When Is the Right Time to Undergo Treatment for Acne Scars?

A woman touching her acne scars on her face by Swinyer Woseth Dermatology

When Is the Right Time to Undergo Treatment for Acne Scars?

Acne is frustrating enough on its own, but the scars it leaves behind can feel like a permanent reminder of past breakouts. If you’re wondering what to do about these marks, you’re not alone. Many people feel unsure about when—or even if—they should seek acne scar treatment. Thankfully, you have plenty of options for treatment; you just have to choose the best time to get started. Ask yourself these questions as you decide when to begin acne scar treatment.

What Kind of Scars Do You Have?

Not all acne scars are the same. Understanding what type of scarring you have is the first step to scar removal. You can make an educated guess using our quick guide below, or defer to dermatologist advice for a solid diagnosis:

Atrophic Scars

Atrophic, or depressed, scars are the most common type of acne scars. They develop because of collagen loss during the healing process and look like tiny indentations in the skin. You might have one or more of these varieties:

Ice Pick Scars—These deep, narrow scars look like puncture wounds from a small ice pick. They are often difficult to treat and may require targeted procedures.
Boxcar Scars—Boxcar scars are broader depressions with sharply defined, vertical edges. Many patients find relief with acne scar treatments like laser resurfacing, microneedling, and dermal fillers.
Rolling Scars—These wide depressions with a rolling or wave-like appearance are caused by fibrous bands of tissue that pull the epidermis down. Fillers and laser therapy are often effective for addressing this type of scarring.

Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars (Raised Scars)

These kinds of raised scars are created by an overproduction of collagen as the acne heals. They appear as a raised, firm tissue on the skin. Hypertrophic scars remain within the boundary of the original wound, while keloid scars can grow much larger without treatment.

Do You Have Active Acne Breakouts?

Before you seek acne scar treatment, it’s essential to get active acne under control. Follow your dermatologist’s skin care tips and ask them about treatments to manage current breakouts. While waiting might feel counterintuitive, there are three reasons why patience is worth it:

Fewer New Scars

Treating existing scars while your skin is still breaking out is like trying to repair a house while also tearing it down. Every new pimple carries the risk of another scar, which can undermine any progress you make from acne scar treatment. If you stabilize your skin and prevent new breakouts beforehand, you’ll have a much better chance of clear skin in the future.

Reduced Inflammation

Acne is already an inflammatory condition, and professional scar treatments can further irritate inflamed skin and, in some cases, trigger additional breakouts. Your best bet is almost always to wait for the inflammation to subside before beginning a new treatment.

Get an Accurate Assessment

It’s much easier for a dermatologist to accurately assess the type, depth, and extent of your scarring once the “noise” of active acne is gone. Red or dark spots left by recent pimples (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) can be mistaken for true atrophic scars. By waiting, your doctor can get a clear picture of the permanent textural changes and recommend the most effective treatment plan.

What Time of Year Is It?

If possible, timing your treatment according to the season can help you get the best possible results. Many of the most effective acne scar treatments make your skin highly sensitive to the sun, so it’s often preferable to avoid the summer months. Autumn and winter are generally the best times for acne treatment and scar removal because of:

Less Sun Exposure—Several treatments remove the outer layers of the skin, leaving the new skin underneath vulnerable. Sun exposure to this delicate skin can easily lead to hyperpigmentation (dark spots) and can compromise your results. During the fall and winter, UV radiation is less intense, and you’re likely to spend more time indoors anyway.
Easier Recovery—Cooler temperatures can make the recovery process more comfortable. Swelling and redness, which are common side effects of many treatments, might be less irritating during the chillier months compared to the heat and humidity of summer.

Treating Acne Over the Summer

Life doesn’t always happen according to your schedule. If you decide to undergo treatment during the sunnier months, excellent results are still possible. You will need to be extremely diligent with sun protection, especially after any acne treatments. Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply it every two hours. For good measure, wear a wide-brimmed hat when you have to be in the sun. By taking the proper precautions, you can maximize your results and enjoy your clear skin!

Get One Step Closer to Clear Skin

For most patients, fall or winter is the best time for acne scar treatment, but only if they don’t have any active breakouts. Always look to a dermatologist for advice and skin care tips before committing to any treatment. The team at Swinyer Woseth Dermatology can help you develop an approach that makes sense for your skincare goals and current condition. Contact our Salt Lake City dermatologists today to schedule an appointment.