How to Get Rid of Post-Acne Marks?

What Is Post-Acne?

Post-acne refers to complications on the skin that appear after severe acne, such as scarring, pigmentation, enlarged pores, and more. Acne scars affect about 85% of people — both women and men. They typically appear on the face, back, and chest.

There are several types of post-acne scars:

• Atrophic scars — these are indentations in the skin that look like pits or depressions with uneven edges, commonly seen on the cheeks, forehead, and chin.
• Hypertrophic scars — these are raised, dense formations that protrude above the skin surface and are usually pink or red in color.

Scars often develop as a result of mechanical impact on inflamed areas — such as squeezing or scratching.

Post-acne can also appear as dyschromia — a change in skin color at the site of breakouts. Acne marks may be dark (hyperpigmentation) or light (hypopigmentation). This pigmentation change usually occurs due to disrupted melanin production in the affected area. Dyschromia is not a scar and may fade over time, but it still requires proper care and sun protection.

Post-acne may also be accompanied by post-inflammatory erythema — red or pink marks left on the skin after inflammation has healed. These spots result from the dilation or damage of small blood vessels and are most commonly seen in people with fair skin.

Treating post-acne requires a comprehensive approach — combining professional cosmetic procedures with high-quality at-home skincare. This treatment plan is tailored by a dermatologist or cosmetic specialist based on the individual’s clinical condition.

Why Do Acne Scars Form?

Not everyone faces the issue of acne scarring — only about 85% of people develop scars after acne treatment. In other words, scarring doesn’t occur in every clinical case. So, what factors contribute to the formation of post-acne scars?

1. Improper skincare for problem skin. This includes trauma, infection, lack of specialized care, and absence of treatment in general — all of which can lead to severe forms of acne.
2. Hormonal imbalance. Anything that triggers overactive sebaceous glands and inflammation can contribute. Excess sebum production may be driven by hormones like cortisol (the stress hormone) and testosterone.
3. Genetics. If post-acne complications run in your family, you may also be at higher risk.
4. Environmental factors. Exposure to UV radiation significantly reduces the skin’s antioxidant resources and weakens the protective barrier.

The type of scarring depends on several factors, mainly:

• the severity of the acne;
• genetics;
• skin type;
• the body’s regenerative capacity.

Timely consultation with a specialist can help you get through the acute inflammatory phase with a lower risk of complications.

How to Get Rid of Post-Acne Scars?

Modern cosmetology offers a variety of effective methods for treating post-acne, all of which work by stimulating the skin’s natural regeneration processes. Which method is right for you can only be determined by a specialist after an in-person evaluation.

It’s important to understand that no procedure will deliver instant results — the synthesis of collagen and elastin takes time.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peeling is a non-injection procedure that exfoliates the surface layer of the skin, allowing new cells to replace the old, dead ones. This promotes skin regeneration, reduces inflammation, and lightens pigmentation. For post-acne treatment, medium and deep peels are used, as they activate recovery processes in all layers of the epidermis.

These include:

• Retinoic acid peel;
• PRX-T33 peel;
• Jessner’s combined chemical peel;
• MD Peel;
• FOTONA cold laser peel.

Chemical peels are seasonal procedures and are typically performed only in autumn and winter.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing is another effective method for treating post-acne. Fractional laser resurfacing and non-ablative resurfacing with Lightscan provide a dual impact on the skin:

• they effectively exfoliate old skin cells, making room for new ones;
• they stimulate the production of elastin and collagen.

Laser resurfacing significantly reduces all types of post-acne marks — including scars, pigmented spots, and enlarged pores — while improving skin tone and texture.

Injection-Based Post-Acne Treatment

Injections for treating post-acne scars are used as complementary methods. Depending on the formulation, these treatments accelerate the synthesis of elastin and collagen, and improve the skin’s overall condition — including texture, firmness, and tone.

Effective injection procedures include:

• mesotherapy — injecting a mix of vitamins and micronutrients into the skin;
• plasmolifting — injecting plasma enriched with beneficial nutrients derived from your own blood;
• injections of hybrid fillers such as Juvelook and Lenisna, based on polylactic acid (PDLLA).

Laser Treatment for Post-Acne

Laser therapy penetrates the deeper layers of the skin, heating the cells to around 42°C — the optimal temperature to trigger regeneration processes. Two laser techniques are particularly effective in treating post-acne:

• IPL Lumecca laser — used to treat post-inflammatory pink pigmentation that has appeared on the skin within the past year;
• Microneedling RF lifting — used to treat older scars and marks that are over one year old.

Post-Acne Prevention

Not everyone develops post-acne complications. If there’s no genetic predisposition, simple preventive measures can help you avoid scarring and pigmentation:

• avoid any mechanical impact on acne (no squeezing or picking);
• use only treatments approved by a doctor;
• follow a skincare routine with products specifically recommended by a cosmetologist — serums, creams, cleansing foams, and other skincare items;
• regularly visit a cosmetologist and dermatologist for professional and therapeutic procedures;
• protect your skin from UV rays and environmental pollutants;
• maintain a balanced diet.

And most importantly — don’t face the problem alone. The cosmetologists at LeoDerm Clinic will guide you through the best approach to treating post-acne in your specific case. They’ll develop a personalized therapeutic plan and home care routine. Book an appointment today and get a free professional consultation along with a clear action plan for getting rid of post-acne.