Types of Acne Scars (and Which Treatment Suits Each)

There are several distinct types of acne scars — rolling, boxcar and icepick being the most common — and each responds to different treatments, which is why no single device fixes them all. Many people also confuse true scars with the flat dark or red marks acne leaves behind, which are pigmentation and treated differently. Knowing which you have is the first step to improving them.

(post-inflammatory erythema) or brown (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) — and represent colour changes that often fade with time, sun protection and pigment-control. Scars are textural changes in the skin's surface that won't simply fade and need treatments that remodel the skin. Confusing the two leads to the wrong treatment and disappointment.

Rolling scars — broad, shallow depressions with sloping edges, caused by tethering bands beneath the skin. Often respond well to subcision plus collagen-stimulating treatments. Boxcar scars — wider depressions with sharper, defined edges. May respond to RF microneedling and laser resurfacing. Icepick scars — narrow, deep, pitted scars. Among the most challenging; may need specific techniques and a combination approach. Most people have a mix, which is why plans are layered rather than one-size-fits-all.