If you've battled acne and come out on top, it may feel like the struggle is over. However, many blemishes leave a scar on your skin even after the breakout has cleared up. Pitted scars and patches of red pigmentation can last for months or even years, but there are methods you can use to smooth your way back to clear, even skin.

We asked the experts to tell us how to get rid of acne scars and pigmentation as quickly (and safely) as possible.

What are Acne Scars?

Acne can create scars on the face and other parts of the body. For some, they are an unwelcome reminder of a painful and inconvenient condition. However, home cures and medical therapies can assist in their removal.

Natural, over-the-counter, and prescription therapies are available for treating acne and minimizing the appearance of scars. Options will vary according to the type and depth of scarring and may include:

• Salicylic acid and other chemical peel
• Retinoids and other topical creams
• Laser therapy, micro-needling, light therapy, and other procedures
• In some circumstances, surgery is required.

Learn about numerous methods for reducing the appearance of acne scars and promoting healthy skin in this post.

Acne Scars or Hyperpigmentation?

Acne scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can both occur after a breakout, but they are extremely different - and so require a different strategy to fade.

Acne scars arise when too much collagen forms in one area while a wound heals. Scars frequently occur within the dermis, where the original acne-involved inflammation formed.

Types of Acne Scars

Treatment solutions may differ slightly based on the type of scarring caused by acne. Acne scars are classified into three types:

Atrophic Scars

Small indentations in the skin appear as scars.

• Icepick scars are tiny scars that resemble pinpricks.
• Boxcar scars are deeper indentations with distinct edges.
• Rolling scars have wavy or undulating borders and give the skin a rolling or undulating appearance.

They happen when the skin doesn't produce enough fibroblasts throughout the healing process. Fibroblasts are cells that help with wound healing and collagen formation.

Hypertrophic Scars

These arise when the skin produces an excessive number of fibroblasts while the acne area heals, resulting in a raised scar.

Keloid Scars

These scars resemble hypertrophic scars but are thicker than the original acne area. Hyperpigmentation occurs frequently, making them darker than the surrounding skin. They can be either red or brown. Itching or pain may also occur.

When & How Does Acne Scarring Develop?

Scarring from these facial inflammations is caused by severe acne. Here are some of the reasons why.

• Comedones
  Acne scarring is caused by swelling skin lesions known as papules (pink lumps) or pustules (pus-filled pimples). These form when the pores of the skin become clogged with sebum or dirt, creating a breeding habitat for bacteria.

• Genetics
  Genetics also plays an important influence in acne-prone skin. Lighter skin is more prone to chronic redness after inflammation, whereas darker skin develops residual brown pigmentation and blemishes.

• Picking and Scrubbing
  Squeezing out the pus or plucking at a pimple repeatedly causes further skin harm and scarring. Excessive cleaning also harms the skin.

How Long does it Take for Acne Scars to Go Away?

Acne scars are permanent changes to the skin's texture. Only an expert can tell you how long it will take to restore the scars based on their cause and severity. However, if you're wondering how to get rid of acne marks quickly, we've listed some natural products that will show you how to get rid of pimple marks naturally and quickly at home.

• Aloe Vera
  Aloe Vera contains natural healing capabilities that aid in scar tissue removal. It calms the skin while speeding up the healing process and boosting the regeneration of new skin cells.

• Lemon Juice 
  Lemon juice contains natural bleaching effects as well as vitamin C. It is a natural scar healing agent, and its acidic content aids in skin whitening and brightness. 

• Tea Tree Oil
  Tea tree oil contains natural antibacterial and antiseptic qualities that cure the underlying cause of acne. This oil's moisture content hydrates and decreases the appearance of scars.

• Egg White
  Egg white is a protein-rich substance that aids in the formation of collagen. It helps to firm and brighten the skin, as well as reduce acne scars.

• Multani Mitti
  This clay cleanses the skin deeply and unclogs congested pores. It is a good exfoliant and cleanser of skin pollutants that can lead to acne. It also tightens the skin and absorbs excess oil, which helps to reduce scarring.

Clinical Treatments & Remedies for Acne Scars

Depending on your skin type and scar severity, a mix of home remedies and conventional treatments can help you get rid of acne scars overnight. Here are several clinical procedures for removing acne scars quickly.

• Home Care
  Regular use of homemade packs and sunscreen will reduce acne outbreaks and even the conflicting hues of the skin caused by scar-causing discoloration. Medicated lotions containing hydroxyl acid or azelaic acid may also be beneficial.

• Soft Tissue Fillers
  This is a temporary treatment that may need to be repeated at regular intervals. Under the skin, collagen, fat, and other soft tissue fillers are injected over the indented scars. It plumps the skin and makes scars less visible. You may also notice a change in the hue of your skin.

• Energy-Based Procedures
  Scars can also be reduced by using radio-frequency devices or pulsed light resources. The epidermis is not harmed by these procedures. The effects are minor, and the treatment may need to be repeated to achieve completely clear skin.

• Laser Resurfacing
  Acne scars are commonly treated with laser resurfacing. The procedure is typically utilized on scars that have already been treated with dermabrasion. This approach, however, is not indicated for persons with a history of keloids or those with dark skin.

• Chemical Peel
  Chemical peeling removes the top layer of skin, and scars are treated with a chemical solution. You can opt to sit repeatedly depending on the intensity.

• Skin Needling
  A needled device is rolled over the scar to induce collagen formation in the area underneath. It is one of the simplest and safest scar elimination procedures. The results are minor, but there is no discoloration.

• Surgery
  In a process known as punch excision, the doctor scoops out each scar and treats and heals the site with stitches. Subcision is a method in which the doctor inserts needles under the skin to release the fibers beneath the scar.

Conclusion

That's all there is to it! As with any skin issue (such as how to get rid of acne scars), see your regular dermatologist determine which solution is best for you. While technology has come a long way in making dark spots and acne scars manageable, keep in mind that the majority of us will suffer them at some point in our lives. While these are all viable solutions for decreasing acne scars, don't forget that you can also choose pimple positivity.

Frequently Asked Questions - Get Rid of Acne Scars

How can I prevent acne scars?

Although it is not always possible to avoid acne or scarring, those with acne can take precautions. These include getting therapy when acne is present and avoiding picking, popping, or rubbing pimples, which can cause infections and scars.

How long does it take for acne scars to fade?

The discoloration caused by dark marks normally fades with time. They usually take 3-6 months to go on their own. However, there are several therapeutic alternatives available to help accelerate the process.

What fades acne scars?

Laser therapy, dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels can all help to improve the appearance of shallow acne scars. They all entail removing layers of skin cells to stimulate the skin's production of new cells.

Can acne scars be removed?

At home, you cannot eliminate pimple scars. You can, however, make them less obvious. Scars will be less visible if you use medicated creams containing azelaic acid and hydroxyl acids. When you go outside, wear sunscreen to help lessen the color contrast between your skin and the scars.