How to remove acne scars naturally in a week

Acne scars are known for being hard to budge. They are technically permanent, which means that while their appearance can be minimised over time, there is currently no way to remove them quickly and completely. Unfortunately, nobody can remove acne scars in a week.

Reducing acne scars’ appearance demands a specialised treatment plan, which depends on the type of scarring you have, how deep they are, and how many there are on your skin.

Over-the-counter treatments may help ease the obviousness of acne scars, but these solutions are not always guaranteed to work. On the other hand, traditional home remedies (sometimes called “natural” treatments) do not offer any scientifically proven results. In some cases, they may even lead to further skin irritation.

In this article, we will examine the different types of acne scars and the various treatment methods practitioners use to reduce their appearance. We will also discuss common home remedies and over-the-counter treatments for treating acne scars, and whether they are actually effective. Lastly, we will discuss your options if you prefer concealing the scars instead.

Is there a way to remove acne scars quickly?

Unfortunately, there is not a way to remove acne scars quickly. Most treatment methods will take several weeks to show results and are administered in two stages: stage 1 for reducing scar depth and stage 2 to manage discolouration.

Most stage 1 treatments rely on the skin’s healing and collagen-producing abilities to “replace” the scars with new ones. These methods may involve peeling the outer layer of the skin, injecting a filler to push the scar upwards, or surgically removing the scar itself.

Depending on your situation, your practitioner may recommend using a combination of several methods to treat all scars on the affected area. Keep in mind that some treatment methods may require repeat sessions to be truly effective.

Meanwhile, stage 2 of the treatment focuses on reducing any skin discolouration caused by the new scars from stage 1. This stage may also require multiple sessions so that the treated area can match your skin tone.

How are acne scars treated?

There are several treatment options available for acne scars, and your practitioner will determine the right one for you based on the type(s) of scars you have.

Types of acne scars

• Ice pick (or ice-pick) scars: These scars appear as small indentations with a wide opening and a narrow point as they go deeper into the skin. Ice pick scars are more common in areas with thinner skin, such as the forehead or upper cheeks.
• Rolling scars: Rolling scars are not as deep as ice pick or boxcar scars but are wider. They appear as skin indentations with sloping edges, making the surface look uneven.
• Boxcar scars: These scars have a wide, sharp edge before descending further into the skin. Unlike ice pick scars, boxcars are more common around the lower cheeks and the jaw - areas with thicker skin.
• Keloid and Hypertrophic scars: Unlike the other three scars that leave skin indentations, keloid and hypertrophic scars appear as raised scar tissues. This happens when the skin produces too much collagen in response to the skin injury.

Acne scar treatments

Now that we know the different types of acne scars, let’s look at the different treatment methods available.

Important note: Always seek personalised, professional medical advice. Your GetHarley Practitioner can advise on precisely what will work best for your individual needs. Book a consultation here.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels use high concentrations of glycolic or salicylic acid to remove the skin’s outer layers gradually, thus reducing the scars’ depth. This treatment can also be used to manage skin discolouration caused by scarring.

Used for treating: Ice pick scars, boxcar scars, rolling scars

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion, like chemical peels, removes the skin’s outer layer to reduce the scar’s depth or manage discolouration. However, this method uses a specialised tool that utilises friction to remove the skin’s layers instead of relying on chemicals.

This treatment typically takes two to three sessions to achieve the best results.

Used for treating: Ice pick scars, boxcar scars, rolling scars

Dermal Fillers

This treatment requires an injection of a substance, such as hyaluronic acid, to “fill” the skin around the scarred area and push it upwards. Pushing the skin from underneath with a filler can help reduce the scar’s appearance.

Used for treating: Ice pick scars, boxcar scars, rolling scars

Laser Treatment

There are two types of laser treatment available:

• Ablative laser therapy: This treatment removes the outer layer of your skin using high-energy light to encourage collagen production in the affected area. As the treatment area heals, new collagen production reduces the scar’s appearance and manages discolouration.
• Non-ablative laser therapy: This treatment uses heat to encourage more collagen production on your skin without removing the outer layer.

Your GetHarley Practitioner will decide which laser therapy is right for you based on your skin tone and scar type.

Used for treating: Ice pick scars, boxcar scars, rolling scars, keloid and hypertrophic scars

Microneedling

Microneedling involves puncturing the scar tissue with a specialised tool like a pen device or a needling roller. The goal is to break down the older scar tissue with microneedles of varying lengths and replace the older tissue with a new collagen formation. Multiple treatment sessions over several weeks may be required for best results.

