At No. 23 Skin, we take a long-term, skin-health approach. No quick fixes. No overpromising. Just honest guidance and treatments that work.
Why do acne scars happen?
Acne scars form when inflammation damages the deeper layers of the skin. The more severe or long-lasting the acne, the higher the risk — particularly with nodules or cysts.
Scarring can be made worse by:
Picking or squeezing spots
Delayed or ineffective acne treatment
Ongoing inflammation
Genetic tendency
That’s why early, effective acne treatment matters — not just for clear skin now, but for skin health later.
What type of acne scarring do I have?
Not all acne scars are the same — and they shouldn’t all be treated the same.
Indented (atrophic) scars
These are the most common.
Ice pick scars – narrow, deep pits
Boxcar scars – wider, with sharp edges
Rolling scars – shallow, uneven texture
These occur when the skin doesn’t produce enough collagen as it heals.
Raised scars
More common on the chest, shoulders, and back
Caused by excess collagen during healing
Red or dark marks (not true scars)
Flat red or brown marks (hyperpigmentation) left after acne heals
Often fade with time — but can be treated
Understanding which category your skin falls into is the foundation of effective treatment.
What treatments actually help acne scars?
There is no single “best” treatment — and anyone offering one probably isn’t being honest.
The most effective results usually come from a tailored combination of treatments, chosen by a dermatology specialist.
Depending on your skin and scar type, this may include:
Laser treatments to stimulate collagen and smooth texture
Microneedling for mild to moderate scarring
Subcision to release tethered scars
Targeted procedures for deeper scars
Medical-grade skincare to support skin repair and tone
Most acne scarring treatments work by encouraging your skin to rebuild collagen over time — which means results are gradual, not instant.
Can acne scars be completely removed?
This is where honesty matters.
Acne scars can almost always be improved significantly, but they are rarely erased completely. The goal is a significantly smoother texture, more even skin, and skin that feels like yours again.
We’ll always be clear about:
What’s realistic
How many treatments may be needed
What improvement you can expect
What can I do at home?
At-home care is unlikely to remove established scars — but it plays an important supporting role.
Helpful steps include:
Treat active acne early and properly – book in for a dermatology consultation to get support with prescriptions, advice, and targeted lasers.
Don’t pick or squeeze spots (we know it is hard).
Use sunscreen daily (essential for scar healing). You might find oil-free or mineral options best for you.
Use evidence-based skincare recommended for your skin.
Be wary of products claiming to “remove acne scars” — most don’t.
When should I see a dermatologist?
You should consider a specialist consultation if:
Acne scars are affecting your confidence
Your acne has cleared but marks remain
- You have active acne
Over-the-counter products haven’t helped
You’re unsure what type of scarring you have
You want a proper plan — not guesswork
At No. 23 Skin, acne scarring is approached as part of whole skin health. We look at past breakouts, current skin behaviour, lifestyle, and long-term goals — then build a plan that makes sense for you.
Skin that should be lived in
Acne scars are not a failure — they’re a sign your skin has been through something.
Our role isn’t to “fix” you. It’s to support your skin so you can move forward with confidence, clarity, and treatments that are worth your time.
Thinking about treatment for acne scars?
A personalised consultation is always the first step. No pressure. Just expert guidance.