How to get rid of acne scars?

Acne is more than just a skin problem. It can be painful and affect self-confidence. Even when acne clears, the scars it leaves behind can feel just as frustrating as the breakouts themselves. While some marks lighten naturally over time, others can remain visible without proper care.

The good news? There are proven ways to reduce acne scars and support your skin’s natural healing process. We’ll explain what acne scars are, why they form, and which treatments—at home and professional—can help. We’ll also share how ALHYDRAN can support scar care and skin recovery.

What is acne?

Acne is a very common skin condition that affects many people. It causes spots, oily skin, and sometimes skin that feels hot or painful. Acne most often develops on the face (almost everyone with acne has it here), the back (more than half of cases), and the chest (around 15%). Although acne cannot be cured, it can be controlled with treatment. While acne itself is temporary, certain spots carry the risk of permanent scarring.

More information on Acne (NHS)

What are acne scars?

Acne scars can occur as a complication of acne. These scars are permanent changes in the skin that develop after an acne breakout heals. Not every spot leaves a scar, but severe or inflamed blemishes are more likely to cause lasting marks. Scarring can also happen if spots are picked, squeezed, or scratched.

There are different types of acne scars:

Atrophic (depressed) scars

Caused by a loss of tissue during healing. These include:

• Ice pick scars
  Small, deep holes that look like pinpricks.
• Boxcar scars
  Round or oval depressions with sharp edges.
• Rolling scars
  Uneven depressions caused by fibrous tissue under the skin.

Hypertrophic and keloid (raised) scars

Caused by excess collagen production during healing. These include:

• Hypertrophic scars
  Raised scars that stay within the boundaries of the original spot.
• Keloid scars
  Thicker, raised scars that extend beyond the original acne lesion.

Not all post-acne marks are true scars. Red, purple, or brown patches are often post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and can fade naturally over time. True scars involve changes in skin structure.

Why does acne scar?

Scarring happens when inflammation from acne damages deeper layers of the skin. During healing, the body produces collagen to repair the wound. If too little collagen is produced, the skin heals with a depression (atrophic scar). If too much is produced, the scar becomes raised (hypertrophic or keloid).

Several factors increase the risk of scarring:

• Genetics (if your parents scarred easily, you may too)
• Severity of acne (nodules and cysts are most likely to scar)
• Skin type and tone
• Sun exposure, which can darken scars
• Picking or squeezing pimples

How to prevent acne scars?

While you cannot control factors such as genetics or the severity of your acne, you do have influence over how you treat your skin during and after breakouts. Gentle care and good habits can reduce the risk of long-lasting scars.

To minimise your risk:

• Avoid picking, squeezing, or scratching spots.
• Treat acne early to reduce inflammation.
• Protect your skin from the sun with daily SPF.
• Keep acne-prone skin clean but avoid harsh soaps that dry out the skin.

By focusing on healthy skin behaviour and supporting the healing process, you give your skin the best chance to recover with fewer visible scars.

Can acne scars be removed?

It’s important to know that scars cannot always be erased completely. However, their appearance can be significantly reduced. The degree of improvement also depends on the type of scar: raised scars, discolouration, and shallow scars often respond better to treatment than deep atrophic scars such as ice pick scars.

With the right treatment, scars can become smoother, lighter, and less noticeable. Early prevention and proper scar care are key.

Treatment options for acne scars

There are several approaches to managing acne scars:

Professional treatments

• Laser therapy – resurfaces the skin to reduce scars and pigmentation.
• Microneedling – stimulates collagen production by creating tiny controlled injuries.
• Chemical peels – remove damaged outer skin layers and improve texture.
• Fillers – injectables that raise depressed scars closer to the surface.

Medical skincare

• Scar creams and gels – support skin barrier repair, hydration, and scar flexibility.
• Daily SPF – prevents scars from darkening and becoming more noticeable.
• Retinoids, Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) – exfoliate, smooth skin, and reduce pigmentation.

If over-the-counter treatments don’t help, or if acne is affecting your wellbeing, consult your General Practitioner (GP). Always see a GP if you have moderate to severe acne, or if you develop nodules or cysts, as these forms need proper treatment to reduce the risk of scarring.

Acne scar treatment at home

Before considering intensive treatments, it’s wise to start with self-care strategies that support your skin’s healing process. These steps can make scars less noticeable and improve overall skin condition:

• Hydration: Keep the skin well-moisturised to prevent dryness and tightness that can worsen scars.
• Sun protection: Always apply sunscreen to scars, as UV exposure can make them darker and more visible. A practical option is ALHYDRAN SPF 30, which combines the benefits of a medical scar cream with effective sun protection.
• Gentle skincare: Cleanse with mild, soap-free products to avoid irritation and dryness.
• Consistent scar cream use: Apply a scientifically proven scar cream such as ALHYDRAN to support barrier repair, reduce redness and itching, and improve scar flexibility.

These steps form the foundation of scar management. For raised scars such as hypertrophic and keloid scars, additional support with silicone gel or silicone sheets is often recommended. These can help flatten and soften the scar tissue and reduce discomfort.

For more detailed tips on scar care, you can also download our free Scar Guide.

Always follow the instructions for use and your clinician’s guidance. If scars remain bothersome after consistent self-care, professional treatments can provide additional improvement.

Why use ALHYDRAN for acne scars?

ALHYDRAN is particularly effective because it contains a unique combination of humectants, occlusives, and emollients—three essential ingredient types that many creams lack:

• Humectants draw moisture into the skin.
• Occlusives form a protective barrier to prevent that moisture from escaping.
• Emollients soften and smooth the skin’s surface.

This synergy keeps scar tissue hydrated and healthy, which is essential for reducing redness, tightness, and itching—while supporting proper scar healing over time.

The beneficial effects are due to its exceptionally high concentration of fresh Aloe Vera gel (barbadensis miller), a plant extract long used in medicine for scar treatment, including burn scars. ALHYDRAN combines this ingredient with other active components to restore the skin barrier and retain moisture for lasting results.

It is important to note that a scar cream cannot replace lost tissue in atrophic (depressed) scars, but it can visibly improve scar texture and comfort, making scars smoother, more elastic, and less noticeable.