Pitted Acne Scars: How To Get Rid Of It?
Do your acne scars seem like they just won’t go away—no matter what product you try? You’re not alone. Many people feel stuck with uneven skin texture, especially after years of dealing with breakouts. The biggest culprit? Pitted acne scars—the type that leaves deep, hollow marks on your skin.
The good news? There are real, effective ways to treat them. At Clarion Medical and Aesthetics, we help patients find the best solutions tailored to their unique skin. With modern technology, advanced techniques, and personalised care, we guide you toward smoother, clearer skin that feels like you again.
Let’s break down exactly what these scars are and how to get rid of pitted acne scars—for good.
What Are Pitted Acne Scars?
Pitted scars are a type of atrophic acne scarring, which means they cause a loss of tissue. These scars heal beneath the surface and create indentations in the skin. Unlike flat or pigmented scars, pitted acne scars don’t just fade—they often need targeted treatment.
Types of Pitted Acne Scars
Ice Pick Scars
These are small but deep. They look like tiny holes or narrow punctures in the skin, as if your skin’s been poked with a sharp tool. Ice pick scars can be hard to treat because they go deep into the dermal layer.
Boxcar Scars
Wider than ice pick scars, boxcar scars have sharp edges and a U-shape. They often appear on the cheeks and temples. These scars form when collagen fibres are destroyed during inflammation.
Rolling Scars
These scars look like waves across the skin. They’re shallow but wide and often blend into normal skin. Rolling scars are caused by fibrous bands pulling the skin downward.
How They Form on the Skin
Pitted acne scars begin with inflammation. When you have severe acne, especially cysts, your body sends white blood cells to heal the area. However, this healing process can damage the skin’s structure. If your skin doesn’t make enough collagen during recovery, it can leave a depression or pit.
Add in factors like infection, skin picking, or delayed treatment, and the damage can reach deeper layers of skin. Over time, those spots become permanent marks.
Common Causes of Pitted Acne Scars
Inflammatory Acne
Red, swollen pimples and cysts cause the most damage. The more inflamed the acne, the higher the risk of scarring.
Genetics and Skin Type
Some people naturally produce less collagen or have slower-healing skin. If acne scarring runs in your family, you may be more likely to develop pitted scars.
Poor Wound Healing
Picking at pimples or using harsh skincare products can interrupt the skin healing process, causing deeper scars. Improper aftercare can also trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation along with textural changes.
Who Is More Prone to Pitted Scars?
You may be more likely to develop pitted acne scars if you:
Had severe acne like cysts or nodules
Frequently picked at your skin
Have a family history of scarring
Didn’t treat your acne early
Have darker skin, which may be more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Used skincare that irritated or thinned the outer layers of your skin
Are Pitted Scars Permanent?
Here’s the truth: Pitted scars don’t typically fade on their own. Since the issue lies in the dermal layer, regular exfoliation or topical creams won’t reach deep enough.
But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with them forever.
With the right acne scar treatments, you can see noticeable improvements. New cosmetic procedures are designed to stimulate collagen production and remodel the skin’s surface. You just need a personalised treatment plan and a provider who understands your skin.
How to Get Rid of Pitted Acne Scars
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Your treatment should depend on your type of scarring, skin colour, and how deep the scars go. Here are some of the most effective methods:
Chemical Peels
These use acids like salicylic acid or TCA to exfoliate the outer layers of the skin. Over time, they improve texture and reduce the appearance of depressed scars. Stronger peels can also stimulate new skin cells and collagen.
Microneedling
Tiny needles create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This boosts collagen formation and helps smooth the skin’s surface. It works well for rolling scars and shallow boxcar scars. Best done at regular intervals by a trained professional.
Laser Resurfacing
Laser treatments, especially fractional CO2 lasers, target the skin layers to encourage collagen remodelling. They’re great for all types of pitted scars, but especially ice pick scars. Not all lasers suit all skin tones, so a board-certified dermatologist should guide you.
Subcision
This involves using a small needle to break the fibrous bands under a rolling scar. It lifts the scar from below and allows new collagen fibres to fill the space.
Dermal Fillers
Temporary fillers, often made of hyaluronic acid, can be injected into deeper scars. They add volume and reduce the appearance of indentations. Ideal for an instant confidence boost.
TCA CROSS
A high-concentration trichloroacetic acid is placed directly into ice pick scars. It causes controlled damage to the scar walls, which promotes healing and collagen production. Works well on small, deep pits.
Punch Excision/Grafting
Used for the most stubborn pitted acne scars. The scar is surgically removed, and the area is closed with a stitch or filled with a skin graft. Best for deep, narrow ice pick scars.
How To Choose the Right Treatment
Picking the right method isn’t easy. That’s why we always begin with a visual examination and full skin consultation at Clarion. We look at your skin type, scar depth, past treatments, and goals.
Together, we build a treatment plan that feels realistic and tailored. We don’t promise overnight results—but we do promise safe, professional care that puts your needs first.
Can You Prevent Pitted Acne Scars?
Yes—but you have to start early. The key is to treat acne before it turns severe.
Use gentle skincare to reduce inflammation
Avoid popping pimples or over-exfoliating
Get professional acne care if breakouts are persistent
Protect your skin from the sun (UV damage slows the healing process)
Don’t delay treatment. Every inflamed pimple is a potential scar
Ready for Clearer Skin? Talk to Clarion Today
Pitted acne scars can feel permanent—but they’re not. With the right approach, they can be improved and, in many cases, nearly erased.
At Clarion Medical and Aesthetics, we stay ahead of the curve. We offer proven acne scar treatments, tailored to your skin. Whether it’s your first step or your final push toward smooth skin, we’re ready to help.
Schedule your consultation today. Let’s create your personalised treatment plan—together!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Pitted Acne Scars Go Away Naturally?
Not usually. Because the damage goes deep, they need targeted treatment to see results.
What Is the Most Effective Treatment for Pitted Scars?
It depends on the scar type and skin tone. Laser resurfacing, microneedling, and TCA CROSS are often recommended.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
Some treatments show improvement after one session, but most need multiple rounds. Results build gradually over weeks.
Is Treatment Safe for Darker Skin Tones?
Yes, but not all methods are ideal. That’s why customised treatment plans are key—especially to avoid post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Is There Any Downtime After Procedures?
It depends. Some treatments, like fillers, have no downtime. Others, like laser resurfacing, may require a few days of recovery.
Can I Combine Treatments?
Absolutely. Many patients see the best results by combining treatments like microneedling and peels or subcision with fillers.