What’s the Best Treatment for Acne Scarring?

There isn’t one “best” treatment for every acne scar. The most effective approach depends on the type, depth and severity of scarring, your skin type and whether acne is still active.

Key facts

Acne scars are commonly classified as ice-pick, boxcar or rolling scars. Because each behaves differently, assessment is important before starting treatment.

Evidence supports treatments that stimulate dermal remodelling and new collagen formation, including microneedling, radiofrequency (RF) microneedling and fractional laser treatments. Research also suggests that combination approaches can provide better results for some scar types.

What does the evidence say?

Microneedling has demonstrated improvement in atrophic acne scars, while RF microneedling combines controlled needle injury with radiofrequency energy delivered into the dermis to stimulate collagen remodelling.

Recent systematic reviews support RF microneedling as an effective treatment for atrophic acne scarring, with generally less downtime and a lower risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation than fractional CO₂ laser—although laser may produce greater improvement in some patients.

Acne scar treatment at SE Medical

Following clinical skin assessment, your personalised plan may include:

• RF microneedling – particularly for deeper textural and atrophic scarring

• SkinPen microneedling – collagen induction for mild–moderate scarring and texture

• Medical-grade skincare – to manage active acne, pigmentation and optimise skin health

• Chemical peels – where appropriate for texture and post-acne pigmentation

The aim isn’t simply to treat a scar, it’s to select the right treatment for your scar type and your skin.

Individual results vary. Treatment is recommended following consultation and clinical assessment.