Acne may come and go, but the scars it leaves behind can linger for years—both on your skin and your self-esteem. Whether you're dealing with deep pitted scars, rolling indentations, or stubborn discoloration, acne scars can make you feel like your skin never fully heals.

But here’s the good news: thanks to advancements in regenerative aesthetics and functional dermatology, there are now highly effective, non-surgical treatments that can visibly reduce acne scars and restore smoother, healthier skin.

So, what is the best treatment for acne scars? The answer depends on the type of scar, your skin type, and whether you want a natural approach or a more aggressive medical intervention.

In this article, we’ll break down the top evidence-based treatments—and how to choose the one that’s right for you.

Types of Acne Scars: What Are You Dealing With?

Before jumping into treatments, it's important to know what kind of scars you have:

• Ice pick scars: Deep, narrow scars that look like small punctures.
• Boxcar scars: Wider depressions with sharp edges—often on the cheeks and temples.
• Rolling scars: Wave-like or uneven skin texture caused by deeper collagen loss.
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): Dark spots left after a pimple has healed (not technically a scar, but often treated similarly).

Understanding the type of scar is critical to choosing the most effective treatment.

1. Fractionated laser treatment with PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin): Natural and Regenerative

Best for: Rolling scars, boxcar scars, and general skin texture improvement

Fractionated lasers create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating the body’s natural collagen and elastin production. When combined with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF)—a powerful healing serum derived from your own blood—the results are even more impressive.

Why it works:

• Increases collagen and elastin for smoother skin
• Uses your body’s own growth factors for faster healing
• Reduces both depressed scars and pigment irregularities

PRF is superior to PRP (platelet-rich plasma) because it contains more growth factors, fibrin matrix, and white blood cells, making it ideal for skin regeneration.

Results: Smoother, firmer skin with gradual scar reduction over 3–6 sessions.

2. Fractional Laser Resurfacing: High Precision, High Results

Best for: Deep acne scars, including ice pick and boxcar scars

Fractional lasers—such as CO2 or erbium YAG lasers—deliver focused beams of light that remove damaged skin layers and stimulate new collagen growth.

How it helps:

• Targets deep layers of the skin without damaging the surface
• Smooths out texture irregularities and fades discoloration
• Offers long-term improvement with fewer sessions

Laser resurfacing may involve some downtime, but the results can be dramatic, especially when performed by an experienced medical provider.

Bonus: It can also help tighten pores and reduce fine lines.

3. Chemical Peels: Improve Texture and Pigment

Best for: Mild to moderate post-acne pigmentation and shallow scars

Chemical peels use exfoliating acids—like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or TCA—to remove dead skin and stimulate cell turnover. This promotes brighter, more even skin and reduces the appearance of superficial scars.

Benefits:

• Enhances skin tone and reduces PIH
• Promotes collagen renewal with repeated use
• Minimal downtime for lighter peels

For acne scar treatment, medium to deep peels (like TCA or Jessner’s) often yield the best results. They can be safely combined with microneedling or laser sessions in a custom treatment plan.

4. Subcision: Releasing Tethered Scars

Best for: Rolling scars and tethered boxcar scars

Subcision is a minor surgical procedure where a special needle is inserted beneath the scar to break the fibrous bands pulling the skin down. Once released, the area can be filled with collagen-stimulating treatments or natural fillers (like PRF or Sculptra).

Why it works:

• Physically lifts indented scars
• Triggers healing and collagen repair
• Excellent for scars that haven’t responded to surface treatments

When paired with fractionated laser treatments or PRF injections, subcision can dramatically improve skin texture in just a few sessions.

5. Red Light Therapy (LED or Near-Infrared): Gentle Yet Effective

Best for: Ongoing skin healing, inflammation, and pigment correction

Red and near-infrared light therapy stimulates mitochondrial function and cell regeneration, which enhances collagen production, reduces inflammation, and accelerates healing after other treatments.

Benefits include:

• Faster recovery from microneedling or laser
• Calms red or inflamed acne scars
• Promotes deeper tissue regeneration over time

While red light therapy alone may not erase deep scars, it’s a powerful adjunct that enhances results when layered into a full skin-repair plan.

Bonus: Functional Medicine’s Role in Scar Healing

True skin healing starts below the surface. A functional medicine approach ensures your body has the nutritional, hormonal, and detox support it needs for optimal tissue repair.

Common internal factors that delay scar healing:

• Nutrient deficiencies (e.g., zinc, vitamin C, collagen peptides)
• Chronic inflammation
• Gut dysbiosis and poor nutrient absorption
• Hormonal imbalances (especially androgens and insulin)
• Toxin load (mold, metals, plastics)

Optimizing internal health with a root-cause approach leads to better and faster skin repair, especially when combined with regenerative aesthetic treatments.

Which Treatment Is Best for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best acne scar treatment depends on:

• Your scar type (ice pick vs. rolling vs. pigment)
• Your skin tone and sensitivity
• Your healing capacity and time commitment
• Whether you prefer a natural, regenerative, or clinical approach

A professional consultation is key. At Sheen Vein & Cosmetics, we offer custom scar treatment plans that combine the best of natural healing and medical aesthetics—so you can finally feel confident in your skin again.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Live With Acne Scars Forever

Acne scars may feel permanent—but modern regenerative medicine proves otherwise. With the right combination of microneedling, PRF, laser, light therapy, and functional nutrition, smoother, healthier skin is within reach.

You don’t have to hide your face or settle for cover-up.
You can heal, restore, and reclaim your confidence—naturally.

Ready to Treat Your Acne Scars?
Book your acne scar consultation at Sheen Vein & Cosmetics. We’ll help you build a customized plan using cutting-edge treatments like PRF microneedling, subcision, red light therapy, and more.

✨ Say goodbye to acne scars. Say hello to radiant, renewed skin.

‍