Acne is something almost everyone experiences at some point—but for many, the breakouts are only part of the story. Long after the blemishes have healed, acne scars can remain as a frustrating reminder. These marks can be difficult to hide and even harder to treat with at-home products. If you’ve ever wondered why acne scars form or how to improve their appearance, you’re not alone.
At Raw Beauty Medical Spa, we offer advanced treatments like microneedling to help reduce the appearance of acne scars, refine skin texture, and boost your natural glow. In this guide, we’ll explain why acne scars appear on the face, what types are most common, and why microneedling is one of the most effective options available today.
Why Do Acne Scars Form?
Not all acne leaves behind scars, but when it does, it’s often because of inflammation. When a pimple becomes inflamed—especially cystic or nodular acne—the infection can extend deeper into the skin. This causes the walls of the pore to break down, damaging surrounding tissue.
As the body works to repair this damage, it produces collagen to rebuild the skin. If too little collagen is produced, the skin doesn’t fully recover, resulting in depressed scars. If too much collagen is produced, it can lead to raised or thickened scars. Several factors can influence whether you scar from acne, including:
- The type and severity of acne
- Your skin’s natural healing process
- How long acne was left untreated
- Picking, popping, or squeezing pimples
- Genetics and skin tone
While breakouts might fade in a few days or weeks, acne scars can last for years—especially if not properly treated.
Types of Acne Scars
Understanding the different types of acne scars is an important step in choosing the right treatment. Here are the most common scar types we see at Raw Beauty:
Atrophic (Depressed) Scars
These scars form when there’s a loss of tissue during the healing process, leaving indentations in the skin.
Ice pick scars: Deep, narrow pits that extend into the dermis. These are often the most difficult to treat.
Boxcar scars: Wider depressions with well-defined edges. They may resemble chickenpox scars.
Rolling scars: Shallow, wide scars that give the skin a wavy or uneven texture.
Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars
These are raised scars that result from an overproduction of collagen. They’re more common on the chest, back, or jawline and can sometimes feel firm or itchy.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
While technically not a scar, PIH appears as dark spots where acne once was. These marks are more common in individuals with medium to deep skin tones and can take months to fade.
Each type of scar responds differently to treatment, which is why a personalized consultation is essential.
Can Acne Scars Go Away on Their Own?
Some discoloration or surface-level marks may fade with time, especially if you’re diligent about sun protection and a good skincare routine. However, true acne scars—especially those that affect skin texture—don’t typically resolve without professional intervention.
At-home products may help improve tone or reduce redness, but they rarely penetrate deeply enough to remodel collagen or heal tissue. That’s where microneedling comes in.
How Microneedling Helps Improve Acne Scars
Microneedling is a noninvasive cosmetic procedure that helps reduce the appearance of acne scars by stimulating your skin’s natural repair process. At Raw Beauty, we use the FDA-cleared Rejuvapen, a microneedling device that creates thousands of controlled micro-injuries in the skin’s surface. These tiny punctures trigger the production of collagen and elastin, the key building blocks of healthy, firm skin.
What Microneedling Can Do for Acne Scars:
- Smooth uneven texture caused by rolling or boxcar scars
- Improve the appearance of large pores
- Brighten and refresh skin tone
- Help fade post-acne marks and discoloration
- Enhance absorption of healing serums applied post-treatment
Microneedling is particularly effective for atrophic scars and is safe for a wide range of skin types and tones. Unlike laser treatments, which may not be suitable for everyone, microneedling offers a gentler way to remodel scarred skin without damaging the surface.
What Happens During a Microneedling Treatment?
At Raw Beauty Medical Spa in Woodland Hills, we tailor every microneedling session to your skin’s needs.
Before Treatment
We’ll begin with a consultation to assess your scars, skin type, and treatment goals. On the day of your appointment, a numbing cream is applied to help keep you comfortable throughout the session.
During Treatment
Your provider will use the Rejuvapen to carefully treat the entire area, targeting acne scars with precise needle depth. You may feel a slight vibration or tingling as the device moves across the skin. Some pinpoint bleeding is normal—it’s part of the healing process.
After the microneedling is complete, we apply calming serums, masks, or peels to support healing and enhance results. These serums can penetrate more deeply into your skin thanks to the microchannels created during treatment.
After Treatment
Most people experience mild redness or a sunburn-like feeling for 24–48 hours. You’ll need to avoid makeup, sun exposure, sweating, or swimming for a couple of days. Sunscreen is essential to protect your healing skin. You can usually return to your normal skincare routine within 48 hours.
How Many Microneedling Sessions Do You Need?
Some people notice smoother skin within a week, but the real benefits build gradually. Your skin continues producing collagen and elastin for up to four weeks after each treatment.
For moderate to deep acne scarring, a series of 3–6 treatments spaced four to six weeks apart is usually recommended. During your consultation, we’ll design a schedule that works for you and fits your goals.
Who’s a Good Candidate for Microneedling?
Microneedling is safe for most healthy adults who want to improve skin texture, fade scars, and boost overall tone.
You may be a good candidate if you:
- Have mild to moderate acne scarring
- Want a non-surgical treatment with little downtime
- Are looking for natural results and gradual improvement
Microneedling may not be right for you if:
- You’re pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have active acne, open wounds, eczema, or psoriasis in the treatment area
- You’ve experienced keloid scarring in the past
Not sure where you stand? A consultation at Raw Beauty will give you clarity and personalized guidance.
Why Choose Raw Beauty Medical Spa?
At Raw Beauty, we focus on more than just quick fixes—we help you build a healthier relationship with your skin. Our team uses professional-grade tools and techniques to create visible, natural-looking results while keeping your comfort and safety a priority.
- FDA-cleared Rejuvapen for precision and consistency
- Expert practitioners who understand acne-prone and scar-prone skin
- Custom plans built around your skin goals, lifestyle, and budget
- Convenient location with flexible appointments and financing available
We’re here to support you through every step of your skin journey.
Final Thoughts
Acne scars can be a lasting reminder of past breakouts—but they don’t have to define your skin. With professional microneedling treatments at Raw Beauty Medical Spa, you can smooth rough texture, brighten your complexion, and restore your confidence.
Ready to take the first step toward clearer, more even skin?
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Acne Scars & Microneedling FAQs
Does microneedling work on all types of acne scars?
Microneedling is most effective for atrophic (depressed) scars like rolling and boxcar scars. It may have limited results on deep ice pick scars or raised scars, which sometimes require other treatments.
How many microneedling treatments will I need?
Most people see significant improvement after 3–6 sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart. Your provider will recommend a plan based on your scar type and goals.
Can microneedling be combined with other treatments?
Yes. Microneedling is often combined with medical-grade serums, chemical peels, or PRP (platelet-rich plasma) to boost results. During your consultation, we’ll talk through the best combination for your skin.
Will there be downtime after microneedling?
There’s minimal downtime. Expect some redness and sensitivity for 24–48 hours. You’ll need to avoid sun, heat, and sweating during that time, but most people resume normal activities quickly.
Will microneedling cause breakouts?
It’s uncommon, but if you’re acne-prone, there’s a small chance of a temporary flare-up. We’ll assess your skin ahead of time and may recommend a prep routine to minimize risk.
When will I see results from microneedling?
Some clients notice firmer, smoother skin within a week. Full collagen remodeling continues for about a month after each treatment, with more noticeable results building over time.
