence and strength should not be equated with prescription acne retinoids. A physician may discuss prescription retinoid options after assessment for acne or associated pigment concerns.^[2][3] They are not a substitute for every scar-specific procedure.

Retinoids, including cosmetic retinol, should be avoided during pregnancy and when trying to conceive. Seek individual advice before using active skincare or having procedures.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide may support the skin barrier and help with inflammation, although evidence for acne is more limited than for established acne medicines.^[4] A supportive role does not mean that it rebuilds a deep scar.

Azelaic acid

Azelaic acid may help redness and bumps; some strengths or formulations require a prescription and should be clinician-guided. It may also have a role in post-acne pigment care, depending on the formulation and individual assessment.^[2]

Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide

Salicylic acid helps address pore blockage; benzoyl peroxide reduces acne-associated bacteria.^[3][4] Their main contribution here is managing active acne and reducing further inflammatory lesions. Neither should be expected to correct an established depression simply because it appears in an acne product.

Adding several actives can make the skin less comfortable. A manageable routine with a clear purpose is more useful than treating every concern with another exfoliant.

Combining treatments and setting realistic expectations

Mixed scarring may need more than one method, in a deliberate order. A plan might first address inflammation, then pigment, then reassess how much texture remains. Alternatively, selected structural changes may need attention before broader resurfacing.^[1]

Chemical peels are another category sometimes discussed for post-acne concerns, but their role depends on depth, skin characteristics and the target.^[1] They should not be treated as interchangeable with targeted techniques for deep scars.

Improvement develops gradually, and a treatment course may involve reassessment rather than repeating an unchanged procedure. Skin tone, healing history, recent tanning, medications and downtime preferences all influence planning. A reasonable outcome may be softer contour or less noticeable colour, with some changes remaining.

When an assessment is worthwhile

Assessment is useful when colour and texture are mixed, breakouts are still creating new changes, or you are considering a procedure. During an assessment, Dr. Kate considers the concern, current routine, previous treatment and healing history before discussing options.

Merrion's page on acne scarring treatment outlines the broader assessment pathway.

Take the skin assessment quiz

Organise your concerns before a visit. The quiz helps you describe what you notice; it does not replace an examination.

For a plan matched to your skin and scar type, book a consultation with Dr. Kate.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most effective way to treat acne scars?

The most appropriate approach depends on scar structure and skin characteristics. A method suited to a shallow depression may not address deep pits, tethering or raised scar tissue.

Can acne scars be removed completely?

Complete removal should not be promised. The aim is to improve their appearance, with expectations based on the particular scar and healing response.

Can you get rid of acne scars naturally or at home in a week?

No home remedy reliably corrects established textural scars in a week. Home care can support acne control and gradual improvement in marks. Abrasive scrubs, acids or improvised remedies may add irritation.

Does retinol help with acne scars?

It may support skin renewal, but it cannot reliably correct deep pits or tethered tissue. Cosmetic retinol is different from prescription retinoids; suitability and tolerance need consideration.

Do scar creams work?

Some products may help colour or skin comfort. Their usefulness depends on the ingredients and concern. A cream should not be expected to address every structural scar.

How do I get rid of red acne marks?

Start by addressing inflammation and avoiding irritation. Persistent redness may merit assessment for a colour-focused approach rather than more exfoliation.

Is microneedling or laser better for acne scars?

Neither is universally more appropriate. Scar structure, skin tone and the available technique guide the decision; see the scarring assessment pathway.

Sources

This information is educational and does not replace personalised medical assessment.

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