Acne Scars

Acne Scars

A scar plan begins with identifying what the skin has actually left behind

After acne settles, the skin may retain color, an uneven surface or a true change in depth. These are often grouped together as “scars,” although flat red or brown marks behave differently from indented or raised scar tissue.

• Flat red or brown post-acne marks
• Shallow rolling depressions
• Narrow, deeper pits
• Sharper-edged boxcar scars
• Texture that becomes more visible in angled light

Marks and scars are not the same

Post-inflammatory color can remain after the skin surface has healed. An indented scar forms when collagen support has been lost or reorganized during healing. Scar shape and depth influence which treatment can reach it; one device setting cannot address every pattern equally.

Why active breakouts come first

Continuing inflammation can create new marks while older scars are being treated. A stable acne routine protects the progress of a scar plan and makes it easier to judge what texture remains.

How LIVO assesses acne scars

We examine scar type, depth, distribution, skin tone, residual color, active breakouts, sensitivity and previous procedures. Angled lighting can reveal depressions that are less visible from the front. The plan is shaped around the dominant scar pattern.

• Microneedling — controlled micro-injuries support collagen remodeling for selected indented scars and texture.
• Stellar M22™ IPL — may address residual red or brown color when appropriate, but it does not rebuild an indentation.
• PDRN or exosome-based care — may be considered as a skin-quality addition within a product-specific plan.
• HydraFacial® or LIVO Signature Facials — support cleansing and surface care, but are not treatments for established scar depth.

Daily skincare and sun protection

Morning — cleanse gently, use an antioxidant or niacinamide if tolerated, moisturize, and apply SPF 30 or higher. Sun protection helps reduce contrast between scars and surrounding skin.

Evening — a retinoid may support turnover and gradual textural refinement; azelaic acid or niacinamide may help with post-breakout discoloration. Introduce actives slowly and keep the barrier comfortable. If you are currently using any retinoid-based or acid-related skincare products, please let us know before your appointment. We will assess your skin condition and provide appropriate recommendations accordingly.

Ingredients worth looking for — retinoids for texture and turnover; azelaic acid, vitamin C and niacinamide for residual color; ceramides, glycerin and hyaluronic acid for barrier support.

Topical skincare can improve color and subtle surface irregularity, but established indented or raised scars usually respond differently from flat post-acne marks.

Patch-test new products and introduce one active ingredient at a time. Apply sunscreen generously about 15 minutes before sun exposure; when outdoors, reapply at least every two hours and sooner after swimming, sweating or towel drying.

Treat the scar that is actually present

LIVO separates color from depth and surface texture from true scar architecture before recommending a course of treatment.

• American Academy of Dermatology — Acne scars: treatment
• American Academy of Dermatology — Microneedling overview
• American Academy of Dermatology — Tips for managing acne
• U.S. FDA — Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun
• Fabbrocini G, et al. Acne scars: pathogenesis, classification and treatment