Used for treating: Ice pick scars, boxcar scars, rolling scars

Punch Techniques

Punch techniques are mainly used to treat ice pick and boxcar scars, as they involve surgical procedures to treat the affected area. There are three types of punch techniques:

• Punch Excision: A circular tool is used to cut the scar off the skin before sewing the affected area shut. As the wound heals, a flatter scar will develop where the deeper scar had been.
• Punch Elevation: This technique surgically removes the centre of the scar, then reattaches it at the same level as your skin’s surface.
• Punch Grafting: This technique removes the scar before filling it with skin taken from another part of the body, such as the back of your ear. Punch grafting is typically used to treat deep ice pick scars.

Used for treating: Ice pick scars, boxcar scars, rolling scars

Subcision

Subcision involves using a specialised tool to separate fibrous scar bands from the underlying skin tissue. Because the fibrous scar bands pull the skin downwards (thus creating the scar), releasing them helps lift the skin’s surface back to normal. Blood can pool around the treatment area to help form new connective tissue that will permanently push the skin upwards.

Used for treating: Rolling scars

Corticosteroid injections/creams

You may be recommended corticosteroid injections or cream to soften and flatten the scar if you have raised scars. However, this treatment can only be done up to a certain number of times to prevent the surrounding normal tissue from weakening.

Used for treating: Keloid and hypertrophic scars

Cryotherapy

If your raised scars are new, your practitioner may suggest using cryotherapy to freeze them and stop them from growing larger. As such, cryotherapy is not as effective for older scars that have already stopped growing. Once the scar is frozen, a secondary treatment is required to reduce its size.

Used for treating: Keloid and hypertrophic scars

Do acne scars disappear on their own?

Once an acne scar is on your skin, it is there permanently. Its appearance may fade over time (especially if it is shallow), but it never disappears entirely.

Over-the-counter products like salicylic acid or retinol serums may help with mild scarring. Remember that results are not guaranteed, and the products may cause further problems if used incorrectly.

If you want to explore which home treatments can help with mild scarring, it is always a good idea to speak with your GetHarley practitioner. They can recommend medical grade products suitable for your condition and get them delivered quickly straight to your door.

Is the dark spot after my breakout a scar?

Dark spots on your face after an acne breakout are called “post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation” (PIH). Hyperpigmentation happens when skin cells react to a skin inflammation or injury by producing extra melanin - the pigment responsible for the colour of your skin, hair, and eyes.

Areas affected by hyperpigmentation may eventually return to normal, but the skin can sometimes remain permanently discoloured. Treatment is available. During an online consultation, your GetHarley Practitioner will be able to advise you on the best treatment for your hyperpigmentation.

Also read: Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation: what to know

Can I remove acne scars with natural remedies?

Natural remedies, such as honey and aloe vera, are not scientifically proven to remove acne scars. That is because the scars are on your skin permanently, and require direct methods to reduce their appearance. The scars may indeed fade over time without, but they almost never disappear completely.

The best way to reduce acne scarring is to work with a GetHarley Practitioner. During your consultation, your GetHarley Practitioner will assess your situation and develop a personalised treatment plan for your scars, ensuring that the treatment you get is right for you.

Are over-the-counter treatments effective for acne scars?

Over-the-counter acne scar treatments such as retinoids and glycolic acid may help if you have mild scarring. Keep in mind that results from these products are not guaranteed.

You can speak with your GetHarley Practitioner to see if any medical grade home treatments can help reduce your acne scars. We have access to a wide range of products designed to help with your skin problems, and these can be delivered quickly, straight to your door.

Can I hide my acne scars?

Yes, it is feasible to hide your acne scars. Hiding your acne scars or dark marks is possible with pigmented products such as concealers or foundations. The shade you need depends on your skin tone, the colour of your scars, and if you have any hyperpigmentation.

In summary

Reducing the appearance of acne scars takes time and is best achieved through a personalised treatment plan. There are four different types of acne scars, and treating each one requires a specialised approach. Depending on your situation, your GetHarley Practitioner can recommend a holistic treatment plan, including medical grade skincare products that will address the scars in the affected area.

Although some may suggest that traditional home remedies (like lemon juice or aloe vera) can help reduce the appearance of acne scars, there have not been enough medical studies to support this claim. As such, the medical community has not agreed yet about their effectiveness.

Some over-the-counter treatments may also promise acne scar reduction, but their effectiveness depends on how light your scarring is. Using them incorrectly may also lead to further problems, so it is important to discuss such products with a GetHarley Practitioner first before using them. They will be able to recommend the right medical grade product for you, and they will be delivered straight to your door.

The best way to reduce the appearance of your acne scars is by working with a GetHarley Practitioner. During your online consultation, your GetHarley practitioner will examine your situation and develop a bespoke treatment plan based on your skin goals and medical history.

Book your online consultation today so you can be on your way to treating your acne scars for good.