Acne scars are a common concern among individuals who have previously experienced moderate to severe acne. Even after active breakouts resolve, the skin may be left with visible marks or textural irregularities. These scars can affect one’s self-esteem and are often difficult to treat with over-the-counter skincare alone.
Acne scars form as a result of inflammation during the acne healing process. These scars can vary in appearance depending on the individual’s skin type, severity of acne, and healing response.
The most common types of acne scars include:
Atrophic scars are indentations in the skin caused by a lack of collagen produced during the skin’s healing process and are the most common. These include:
Ice pick scars: deep, narrow, and sharp-looking pits.
Boxcar scars: wider depressions with defined edges, often found on the cheeks or temples.
Rolling scars: broad, shallow depressions with sloped edges that create a wave-like appearance on the skin.
Hypertrophic and keloid scars are raised scars that form when the skin produces excess collagen. These are more common in areas such as the jawline, back, chest, and shoulders.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) appears as dark spots that linger after acne has healed. While not technically scarring, PIH is a form of pigmentation caused by inflammation. It is more common in individuals with medium to dark skin tones and can take months to fade.
Post-Inflammatory Erythema (PIE) presents as persistent red or pink marks that remain after the inflammatory acne has resolved. PIE occurs when capillaries near the skin’s surface become dilated or damaged. It is most common in individuals with lighter skin tones and, like PIH, is not a true scar but can be mistaken for one. PIE typically fades over time but may benefit from vascular laser treatments in some cases.
Atrophic scars are indentations in the skin caused by a lack of collagen produced during the skin’s healing process and are the most common. These include:
Ice pick scars: deep, narrow, and sharp-looking pits.
Boxcar scars: wider depressions with defined edges, often found on the cheeks or temples.
Rolling scars: broad, shallow depressions with sloped edges that create a wave-like appearance on the skin.
Hypertrophic and keloid scars are raised scars that form when the skin produces excess collagen. These are more common in areas such as the jawline, back, chest, and shoulders.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) appears as dark spots that linger after acne has healed. While not technically scarring, PIH is a form of pigmentation caused by inflammation. It is more common in individuals with medium to dark skin tones and can take months to fade.
Post-Inflammatory Erythema (PIE) presents as persistent red or pink marks that remain after the inflammatory acne has resolved. PIE occurs when capillaries near the skin’s surface become dilated or damaged. It is most common in individuals with lighter skin tones and, like PIH, is not a true scar but can be mistaken for one. PIE typically fades over time but may benefit from vascular laser treatments in some cases.
Recognising the type of post-acne mark or scar is crucial to deciding on the most effective treatment plan. During your consultation at Mizu, our doctors will assess your skin to recommend the most appropriate treatments.
Acne scars typically result from deeper, inflammatory acne lesions such as nodules and cysts. When the walls of these lesions rupture, the surrounding tissue becomes damaged. The body attempts to repair this by producing collagen, but if too little or too much collagen is formed, scarring may occur.
Picking or squeezing acne can also increase the likelihood of scarring. Genetics, delayed treatment, and skin tone may influence both the type and severity of acne scarring. Early intervention with appropriate skincare and medical treatment can reduce the chances of long-term scarring.
At Mizu, we combine medical-grade treatments with customised care plans to improve the appearance of acne scars. Depending on the type of scarring and your skin condition, our doctors may recommend a combination of topical support, lifestyle guidance, and in-clinic procedures for optimal results.
Sun protection plays a vital role in managing pigmentation from acne scars. Applying a broad-spectrum SPF daily helps prevent scars from darkening. At-home skincare containing ingredients like retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), niacinamide, and vitamin C can support cell turnover and improve overall skin pigmentation and skin tone gradually.
For individuals with active acne or significant post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a customised medical-grade skincare regimen designed to complement in-clinic procedures may be recommended.
RF microneedling combines microneedling and radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen growth and elevate depressed scars without the use of injectables. This dual-action technique helps to improve skin texture, minimise pore size, and lift depressed scars from within. It is suitable for most skin types and typically requires up to 3 sessions to see improvements and 6 sessions for optimal results. These sessions are spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart to allow adequate healing of the skin between sessions. Downtime is minimal; most patients experience mild redness or dryness for 1 to 3 days, with benefits extending to improved pore size, brightness, and texture. Read more
The Multifractional Laser is a dual-wavelength, non-ablative fractional laser that targets both deep acne scars and surface-level pigmentation. By using 1550 nm and 1927 nm wavelengths in one session, this treatment addresses dermal collagen remodelling while also improving surface irregularities and tone. The Multifractional Laser is a non-invasive treatment and patients can expect to experience progressive improvements in skin smoothness and clarity over a series of 4 to 6 sessions. The procedure has minimal downtime and is safe for different skin tones. Read more
Polynucleotide-based skin boosters are often used to stimulate fibroblast activity, increase skin collagen production, repair damaged dermal tissue and soften deep scars. This treatment is effective for deep atrophic scars and may be combined with microneedling or laser therapies. Most patients undergo a course of 3 to 4 treatments, with visible improvements developing over several months. Read more
Mizu offers a range of pigmentation lasers including yellow, pico, and Q‑Switched (Nd:YAG) systems to address acne marks like PIH and PIE:
Most patients require 3 to 6 sessions of laser treatments, scheduled several weeks apart, to target both pigment and vascular components of acne scars effectively.
Intralesional steroid may be used to treat hypertrophic acne scars. Triamcinolone is the most commonly used steroid for this function. This treatment helps to reduce inflammation, soften scar tissue, and flatten the raised scar. The size and firmness of the scar often determines the number of sessions needed.
Most in-clinic procedures are performed with numbing cream to reduce discomfort. Patients typically describe the sensation as mild warmth or a light prickling depending on the treatment.
Treatment plans are personalised and vary by scar type and the severity of the scar. Skin resurfacing treatments like the RF microneedling and lasers tend to require 3 to 6 sessions, and skin boosters usually need 3 to 4 sessions. Your doctor will recommend the ideal treatment schedule during your consultation.
Mild redness, dryness, or swelling may occur for 1 to 5 days depending on the procedure. Most patients will appear normal within 24 to 72 hours. As for activities, it is recommended to avoid prolonged sun exposure, strenuous exercise, and stay in cool environments as much as possible for the week after the treatment.
Some improvements may be seen within a few weeks, but optimal results are typically observed 3 to 6 months post-treatment as collagen production continues over time.
Mizu Aesthetic Clinic is led by Dr YZ Tan, who brings years of experience in treating acne scars with a focus on customisation and minimally invasive procedures.
Our clinic prioritises safety, transparency, and evidence-based solutions, ensuring that every treatment is tailored to your skin’s needs. By combining modalities such as RF microneedling, laser therapy, and skin boosters, we offer comprehensive acne scar treatment plans that address both pigmentation and texture for long-term improvement.
Take the first step towards clearer, healthier-looking skin. Schedule a personalised consultation with our medical team to discuss your acne scar concerns and explore the best treatment options for your skin type.
This page is intended for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. For an accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment plan, please consult with our licensed medical professionals.
