Can Pitted Acne Scars Heal Naturally? 3 Distinct Types + Complete Treatment Solutions

Is it possible for pitted acne scars to heal naturally? Pitted scars, also called acne marks, are indentations left by pimples. While commonly seen in oily skin, other skin types are not immune to developing these scars.

No matter what type of pitted scars you have, let’s explore the causes, the 3 main types, and effective solutions to improve skin texture. At the end, we’ll introduce the most cost-effective treatment in Hong Kong!

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Understanding How Pitted Scars Form: Why Does Skin Look Like the Moon’s Surface?

Pitted scars mainly result from inflamed acne. When clogged pores become infected, inflammation can reach the epidermis and even the dermis, damaging collagen and elastin fibers.

If wounds heal poorly, fibrotic tissue forms in the dermis, pulling down the skin surface and creating the characteristic pits. Repeated squeezing or infections can disrupt normal healing, making scars more pronounced and less likely to heal naturally.

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5 Major Causes of Pitted Scars: Why Acne Won’t Heal Quickly

1. Inflammation damages the dermis: Severe acne inflammation destroys collagen and elastin fibers, leaving the skin unable to regain its original structure. Healing results in depressed scars.

2. Excessive squeezing or external trauma: Picking acne with fingers, nails, or tools increases wound depth. Interference during healing can disrupt repair, resulting in permanent uneven scars.

3. Excess oil production and clogged pores: Overactive sebaceous glands, especially during puberty or hormonal imbalance, lead to clogged pores and repeated inflammation. This cycle naturally produces pitted scars.

4. Bacterial infection worsens inflammation and collagen loss: Propionibacterium acnes infection triggers stronger immune responses, causing deeper tissue damage and accelerating collagen loss. Even after healing, the skin remains uneven.

5. Scar-prone skin and poor post-treatment care: People with scar-prone skin may develop scars from minor inflammation. Neglecting proper post-treatment care—like over-exfoliation, insufficient sun protection, or early irritation—can prolong healing and increase scar formation.

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3 Types of Pitted Scars: More Symptoms Than You Think

Type 1: Ice Pick Scars

• Appearance: Narrow, deep pits, like sharp objects pierced into the skin.
• Location: Common on the forehead and cheeks.
• Characteristics: Small surface opening, extends deep into dermis or subcutaneous layer; most difficult to treat.

Type 2: Boxcar Scars

• Appearance: Shallow, wide depressions with sharp edges, resembling small “boxes” on the skin.
• Location: Temples, cheeks, or areas with thinner fat layers.

Type 3: Rolling Scars

• Appearance: Wave-like, continuous depressions with blurred edges.
• Location: Large areas of the cheeks.
• Characteristics: Skin appears loose and uneven, like it was rolled over.

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Popular Pitted Scar Treatments: 4 Key Skincare Focuses

1. Brightening & Pigment-Fading Products

Reduces pigmentation and evens skin tone around scars. Recommended ingredients:

• Vitamin C derivatives (AA2G): Antioxidant, reduces dark spots.
• Tranexamic Acid: Prevents post-inflammatory pigmentation, suitable for redness or acne scars.
• Arbutin, Niacinamide: Brightens skin and repairs barrier.

Suitable Products: Brightening serums, repair masks, spot gels

2. Repairing Products

Supports skin healing and tissue regeneration. Ingredients:

• Centella Asiatica (Cica): Soothes redness, promotes repair.
• Vitamin B5 (Panthenol): Repairs epidermis, stabilizes sensitive skin.
• Ceramides: Strengthens barrier, reduces irritation.

Suitable Products: Repair creams, soothing masks, gel lotions

3. Moisturizers

Hydrated skin makes pits less noticeable. Key ingredients:

• Hyaluronic Acid: Locks in moisture, keeps skin supple.
• Glycerin, Trehalose: Maintains hydration balance.

Suitable Products: Moisturizing serums, gel creams, hydrating masks

4. Gentle Exfoliation

Promotes cell turnover and absorption of active ingredients. Ingredients:

• AHA: Removes dead skin, smooths texture.
• Mandelic Acid, BHA: Targets clogged pores, suitable for acne-prone skin.

Suitable Products: Mild exfoliating serums, low-concentration acid toners

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4 Key Medical Treatments for Pitted Scars

• Laser Therapy: Targets old tissue, stimulates fibroblast activity, promotes dermal collagen regeneration, and improves skin depressions.

• Golden Microneedling: Microneedles penetrate skin while releasing RF energy to remodel collagen; especially effective for boxcar and rolling scars.

• Standard Microneedling: Creates micro-injuries to activate fibroblasts and collagen production; can be combined with hyaluronic acid or growth factors for enhanced repair and hydration.

• Skincare-Based Treatments: Incorporates peeling and repair serums to support recovery before and after microneedling or laser therapy, improving results and reducing irritation.

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Ultimate Pitted Scar Solution: Perfect Medical Acne Treatment

Pitted scars are a long-term struggle. Medical treatments are the fastest way to see improvement, with results maintained through proper skincare.

Perfect Medical Acne Treatment:

• Pain-free and non-invasive.
• Targets red, brown acne marks, pitted scars, and excess oil.
• Uses 1064nm laser to penetrate dermis, stimulate collagen, and break down pigment under scars.
• Tightens pores and smooths skin surface for a flawless finish.

Sign up now for one professional skin analysis and Perfect Medical Acne Treatment!