Acne Scars: Why They Stick Around (and How to Make Them Leave)

Acne Was Bad Enough. The Scars? Insult to Injury.

You finally got your breakouts under control—only to be left with souvenirs you never asked for. The truth is, acne scars don’t just fade away on their own. They stick around like an ex who won’t take the hint. But the good news? There are science-backed ways to get rid of them—for real.

At Shore Dermatology in Rockville and North Bethesda, we help patients erase acne scars with targeted treatments that actually work. No smoke and mirrors, just results.

First, What Kind of Acne Scars Do You Have?

Before we talk solutions, let’s figure out what you’re dealing with:

✔ Atrophic Scars – The dented or pitted scars (like icepick or boxcar scars). These happen when your skin doesn’t produce enough collagen to heal itself.
✔ Hypertrophic Scars – Thick, raised scars that form when your skin produces too much collagen (yes, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing).
✔ Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) – Not technically a scar, but those stubborn red or brown marks that linger after breakouts. These are caused by inflammation and excess melanin production.

The Fix: How to Fade or Get Rid of Acne Scars

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution—different scars require different treatments. Here’s what actually works:

For Atrophic (Indented) Scars:

💉 Microneedling with PRP → Think of it as controlled skin damage that fixes previous skin damage. Tiny needles create micro-injuries, triggering collagen production and new skin growth.
⚡ Laser Resurfacing (Fraxel & Lutronic Genius RF) → Uses precision laser energy to remove damaged layers of skin and promote fresh, even skin. Works best in a series of treatments.
🧴 Retinoids (Rx or OTC) → Speed up cell turnover, boost collagen production, and refine skin texture over time.

For Hypertrophic (Raised) Scars:

🔪 Surgical Excision → For larger scars, a dermatologist can physically remove them and create a finer, less noticeable scar.
🧴 Silicone Sheets or Gels → Helps flatten raised scars and reduce redness (yes, this is the same stuff used for post-surgical scars).

For Hyperpigmentation (Dark Marks):

🌞 Sunscreen (SPF 50+ Daily) → Non-negotiable. Sun exposure makes dark marks worse and last longer. Protect your investment!
🍊 Vitamin C Serum → Brightens skin and fades discoloration over time. Look for L-ascorbic acid in your formula.
🧴 AHAs & BHAs (Exfoliating Acids) → Glycolic acid and salicylic acid help fade marks faster by increasing cell turnover.

How Long Until You See Results?

Patience, my friend. Some things (like sunscreen and exfoliation) work in weeks, while laser treatments and microneedling take a few months for full results. The key? Consistency.

📍 Located in Rockville & North Bethesda – Ready to say goodbye to acne scars for good? Book a consultation at Shore Dermatology today!

Final Thought:

Acne scars aren’t forever—but they don’t disappear overnight either. The good news? With the right treatments and expert care, your skin can absolutely bounce back.

Next week: The truth about moisturizers—because yes, your skin needs one, no matter your skin type. 😉