What fades pimple scars?
Time, if they’re flat. Red or dark marks often fade, over months or longer. Dents and pits usually stay, and the treatments with some proof happen in clinics. One check shows which you have.
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What fades pimple scars?
Time, for flat marks. Skin doctors say the red or dark marks acne leaves often improve with time. This may take months or longer.
Dents are different. Most acne scars are sunken, and usually permanent. They may still get a little better over time or with treatment.
That check is your fingertip. Run it over the mark.
Smooth and flat points to a colour mark. A dip or a bump points to a scar.
| What you see | What it is | Does it fade? |
|---|---|---|
| Flat pink or red patch | A red mark. More common on lighter skin. | Often, over months or longer |
| Flat brown or dark patch | A dark mark. More common on darker skin. | Often, over months or longer |
| Deep, narrow pinprick | Ice-pick scar, the most common kind of dent. | Usually stays |
| Round dent with sharp edges | Boxcar scar. | Usually stays |
| Wide dip with sloping edges | Rolling scar. It smooths out when you stretch the skin. | Usually stays |
| Raised, firm bump | Raised scar. A keloid is one that grows bigger than the spot was. | A keloid does not usually flatten or fade without treatment |
Still getting spots? Treat those first. Skin doctors say active acne should be treated before any scar treatment starts.
Then jump to the section that matches your marks.
How do I fade red or dark pimple marks?
Shield them from the sun, stop new spots and give it time. Sun can darken dark marks, so skin doctors advise a daily SPF 50+ sunscreen on marks that are on show.
Six steps for pimple marks and scars
- Put a broad-spectrum (it says so on the label) SPF 50+ sunscreen on dark marks every day.
- Do not pick or squeeze spots, because this can cause scars.
- Try a pharmacy acne treatment, such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
- Give an acne treatment at least 12 weeks before you judge it.
- Cover marks with skin camouflage creams or make-up if you want them to show less.
- See a GP if your spots are deep, painful or causing scars.
Why stop new spots? NICE says the risk of scarring goes up the worse your acne is and the longer it lasts. Picking or scratching spots again and again can raise it too.
Skin camouflage is matched to your skin tone. A GP can refer you, or you can refer yourself online.
Marks not fading after months? Ask your GP.
NICE says to consider a skin specialist for colour changes that persist.
For sun cream that also slows skin ageing, see sunscreen and skin ageing.
Can pimple scars be removed?
Not fully. The NHS says you cannot get rid of a scar. Treatment aims to make it look better.
The proof is weak. A Cochrane review (a careful check of all the trials) looked at 24 trials in 789 adults. It found no treatment good enough to call a first choice.
| Treatment | What it does | Proof |
|---|---|---|
| CO2 laser | Removes the top layer of skin to smooth scar edges. | NICE option for severe scars |
| Glycolic acid peel | A chemical peel that removes the top layer. | NICE option for severe scars |
| Filler | Gel injected under a dent to lift it. | Moderate proof it may help. No study looked past 48 weeks |
| Skin needling | Lots of tiny needle pricks to help the skin remodel. | Very low quality trials |
Sources: NICE NG198; Cochrane; DermNet
These carry risks. In one small trial, a peel left darker patches in 6 of 12 people, against none with needling. Treatment can also bring red or dark marks, infection or more scarring.
Taken isotretinoin, a strong acne tablet? Skin doctors say wait at least a year after the course before laser. Never stop or change a prescribed medicine without your prescriber.
So weigh it up. If your dents bother you, ask your GP what fits your scars.
Can I get acne scar treatment on the NHS?
Sometimes, for severe scars. NICE advises a skin specialist team if scarring is severe and lasts a year after your acne clears.
The NHS route for severe acne scars
- 1
Treat the acne
Get spots under control first, with your GP if needed.
- 2
Wait a year
Skin keeps healing for up to about a year after acne clears.
- 3
Referral
Still severe? NICE says refer to a skin specialist team.
- 4
Treatment
CO2 laser, alone or after punch elevation (the scar is cut free and lifted level), or a glycolic acid peel.
Sources: NICE NG198; NICE rationale
Not every area offers it. NICE notes that NHS scar treatment varies across the country.
Skin doctors say laser is not usually available on the NHS. Peels and needling are not routine either. Ask your GP what your area offers before you pay.
How do I choose a clinic for acne scars?
Meet the person who will treat you first. The NHS says do not pay until you’ve had a consultation. Ask them:
- how many of these treatments they’ve done
- what training and qualifications they have
- what the most common problems are afterwards
- what aftercare you get, and what happens if something goes wrong
- the full cost, including any extra sessions
Avoid voucher deals, treatments in homes or hotels, and people who only advertise on social media.
Brown or black skin? Dark patches and keloids are more common after acne in skin of colour. Ask how they lower that risk.
When to speak to a GP
Book a GP appointment if:
- you’ve tried treating your acne yourself and it’s not getting better
- you have lots of spots, or your spots are deep, painful or causing scars
- your skin is hot, swollen and red, which can be a sign of infection (redness can be harder to see on brown and black skin)
- your acne is affecting your mental health
- your scars are still severe a year after your acne cleared, which NICE says is a reason for a specialist referral
Is a scar swollen or painful, warm to the touch, or leaking pus? Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111.
Scar from a cut or surgery? See the best cream for scars.
Worried about lines rather than scars? See retinol and tretinoin.