Last Updated on August 31, 2025 by Derma Arts Team

Acne is a skin condition that affects millions of people. In addition to causing temporary skin spots, it often leaves deep scars that affect self-esteem. Knowing about acne and its control is essential to reduce maximum impact. This guide explores the various categories of acne scars and their formation and outlines the most suitable Types of Acne Treatments. We will discuss the remedies most appropriate for each skin type and issue, including exemplary dermatological treatments and a plan of usual skin care. This guide is suitable irrespective of whether you have a simple case of acne or severe skin scarring to maintain healthy skin and confidence. It uses clear and evidence-based information to help any person make the right decision on skincare goals to achieve.

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Types of Acne Treatments

Acne has various causes and side effects, so many remedies exist – from simple creams to operations. Knowing about the available choices and how they may benefit your skin can go a long way in improving a routine that addresses your specific acne-prone skin. Here’s a comprehensive look at the most effective

Topical Treatments

Topical preparations are often the first-line Types of Acne Treatments since these remedies are cheap and easily accessible. Benzoyl peroxide is an OTC topical treatment that kills the germs responsible for pimples, reduces inflammation, and can unblock clogged pores. It is also effective in treating and preventing mild to moderate acne. It is better to begin with smaller concentrations since it can dry the skin or cause irritation. Salicylic acid softens the keratin in the skin’s upper layer and removes black spots and blackheads. It suits sensitive skin, clears acne, and works best when used properly.

Isotretinoin and adapalene are two of the most famous retinoids, which help with cell regeneration, prevent pore blockage, and decrease redness. These are especially appropriate for mid-level to severe acne and in reducing scar formation after the acne treatments. These products can initially irritate the skin and increase sunlight sensitivity, so you must include sunscreen in your routine. These topical treatments serve as the foundation for most acne treatments and, when applied appropriately, achieve the intended outcome.

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Oral Medications

Dermatologists often prescribe oral medications as systemic treatments to target acne from the inside, especially in moderate to severe cases. Drugs like doxycycline and minocycline reduce bacteria and inflammation, making them effective for inflammatory acne. To minimize antibiotic resistance, doctors usually combine these medications with topical treatments. Other options, such as contraceptive pills and spironolactone, control hormonal secretion that triggers excess sebum and hormonal acne. For women dealing with hormone-related acne or pregnancy-associated acne, antibiotics can be effective, but they always require a prescription and regular medical checkups.

The worst type of cystic or nodular acne is treated with isotretinoin, also known as Accutane. It functions through the complete reduction of the amount of oil on the skin’s surface, eradication of the spots, and prevention of scars. Despite giving outstanding outcomes of Types of Acne Treatments, isotretinoin is a powerful drug with side effects like skin dryness and is teratogenic; thus, its prescription is only under the administration and supervision of the health care provider. In particular, oral medications offer a very effective solution for patients who do not have acceptable results from topically applied agents, thus guaranteeing a complete treatment of more severe cases.

Procedural Treatments

Skin treatments solve persistent acne and scarring concerns and have positive outcomes for individuals with these conditions. For example, chemical peeling involves pulling off the outer layer of skin to clear acne and enhance the scar marks. These Types of Acne Treatments are best suited for mild to moderately severe skin problems, such as acne, and those whose scars are limited to the outermost layer of skin; multiple treatments may be needed beforehand.

Laser therapy is another option that helps stimulate collagen production to even out scar depth, which, in this case, is an ice-pick or boxcar type of scar. It is pretty effective but may be expensive and time-consuming because you must set some time aside for healing. Microneedling is an excellent option for skin resurfacing to maximize collagen stimulations while treating skin mainly scarred from moderate to severe acne. This treatment can also help penetrate topical treatments even better for the best results.

In cases of nodulocystic acne where large cysts and comedones are present, the recommended treatments have good results and include draining and extraction to reduce inflammation and eliminate the possibility of scarring. These should always be carried out by a dermatologist to prevent skin harm. Procedural treatments are equally important in acne care because they greatly focus on the skin and the post-treatment effects.

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Natural and Home Remedies

Some people might have mild acne breakouts so natural remedies can act as an additional treatment. Tea tree oil is an antibacterial substance that can decrease bacteria that cause acne and inflammation. However, it should be in dilution; otherwise, it will cause a skin rash on the skin of the individuals using it. So many remedies are available, but the best one is aloe vera for skin health due to its conditioning and healing effects. It is very suitable for sensitive skin as it helps reduce redness and inflammation.

