Types of Acne Scars (With Images), and How to Get Rid of Them

Acne can leave behind scars that affect skin texture and confidence. These scars differ in appearance, depth, and severity, depending on how the skin heals. Understanding the types of acne scars and the best ways to treat them is essential for smoother, healthier skin. This guide covers scar types, effective treatments, and preventive measures.

What Causes Different Types of Acne Scars?

Skin tissue damage caused by inflamed pimples often leads to acne scarring. The type of scar depends on:

• Depth of inflammation (surface or deep skin layers)
• Skin’s healing response (excess collagen or tissue loss)
• Picking or squeezing pimples (worsens scarring)

Types of Acne Scars

• Rolling Scars: Gentle, shallow grooves that make the skin look wavy and uneven.
• Boxcar Scars: Broad, box-shaped depressions with clear edges, often visible on cheeks and temples.
• Icepick Scars: Narrow, deep, and pitted scars that resemble tiny puncture marks.
• Hypertrophic Scars: Raised, thick scars caused by excess collagen, commonly found on the chest, back, or jawline.

Rolling Scars

Rolling scars are a type of atrophic acne scar that causes the skin to appear uneven and wavy. They form when damage occurs beneath the skin’s surface, leading to a loss of collagen and an irregular texture.

Causes of Rolling Scars

• Severe or long-term acne (especially cystic acne)
• Loss of collagen during healing
• Damage to deeper skin layers
• Inflammation disrupting smooth repair

How to Identify Rolling Scars

• Wave-like depressions that make skin uneven
• Sloping edges instead of sharp boundaries
• More visible when light hits from the side
• Common on cheeks, jawline, and lower face

Key Ingredients for Treating Rolling Scars

• Tretinoin: Boosts collagen, improves turnover, smooths texture.
• Adapalene: Gentler retinoid effective for scar texture improvement.

Boxcar Scars

Boxcar scars are a common atrophic acne scar that appear as broad, U-shaped depressions. They usually form on cheeks and temples due to tissue loss after acne damage.

Causes of Boxcar Scars

• Severe or long-lasting acne (especially cystic acne)
• Collagen loss during healing
• Picking, popping, or squeezing pimples
• Skin infections or delayed healing

How to Identify Boxcar Scars

• Broad depressions with sharp edges
• Shallow to medium depth
• Common on cheeks, jawline, and temples
• Skin looks “pitted” under light

Key Ingredients for Treating Boxcar Scars

• Vitamin C: Promotes collagen and brightens skin tone.
• Niacinamide: Improves barrier and reduces scar depth.

Icepick Scars

Icepick scars are deep, narrow pits that look like small punctures. They form after severe acne when the skin heals improperly.

Causes of Icepick Scars

• Severe inflammatory acne
• Collagen loss during healing
• Popping or picking pimples
• Genetic tendency for deep scars

How to Identify Icepick Scars

• Narrow and deep pits
• Look like enlarged pores
• Common on cheeks and forehead

Key Ingredients for Treating Icepick Scars

• Salicylic Acid: Prevents clogged pores and breakouts.
• Retinoids (Tretinoin), Adapalene: Stimulate collagen and renew skin.

Hypertrophic Scars

Hypertrophic scars are raised, thick scars caused by excess collagen. Unlike keloids, they stay within the wound area and may improve over time.

Causes of Hypertrophic Scars

• Overproduction of collagen
• Severe acne or inflamed injuries
• Cuts, burns, or surgical wounds
• Delayed healing due to infection
• High skin tension areas (chest, back, shoulders)

How to Identify Hypertrophic Scars

• Raised and firm texture
• Red, pink, or dark color
• Restricted to original wound area
• Common on shoulders, chest, back, jawline
• May cause itching, pain, or tightness

Key Ingredients for Treating Hypertrophic Scars

• Silicone Gel or Sheets: Help flatten and soften scars.
• Niacinamide: Improves texture and reduces inflammation.

Best Acne Scar Removal in India

Clearbet Plus Anti Acne Gel

Clearbet Plus Anti Acne Gel

Clearbet Plus Gel combines Adapalene + Clindamycin to treat mild acne, unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and promote smoother skin.

• Price: ₹75
• Composition: Adapalene (0.1% w/w) + Clindamycin (1% w/w)
• What it does: Unclogs pores, reduces inflammation, kills bacteria, prevents breakouts.

Kojic Acid and Vitamin C Cream

Kojic Acid and Vitamin C Cream

This cream combines Kojic Acid and Vitamin C to fade acne scars and brighten skin.

• Price: ₹95
• Composition: Kojic Acid 2% + Vitamin C
• What it does: Lightens scars, fades pigmentation, improves skin tone.

Zeelab Retinol 1% Face Serum

Zeelab Retinol 1% Face Serum

Zeelab Retinol Serum contains 1% retinol to reduce wrinkles, acne, and dark spots while improving texture.

• Price: ₹299
• Composition: Retinol 1% Serum
• What it does: Fades scars, lightens dark spots, unclogs pores.

Preventing Acne to Avoid Scars

• Keep your face clean, avoid harsh scrubbing.
• Do not pick or squeeze pimples.
• Use non-comedogenic skincare products.
• Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet.
• Manage stress to control hormonal breakouts.

Natural Remedies to Fade Acne Scars

• Aloe Vera: Soothes and heals skin.
• Lemon Juice (moderation): Lightens spots naturally.
• Honey: Hydrates and reduces scar visibility.
• Green Tea Extract: Antioxidant, reduces inflammation.
• Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory and brightening properties.

Conclusion

Acne scars vary in type, but targeted treatments and consistent care improve their appearance. Combining actives, natural remedies, and preventive measures helps achieve smoother, healthier skin while reducing future scars.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What are the different types of acne scars?
A. Rolling, boxcar, icepick, and hypertrophic scars.

Q. How can I identify my acne scar type?
A. Rolling = wavy, Boxcar = broad with sharp edges, Icepick = deep pits, Hypertrophic = raised and firm.

Q. How can I avoid getting acne scars?
A. Avoid picking pimples, use gentle skincare, balanced diet, hydration, and stress management.

Q. Can topical treatments and serums help with acne scars?
A. Yes, retinoids, vitamin C, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid improve texture, pigmentation, and healing.

Q. Can aloe vera help reduce acne scars?
A. Yes, aloe vera soothes skin, boosts collagen, and gradually fades mild scars with consistent use.