What Is Acne Scarring?
Acne scarring is the textural change left behind once inflamed acne has healed. It commonly shows up as indented (atrophic) scars — including small, deep icepick scars, broader rolling scars, or box-like boxcar scars — though some people develop raised (hypertrophic or keloid) scarring instead. Either way, the underlying cause is the same: the skin’s collagen response while healing from inflammation.
This page covers scarring specifically. If you’re still experiencing active breakouts, our Acne & Breakouts page has more relevant information, and if your main concern is visible, congested pores rather than scarring, see our Enlarged Pores page.
What Causes It?
- Prolonged or severe inflammatory acne — the deeper and more inflamed a breakout, the higher the risk of scarring
- Picking, squeezing or popping breakouts, which increases inflammation and damage to surrounding tissue
- Delayed treatment — the longer active acne goes untreated, the more opportunity there is for scarring to form
- Your skin’s individual healing response, including genetics, which affects how much collagen is produced (too little causes indentation, too much causes raised scarring)
How We Assess It at Cosmetic Skin Co
Not all acne scarring responds the same way to treatment — the type, depth and pattern of your scarring all matter. At your consultation, Lisa will assess your scarring and build a resurfacing plan, which is often most effective as a course of treatments over time rather than a single session.
Recommended Treatments
- Dermastamp (Microneedling) — Dermastamp (Microneedling) — microneedling that stimulates the skin’s own collagen production, helping soften the appearance of indented scarring over a course of treatments.
- Skin Peels — Skin Peels — chemical exfoliation that resurfaces the skin, improving overall tone and texture alongside scarring.
- Microdermabrasion — Microdermabrasion — mechanical exfoliation that smooths superficial texture and helps improve product absorption for skincare working underneath.
- IPL Skin Rejuvenation — IPL Skin Rejuvenation — a broad-spectrum light treatment that supports this concern alongside its wider skin rejuvenation benefits.
Because acne scarring varies so much from person to person, we build a course of treatment around your specific scarring pattern — this is exactly what your consultation is for.
Recommended Skincare
- Cosmetic Skin Co Reusable Makeup Removal Pads (3-Pack) — Cosmetic Skin Co Reusable Makeup Removal Pads (3-Pack) — Lisa’s own go-to, used with every client in clinic; gently removes makeup without the rubbing that can aggravate scarred or resurfacing skin.
- Retinol Peptide Complex — Retinol Peptide Complex — multi-action night serum that supports cell turnover, helps even skin tone and clarifies texture.
- Dermaceutic K Ceutic — Dermaceutic K Ceutic — repairing recovery cream that nourishes and supports the skin between resurfacing treatments.
- Good Morning Daily Face Sunscreen SPF50+ — Good Morning Daily Face Sunscreen SPF50+ — broad-spectrum daily SPF; essential after resurfacing treatments to protect healing skin and prevent new pigmentation forming in scarred areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can acne scarring be completely removed?
Most acne scarring can be significantly softened and improved, though complete removal isn’t usually realistic — results depend on the type and depth of scarring.
How many sessions will I need?
Acne scarring is usually treated as a course rather than a single session — Lisa will give you a personalised treatment plan at your consultation.
Should I treat active acne before treating scarring?
Generally yes — it’s best to get active breakouts under control first, since new inflammation can lead to further scarring. See our Acne & Breakouts page.
Is there downtime after resurfacing treatments?
This varies by treatment — some involve a few days of redness or flaking, which Lisa will talk you through before you begin.
Can I have scar treatment in summer?
Yes — summer treatments can still go ahead, as long as your skin is well prepped beforehand and you continue to follow your post-treatment care instructions.
Book a Consultation
Ready to talk about improving your acne scarring? Book a free skin consultation with Lisa and get a treatment plan tailored to your skin.