Honey and cinnamon masks can also be used for the occasional pimple or as a part of an all-natural skincare regimen. Although these Types of Acne Treatments can be beneficial for minor skin conditions, they do not replace the treatments for moderate to severe acne. Natural remedies are more beneficial when incorporated into a correctly formulated skincare routine and provide moderate yet appreciable improvements to individuals with less serious skin disorders.

Types of Acne Scars

Acne scars develop when acne lesions damage the skin layers. These scars vary in appearance depending on the type of acne and how the skin reacts after breakouts. The two main types include depressed or atrophic scars, which result from tissue loss, and raised or hypertrophic/keloid scars, which form due to excess tissue growth. Additionally, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is often mistaken for a scar, but it does not involve scar tissue.

Atrophic Scars

Atrophic scars mend as concave imperfections on the epidermis, lying subdermally because of the tissue deficit during the healing period. Such scars are usually linked with cystic acne, but they can also develop from other types of acne. This may also differ based on the scar, including box car, ice pick, and rolling scars.

Boxcar Scar

Boxcar scars appear as large, rectangular depressions with sharp, well-defined edges. Severe acne, chickenpox, or varicella often cause them, as these conditions extensively damage the skin. They usually form on areas with significant fat deposits, such as the lower cheeks and jawline. Because of their structured and distinct borders, boxcar scars are among the easiest acne scars to identify

Ice Pick Scars

Ice pick scars are small, thin, linear lesions that penetrate deeply into the dermis. They are mostly found on the cheek and are one of the most challenging scars to treat because they are both profound and narrow. Sometimes, the treatments have to be very long and intense to see the results because these kinds of scars do not respond well to most treatments.

Rolling Scars

The rolling scars are irregular in depth and have a wave-like shape on the skin surface. While the rolling scars are raised, their edges are not jagged and pointed like boxcar scars but are inclined to the skin surface. It provides the skin with a texture of waves, which are generally more visible in the zones where the skin is thin.

Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars

Hypertrophic Scars

Keloids are hypertrophic scars and are enhanced Types of Acne Scars that form directly over the original acne lesion. These scars do not extend beyond the circumference of the acne spot and are mainly found on the keratinized part of the skin, including the chest, shoulder, and back.

Keloid Scars

A hypertrophic scar is again a scar that comes in a more severe form known as a keloid scar. It goes beyond the border of the acne lesion and becomes broad-based, elevated, and larger and heals with a fibrous scar. Keloid scars form more frequently in people with a dark skin complexion and those with a tendency for keloid.

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)

The acne mark is not such a scar but a memory of the skin injury. However, PIH remains a dark skin mark after the acne has cleared. PIH develops as darkened patches or spots due to melanin deposition as a reaction to skin inflammation.

Hyperpigmentation is common among people with dark skin complexion or those who tend to pop their pimples, which makes them even worse by injuring the skin. The tan caused by PIH does not disappear independently, but a proper sun protection regime will only prolong the process and stop the skin from worsening. In contrast to real scars, it has no alterations in the skin matrix and is easily managed using Vitamin C, retinoids, and sunscreen.

How to Prevent Acne and Scars

Long-term scars after acne are avoided through a healthy regimen and proper treatment. This makes it almost impossible to prevent this occurrence, but practising some preventive measures can greatly reduce the chances and intensity of acne and its accompanying scars. Below is a detailed guide that sheds more light on protecting yourself from acne and scars.

Maintain a Consistent Skincare Routine

Starting with skincare, it’s very essential as it’s the primary measure in controlling acne. This makes it possible to maintain consistent oil production, prevent pores from being blocked, and have healthy skin.

Gentle Cleansing: Wash your face in the morning and at night, regardless of skin type. Harsh soaps or scrubbing materials can worsen acne, so avoid them. Instead, use cleansers with acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to reduce bacterial buildup.

Moisturize Regularly: Apply a non-oily moisturizer to replenish skin hydration and prevent dryness. Proper moisturization stops sebaceous glands from overproducing sebum.

Exfoliate Wisely: Use chemical exfoliants like AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) or BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) to clear dead skin and prevent clogged pores. However, avoid over-exfoliation, as it can weaken the skin’s barrier.

Sunscreen: One should use a sunscreen lotion with broad spectrums every day for sun protection. Sunscreen combats hyperpigmentation after skin injury and assists in scar elimination.

Avoid Touching or Picking at Your Skin

This anti-acne skincare tip warns against picking, squeezing, or popping acne lesions, as doing so makes the skin more prone to scars and infection. It also damages the base tissue, delays healing, and increases the risk of scarring.

