What’s the difference between acne scars and acne marks?

{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Acne "},{"type":"text","value":"scars","italic":true},{"type":"text","value":" involve a change in skin texture — such as pitted or raised areas — caused by collagen damage. Acne "},{"type":"text","value":"marks","italic":true},{"type":"text","value":", including red or purple discoloration (PIE), are inflammation-related and often fade with consistent brightening and healing treatments."}]}]}

Can pitted acne scars be fully removed?

{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Pitted scars are the most challenging to treat because they form deep in the dermis. While they can’t always be erased completely, they can be significantly improved. Professional microneedling, combined with retinol-based home care, often delivers the best results.\n"}]}]}

How long do red acne marks (PIE) take to fade?

{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Red or purple acne marks can take weeks to months to fade on their own. Using growth factors, brightening serums, and anti-inflammatory ingredients can dramatically speed the healing process.\n"}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":""}]}]}

Do growth factors really help scars heal?

{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Yes. Growth factors support cellular regeneration, reduce inflammation, and encourage proper tissue repair — making them highly effective for reducing both discoloration and textural irregularities."}]}]}

Can I treat surgery or injury scars at home?

{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Yes, but the earlier you begin after the wound has closed, the better. Growth factor serums, stem cell-based formulas, and exosome treatments help minimize long-term scarring and improve texture, color, and flexibility.\n\n"}]}]}

Is retinol good for scars?

{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Scar improvement varies by type:"}]},{"type":"list","listType":"unordered","children":[{"type":"list-item","children":[{"type":"text","value":"PIE (red marks):","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" 4–12 weeks with consistent use\n"}]},{"type":"list-item","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Pitted scars:","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" several months with combined professional + at-home care\n"}]},{"type":"list-item","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Injury/surgery scars:","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" visible improvement within 8–12 weeks when treated early\n"}]}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Consistency is key."}]}]}

Can picking cause worse scarring?

{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Yes — picking increases inflammation, disrupts healing, and can turn a minor breakout into a permanent scar. Hydrocolloid patches and sulfur spot treatments help prevent this.\n\n"}]}]}

Do exfoliants help with scars?

{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Gentle exfoliants like tranexamic, azelaic, and mandelic acid help fade discoloration and improve uneven tone, but deeper scars require collagen-stimulating treatments such as retinol, peptides, microneedling, or growth factors.\n\n"}]}]}

When should I see a professional for scars?

{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"If scars are deep, widespread, or not improving after consistent home care, it may be time to consult an esthetician or dermatologist. Procedures like microneedling, laser resurfacing, or chemical peels can significantly accelerate results."}]}]}

Concern - Scars

Best Products for Scars

At Art of Skin Care, we help clients manage the three most common types of scarring: pitted scars, post-inflammatory erythema (red or purple marks), and surgery or injury scars. Each type forms differently and requires a targeted approach for best results.

Pitted Scars:
These indented scars develop when severe acne damages collagen. They respond best to professional treatments like microneedling, while at-home retinol can help gradually smooth uneven texture.

Post-Inflammatory Erythema (Red or Purple Spots):
These marks appear when inflammation increases blood flow during healing. Growth factors, calming treatments, and brightening actives help fade discoloration more quickly.

Surgery or Injury Scars:
These scars form when the skin heals after trauma. Growth factors, stem cell serums, and repair-focused treatments support proper tissue regeneration and help minimize long-term texture and color changes.

Explore our curated collection of scar-supporting treatments designed to encourage healthy repair, restore smoother texture, and promote a more even, balanced complexion.