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Active acne breakouts are frustrating enough, but many people also suffer with acne scars that can be permanent. Thankfully, effective treatment is available with a qualified dermatologist. Dr. Damstetter and the Reserve Dermatology team can help you achieve more even and smooth skin and prevent future acne scars.
What are Acne Scars?
Acne scars occur when the skin is damaged from previous acne breakouts and forms scar tissue. There are several basic types of acne scars, as their appearance can vary. These include:
Atrophic scars
Atrophic acne scars are the most common type of scars, which form a depression in the skin as a result of damaged collagen and tethered scar tissue.
Boxcar scars
These depressed scars are U-shaped with sharp, defined edges.
Ice pick scars
Ice pick scars are narrow or pinpoint V-shaped scars that can be quite deep.
Rolling scars
These acne scars are wide depressions with rounded and irregular edges.
Hypertrophic or keloid scars
Hypertrophic scars are raised, often pink or hyperpigmented scars caused by excess collagen.
Dark spots
These spots are red, purple, or brown flat marks at the site of an acne lesion.
What Causes Acne Scars?
Not all patients who suffer with acne will develop acne scars. There are some risk factors that make it more likely that you will develop scarring after your acne heals. These include:
- A family history of acne scarring
- Inflammatory types of acne, such as cystic acne or nodules
- Delayed treatment of acne
- Picking or popping acne
Aside from these risk factors, acne scars are caused by too little or too much collagen production in the skin as the acne heals. scars are caused by too little or too much collagen production in the skin as the acne heals.
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Preventing Acne Scars
For many patients, treating acne early and limiting breakouts can help you prevent acne scar formation in the first place. To treat acne, you can schedule an appointment with a dermatologist like Dr. Damstetter to learn more about proper skin care for your skin type or to seek professional acne treatments. As your acne clears, you should continue to treat your skin as instructed to prevent future breakouts. Avoid scrubbing or picking at your skin and do not attempt to pop or squeeze acne, as this can cause further inflammation and result in scars.
Effective Treatment for Acne Scars
If you have acne scars, Dr. Damstetter may recommend several treatment options to reduce the appearance of the scarring and restore healthy, smooth, and more even skin.
Energy-based resurfacing treatments, such as IPL and laser treatment/laser resurfacing, can be a good option for acne scars by stimulating new collagen production, removing dead skin cells, and promoting healthy skin cell growth. Similarly, microneedling (also called collagen induction therapy) can be a good option to treat acne scars that are depressed or textured and redness in acne scars, as the treatment stimulates new collagen.
Dermal fillers can also be used to smooth depressed acne scars by adding a small amount of volume below the scarring.
Finally, Dr. Damstetter may recommend skin care products that gently exfoliate the skin, such as retinoids or salicylic acid. Over time, these products will reduce redness and promote a more even texture, and choosing an appropriate retinoid for an individual’s skin type takes experience. Products that contain SPF should also be used daily to protect the skin from sun damage.
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Schedule an Appointment
To learn more about acne lesions, skin scars, and effective treatment, schedule an appointment with Dr. Damstetter at Reserve Dermatology. Call our Glenview, Illinois office or contact us online.
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Dr. Elizabeth Damstetter
Dr. Elizabeth Damstetter is a board-certified dermatologist and esteemed founder of Reserve Dermatology & Aesthetics, who brings expertise in both medical and cosmetic dermatology while maintaining a compassionate, patient-centered approach. With advanced training spanning internal medicine, clinical trials, and dermatology—from the University of Chicago, Northwestern, and Boston University—Dr. Damstetter combines rigorous clinical skill with cutting-edge aesthetic insight. As an Assistant Professor at Rush University Medical Center and active contributor to dermatology research and education, she seamlessly blends clinical excellence with academic leadership.Known for her “reserved cosmetic approach,” Dr. Damstetter delivers subtle, natural-looking enhancements with personalized plans that prioritize long-term skin health and patient confidence.