• Do not touch your face; use tools like cotton swabs to treat specific areas.
• If a breakout worsens, one should seek professional help from a dermatologist and opt for remedies such as extractions.

Use Acne-Fighting Ingredients

Incorporate products containing proven acne-fighting ingredients into your routine to prevent and treat breakouts:

Benzoyl Peroxide: Helps combat bacterial infection and reduce inflammation. 

Salicylic Acid: Removes dead skin cells and reduces the chance of other pimples in the form of blackheads and whiteheads. 

Retinoids: To promote such processes as cell division, penetration by toxins, and inflammation. 

Niacinamide: It helps regulate oil secretion on the scalp and relieves irritation.

You should integrate these products gradually into your regimen because the skin becomes sensitive to new products. To find the right products for your skin, consult a dermatologist.

Manage Your Diet and Hydration

Your diet does contribute to the development of acne to some extent. While the relationship between diet and acne varies among individuals, certain adjustments may help:

• Reduce High-Glycemic Foods: Avoid candy, white bread, soda, and other sugary or starchy foods because they spike insulin levels and trigger excess oil production.
• Limit Dairy Intake: Research shows dairy products can contribute to hormonal acne. Pay attention to how your body reacts to dairy and adjust your diet if needed.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water daily to keep your skin healthy and support natural detoxification.
• Sleep Well: Aim for 7–8 hours of quality sleep every night, as the skin regenerates and repairs itself during rest.
• Exercise Regularly: Engage in regular physical activity to improve blood circulation, deliver nutrients to the skin, and flush out toxins. Always wash your skin after sweating to prevent clogged pores.

Seek Professional Help Early

If these Types of Acne Treatments do not work, try seeing a dermatologist before the acne progresses to form scars. Professional treatments can target specific issues:

Prescription Medications: Topical retinoids, antibiotics, and hormonal treatments.

In-Office Procedures: You can minimise the occurrence of acne through chemical peeling, extraction, or laser therapy.

Monitor Hormonal Changes

The changes in hormonal balance can cause acne, whether a regular one triggered by puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. Consult a doctor on how you can treat hormone acne through methods such as taking birth control pills, spironolactone, or other methods.

Protect Healing Skin

If acne lesions have healed, protecting the area from further irritation or damage is crucial to prevent scars:

• Keep your skin free from any irritants which can worsen the skin situation.
• Do not stay in the sun too much or forget about sunscreen.

Conclusion

Acne and its outcomes can look aesthetically displeasing, so dermatologists must manage the types of acne treatments well to boost a client’s confidence. Treating acne requires a consistent skincare routine, a proper diet, and regular dermatologist consultations. Many remedies, from topical to sophisticated processes, deal with various forms of acne and scar products. Preventing hasty decisions and having lots of patience when working towards healthy skin contribute to the goal. If you have been struggling with acne, then you should not worry; minimizing breakouts, eliminating scars, and regaining your confidence in your skin is possible. So, consult an expert for acne treatment in Delhi and the skin you deserve. 

FAQS

1. What are the main types of acne scars?

The standard classes of acne scars are Boxcar, Ice Pick, Rolling scars, atrophic scars, Hypertrophic scars, and Keloid scars. Atrophic scars are concavities in the skin, while hypertrophic and keloid are convex because of tissue overgrowth. Inflammation causes this form of skin alteration, but it should not be confused with a scar.

2. What is the best way to treat acne scars?

You can easily treat pigmentation scars with several methods, but dermatologists must address ice-pick scars. Atrophic scars respond well to treatments like chemical peels, derma rolling, and laser therapy. Doctors often treat hypertrophic and keloid scars with corticosteroid injections or surgeries. For the best results, consult a skin doctor who can recommend the right treatment for your scar type.

3. Which type of acne treatment should one consider if they have sensitive skin?

Choose over-the-counter acne medications carefully. Those suitable for sensitive skin may include low salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide concentrations. Dermatologists also prescribe related compounds such as retinoids like adapalene, but these usually cause initial skin irritation. It is always important to begin with lower intensity and introduce new products using only a tiny portion of the skin. 

4. Do acne remedies lead to scarring?

Specific acne treatments per se do not cause scars, but some treatments are aggressive and, if not properly applied, may cause scarring. It is good to heed instructions while using such substances and avoid applying strong substances such as retinoids or scrubs.

5. How do you get clear skin from acne treatments?

It can require several weeks or months for the skin to reveal visible improvement in case of acne. Cosmetics like retinoids or benzoyl peroxide require time to help lessen inflammation and penetrate the blocked pores. Take note that it takes some time before you can see the effects of the method; it’s all about perseverance.