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February 16, 2026 By Younique Aesthetics

How to Get Rid of Acne Scars: Treatments That Actually Work

Why Do Acne Scars Form?

Acne scars are the result of your skin's healing response to inflamed breakouts. When a pimple, cyst, or nodule damages the deeper layers of skin, your body produces collagen to repair the wound. But this repair process is rarely perfect.

Too little collagen creates depressed or pitted scars. Too much collagen creates raised scars. And post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation leaves behind dark marks long after the breakout has cleared.

The frustrating truth is that acne scars rarely improve on their own. Surface-level skincare products can help with discolouration, but textural scarring requires professional treatments that reach deeper into the skin.

Types of Acne Scars

Understanding your scar type is the first step to choosing the right treatment.

Ice Pick Scars

Deep, narrow, V-shaped scars that extend into the dermis. They look like small puncture marks and are among the most difficult scars to treat because of their depth.

Boxcar Scars

Broad, rectangular depressions with sharply defined edges. They are typically found on the cheeks and temples and give the skin an uneven, pitted appearance.

Rolling Scars

Wide, shallow depressions with smooth, sloping edges. They create a wave-like texture across the skin and are caused by fibrous bands pulling the surface downward.

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)

Not true scars, but flat dark or red marks left behind after a breakout heals. These can fade over time but often linger for months or even years without treatment.

Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars

Raised, thickened scars where excess collagen has built up during healing. More common on the jawline, chest, and back.

Proven Treatments for Acne Scars

RF Microneedling (Virtue RF)

RF microneedling is one of the most effective treatments available for acne scars. It combines two powerful mechanisms:

    • Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries that trigger your skin's natural healing response
    • Radiofrequency energy delivers heat deep into the dermis to break down scar tissue and stimulate new collagen production

This dual-action approach remodels the scarred tissue from within, gradually replacing it with smoother, healthier skin. Virtue RF is particularly effective for ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars because it reaches the deeper layers where the damage lies.

Most clients see significant improvement after 3 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart.

Skin Boosters

Skin boosters deliver hydration and nutrients directly into the skin to improve overall texture and quality. For acne scars, they work by:

    • Deeply hydrating the skin to plump shallow scars
    • Stimulating collagen and elastin production
    • Improving skin elasticity and firmness
    • Enhancing overall skin tone and radiance

Skin boosters work exceptionally well as a complementary treatment alongside RF microneedling, accelerating healing and enhancing results.

Professional Chemical Peels

Chemical peels use controlled exfoliation to remove damaged outer layers of skin and stimulate cell renewal. Different depths target different concerns:

    • Superficial peels — improve PIH and mild texture irregularities
    • Medium-depth peels — address shallow boxcar and rolling scars
    • Deep peels — more aggressive treatment for pronounced scarring

A series of peels can progressively smooth the skin surface and reduce the visibility of scars.

LED Light Therapy

LED therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to support skin healing and reduce inflammation. While not a standalone scar treatment, it is an excellent add-on that:

    • Accelerates post-treatment healing
    • Reduces redness and inflammation
    • Supports collagen production
    • Helps prevent new breakouts during the treatment phase

Building a Treatment Plan for Acne Scars

There is no single magic treatment for acne scars. The best results come from a customised combination approach based on your scar types, skin tone, and goals.

Mild Scarring (mostly PIH and shallow texture)

    • Professional facials with targeted actives
    • Skin boosters for hydration and glow
    • LED light therapy
    • Consistent home skincare with SPF

Moderate Scarring (mixed scar types with noticeable texture)

    • Virtue RF microneedling (3 sessions recommended)
    • Skin boosters between RF sessions
    • Chemical peels for surface refinement
    • LED therapy to support healing

Severe Scarring (deep ice pick, boxcar, or widespread scarring)

    • Virtue RF microneedling (4-6 sessions may be needed)
    • Combination with skin boosters for enhanced collagen response
    • Chemical peels for surface layers
    • Longer treatment timeline with maintenance sessions

What Results Can You Expect?

Acne scar treatment is a gradual process. Your skin needs time to produce new collagen and remodel scar tissue.

    • After 1 session: Improved skin texture and glow. Shallow scars begin to soften.
    • After 2-3 sessions: Noticeable reduction in scar depth and visibility. Skin tone becomes more even.
    • After 4-6 sessions: Significant improvement in overall skin texture. Deep scars appear shallower and less defined.
    • 3-6 months post-treatment: Collagen continues to remodel. Results keep improving even after your final session.

Patience is key. The collagen your skin builds is your own, which means results are natural and long-lasting.

Tips for Better Results

    • Wear SPF 50 daily — UV exposure darkens scars and slows healing
    • Avoid picking or squeezing breakouts — this creates new scars and worsens existing ones
    • Stay consistent with your treatment plan — spacing sessions correctly allows proper healing between treatments
    • Use gentle skincare — harsh products can irritate healing skin and compromise results
    • Treat active acne first — scarring treatments work best when breakouts are under control

Why Choose YouniQue Aesthetics for Acne Scar Treatment?

At YouniQue Aesthetics in Eastwood, we specialise in advanced skin treatments rooted in Korean aesthetic expertise. Our approach to acne scars is never one-size-fits-all.

We begin every journey with a thorough skin consultation to assess your scar types, skin condition, and goals. From there, we build a personalised treatment plan combining the most effective modalities for your specific concerns.

Our Virtue RF microneedling technology delivers precise, controlled energy to the exact depth where your scars live — ensuring maximum impact with minimal downtime.

Ready to start your journey to smoother skin? Book your free consultation today.