How to prevent acne scars?

How to prevent acne scars? Acne is more than just an annoying skin condition. If severe, persistent, or left untreated, it can have lasting effects on the skin. That includes post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), permanent scars (either depressed or raised), and changes in the texture of the skin that affect how skin looks and feels even years later. The good news is that, with early attention, the right skincare, and professional treatments it can be prevented or improved.

What happens when acne is left untreated?

Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) – after a breakout heals, the inflammation can trigger extra melanin production. This shows as dark spots or patches. PIH is not permanent, but without proper protection (especially from UV rays), it can lasts many months or even years.

Acne scarring – when deep acne lesions damage the skin’s structure (especially the dermis), the repair process may go awry. Instead of smooth new tissue, you may end up with either atrophic scars (sunken pits) or hypertrophic scars (thickened, raised, or fibrous tissue).

These scars form because collagen production is disrupted, too little in some areas, too much in others.

 

Why scar prevention is important?

It’s far easier, less expensive, less painful, and less time consuming to prevent scarring than to treat it later. Early treatment helps limit inflammation, reduce pigmentation changes, and preserve skin structure. Plus, living with visible scars or persistent dark spots can impact self esteem, mood, and quality of life.

 

Expert advice for acne prevention

Look for early, effective treatment – don’t let acne just be. The sooner you start a treatment plan the less opportunities for inflammation to damage deeper skin layers.

Never pick, pop or squeeze pimples – manipulating pimples can cause trauma, more inflammation, more risk of pigment changes and scar formation.

Protect your skin from the sun – UV rays worsen pigmentation and delay skin healing. Even occasional sun can make hyperpigmentation much more obvious. Use high sun block daily.

Gentle and consistent skincare – use non-comedogenic cleansers and moisturisers. Choose gentle AHA or BHA chemical exfoliants to speed up skin renewal. Avoid harsh scrubs that irritate.

 

Products that help prevent scarring and pigmentation

Retinoids help to regulate skin cell turnover and reduce risk of inflammation going too deep. Research shows that formulations combining retinoids with benzoyl peroxide can reduce atrophic scar count.

Azelaic acid improves both pigmentation and scar texture. A recent acne scar gel (ASG) with ~10% azelaic acid plus antioxidants showed high satisfaction in trials over 12 weeks.

Professional treatments

If scars are already present, or acne has been severe, some professional treatments can improve look and texture of the skin. Often, combining treatments gives the best results because different approaches target different aspects of scarring.

Microneedling and Radiofrequency microneedling for acne scarring

Microneedling stimulates collagen and elastin production, radiofrequency (RF) microneedling targets deeper skin layers and tightens tissue. Clinical evidence supports their effectiveness for atrophic scars.

Laser treatments

Fractional CO₂ lasers are effective for reducing atrophic acne scars. Studies report improvement with a few sessions. The trade-off – downtime, risk of redness, temporary pigmentation changes.

Dermal filler

Fillers can temporarily lift depressed scars.

Combination therapies

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), when used with microneedling, tends to improve results and speed healing.

New experimental topicals like DA-5520 gel, epidermal growth factor formulations are under study for both preventing and treating scars by modulating inflammation and boosting collagen.

 

What to focus on

Early stage of active acne – use effective topical treatments like retinoids, azelaic acid and maintain a gentle home skincare, avoid picking, apply daily sunscreen. Best professional treatment at this stage is a chemical peel.

When breakouts are under control – maintain home skincare, get professional treatments for pigmentation, and chemical peels if appropriate.

If scars are visible – consult a us to assess scar types (atrophic vs hypertrophic etc.). Get treatments like microneedling, RF needling etc. Possibly stronger peels for deeper scars.

Long term maintenance – continue with the above skin care regimen at home, and maintain the results with professional treatments that have been recommended to you.

Acne doesn’t have to leave permanent marks. With proper and timely care, and the right professional treatments, you can minimise long term damage, fade hyperpigmentation, and reduce or prevent scarring.

If you struggling with acne or acne scars and would like some help to manage and improve your skin condition, give us a call or book a consultation  today. We will help you to get brighter and clearer skin. We welcome clients from Hertfordshire towns and villages including Ware, Hertford, Puckeridge, Buntingford, Royston, Welwyn Garden City, Stevenage, Cheshunt, Broxbourne and Hoddesdon.