Skincare for Scars

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

Acne scars involve a change in skin texture — such as pitted or raised areas — caused by collagen damage. Acne marks, including red or purple discoloration (PIE), are inflammation-related and often fade with consistent brightening and healing treatments.

Q: Is retinol good for scars?

Scar improvement varies by type: PIE (red marks): 4–12 weeks with consistent use Pitted scars: several months with combined professional + at-home care Injury/surgery scars: visible improvement within 8–12 weeks when treated early Consistency is key.

Support Repair + Improve Tone and Texture

At Art of Skin Care, we help clients address 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, so results come from a targeted approach.

Pitted Scars: indented scars caused by collagen damage—often best improved with microneedling + supportive at-home care.
Red or Purple Marks (PIE): post-breakout marks that fade faster with calming + brightening support.
Surgery/Injury Scars: benefit from repair-focused formulas like growth factors and regenerative treatments.

Shop esthetician-curated scar-support essentials below.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Acne scars involve a change in skin texture — such as pitted or raised areas — caused by collagen damage. Acne marks, 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?

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.

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

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.

Do growth factors really help scars heal?

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?

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.

Is retinol good for scars?

Scar improvement varies by type:

PIE (red marks): 4–12 weeks with consistent use
Pitted scars: several months with combined professional + at-home care
Injury/surgery scars: visible improvement within 8–12 weeks when treated early

Consistency is key.

Can picking cause worse scarring?

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.

Do exfoliants help with scars?

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.

When should I see a professional for scars?

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.