How to Treat Pitted Acne Scars? 5 Recommended Skin Rejuvenation Treatments

How can pitted acne scars be treated? Pitted scars, also known as acne scars or marks, appear when acne is not properly managed. When pimples stretch the pores and damage skin tissue, the skin can appear loose and uneven, creating the difficult-to-remove pitted texture.

With modern advancements, there are now multiple ways to smooth out pitted scars. This guide provides comprehensive information on pitted acne scars and recommends 5 contemporary treatments that can improve your skin, restoring a smooth and flawless appearance.

1

Understanding Pitted Scars: 4 Types of Acne Marks

When pitted scars penetrate the dermis, skin tissue is damaged and collagen cannot properly regenerate, resulting in visible depressions or uneven scars. These scars often form due to severe inflammation, bacterial infection, or improper acne squeezing. Without proper care, scars can worsen or become hypertrophic.

1. Ice Pick Scars

• Shape: Sharp, narrow, and deep, like an ice pick piercing the skin into the dermis.
• Cause: Severe inflammatory acne or pustules causing significant collagen loss.
• Treatment difficulty: High — usually requires laser therapy, TCA CROSS, or surgery.

2. Boxcar Scars

• Shape: Wide, flat-bottomed, with clear edges; often round or oval.
• Cause: Moderate inflammation or external pressure damaging the dermis.
• Treatment: Microneedling or golden microneedling to stimulate collagen regeneration.

3. Rolling Scars

• Shape: Wave-like, broad, with indistinct borders.
• Cause: Abnormal fibrous tissue pulling on the epidermis.
• Treatment: Golden microneedling, laser therapy, or subcision to release tethered fibers and promote collagen regeneration.

4. Enlarged Pores / Texture Irregularities

• Shape: Not traditional scars, but create rough, uneven skin.
• Cause: Excess sebum and clogged pores.
• Treatment: Daily care with hydrating and astringent products; non-ablative laser treatments if necessary.

2

5 Main Causes of Pitted Scars: Avoid Picking Acne!

Pitted scars usually result from a combination of external and internal factors:

1. Acne formation: Most common in oily skin; inflammation damages the dermis, leaving depressions or bumps.
2. Inflammation: Severe acne breaks down skin tissue and affects collagen production.
3. Squeezing acne: Worsens inflammation and increases the risk of scarring.
4. Collagen loss: Aging reduces collagen, making minor pits more noticeable.
5. Other skin conditions: Some skin diseases may also cause scars, especially hypertrophic scars.

3

Professional Acne Scar Treatments: 5 Must-Know Medical Procedures

1. Standard Treatment: Laser Therapy

Laser treatments are the mainstream solution for pitted scars, reaching from the epidermis to the dermis to stimulate collagen and improve texture and skin tone.

• Fractional Laser: Divides the light beam into microbeams to strengthen skin repair. Ideal for ice pick and boxcar scars. Recovery: 3–7 days.
• Pico Laser: Extremely short pulses break pigment and stimulate dermal collagen. Suitable for acne marks, shallow scars, and enlarged pores. Recovery: 1–3 days.

2. Minimally Invasive Stimulation: Golden Microneedling / Microneedling

Uses fine needles or a microneedling device to create micro-injuries, triggering repair and stimulating dermal collagen.

• Especially effective for rolling scars; suitable for those seeking texture improvement and mild discomfort is tolerable.
• Combining with hyaluronic acid enhances hydration and repair.

3. Surface Renewal: Chemical Peels (AHA/BHA)

Uses acids to exfoliate and promote new skin growth, suitable for shallow post-acne depressions and enlarged pores.

• Preventative treatment for new scars, ideal for oily or acne-prone skin.
• Best for early or mild acne marks.

4. Immediate Volume: Hyaluronic Acid / Collagen Fillers

Injects fillers into depressions to support the skin and improve appearance.

• Immediate results; suitable for those who don’t want to wait for long-term improvement.
• Non-permanent; periodic touch-ups needed, ideal for boxcar scars.

5. Deep Intervention: Surgery (Punch Grafting / Subcision)

For severe ice pick scars or hypertrophic scars, surgical options may be required.

• Highly effective but longer recovery and requires professional evaluation.
• Often combined with other treatments for best results.

Important Reminders

• Consult a dermatologist: Scar type determines treatment method; professional evaluation ensures a personalized plan.
• Understand risks and side effects: All medical procedures carry some risk.
• Follow post-treatment care: Proper aftercare is critical for effectiveness.

4

7 Daily Habits to Prevent Pitted Scars

• Gentle cleansing: Use non-irritating cleansers to protect the skin barrier.
• Sun protection: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to prevent collagen damage and pigmentation.
• Hydration: Use hyaluronic acid-based moisturizers to support repair and smoothness.
• Avoid picking acne: Prevents inflammation and dermal damage.
• Regular exfoliation: 1–2 times weekly with mild acids or enzymes to promote skin renewal.
• Healthy lifestyle: Balanced diet and regular sleep reduce acne occurrence.
• Soothing masks: Aloe vera or centella asiatica reduce inflammation and aid repair.

5

Best Acne Scar Solution in Hong Kong: Perfect Medical Acne Treatment

Pitted scars are notoriously difficult to remove, but Perfect Medical Acne Treatment delivers visible results in a single, pain-free, non-invasive session.

• Uses 1064nm laser technology to penetrate multiple skin layers.
• Stimulates collagen while precisely targeting pigment under acne marks.
• Tightens pores, smooths skin, and regulates oil production — all in one treatment.

Sign up now for a professional skin analysis + Perfect Medical Acne Treatment!