5 Ways to Get Rid of Pimple Scars At-Home
Written by: Aither
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Published on May 27 2025
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Time to read 8 min
To fade pimple scars is a top priority for many, and it’s easy to see why. Acne marks can take a real toll on confidence and self-esteem. Research shows that much of the emotional impact of acne comes from the scars it can leave behind.
With up to 95% of acne sufferers developing some degree of permanent scarring and no universal solution available, it's important to explore options that work. That’s why we’ve put together a list of effective ways to fade blemish scars at home.
First, Why Do Pimple Scars Happen?
Inflammatory acne doesn’t just cause breakouts; it can lead to deep, painful, red bumps that damage both the skin and the collagen underneath. As your body works to heal those lesions, it produces collagen, but if it makes too much or too little, that’s when scars can form. These scars look and feel different from the rest of your skin.
Several factors can increase your chances of scarring, like:
• Having a family history of acne scars
• Waiting too long to treat inflammatory acne
• Picking or popping pimples
• More severe breakouts usually mean more scarring
You might also notice a dark spot from pimple where a breakout has healed. That’s called hyperpigmentation, and it happens when inflammation triggers extra melanin production. These spots are especially common in people with deeper skin tones.
Does Pimple Scarring Go Away?
Those reddish or brownish marks that stick around after a breakout usually fade on their own, but it can take months or even a year for them to fully disappear. As for mild to moderate scarring, there’s a chance it might soften over time.
When it comes to deeper, more severe acne scars, they’re typically permanent unless you treat them directly. If you're dealing with stubborn scarring, the right treatment can really make a difference.
How to Fade Pimple Scars At-Home
There’s no one-size-fits-all fix for acne scars, but the good news is there are plenty of treatments out there that can help fade them or even get rid of them completely. The right approach depends on a few things, like what kind of scars you have, how deep they are, your skin tone, how sensitive your skin is, and, of course, your budget.
Our at-home treatment suggestions are best suited for mild to moderate scarring. If you're dealing with deep or severe acne scars, get rid pimple scars by visiting a pro. Some results just need that extra help!
Microneedling
First up on our list of go-to treatments is microneedling at-home. When done at home, it’s often called derma rolling or stamping, depending on the device you're using. We’re starting with this one because it’s not just for at-home use; there’s also a professional, in-clinic version that uses longer needles.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, microneedling treats depressed acne scars. Thanks to its ability to promote collagen production, the treatment can help smooth and repair the skin over time.
With our AITHER derma rollers, here are some of the scar types you can target:
• Ice pick scars – Tiny, deep pinprick-like scars that show up on the cheeks.
• Boxcar scars – Wider, shallow-to-medium scars with sharp edges, often found on the jawline, temples, and lower cheeks.
• Rolling scars – Soft, wavy-looking scars that give the skin a bumpy texture, mostly around the cheeks and jaw.
• Hyperpigmented scars – These aren't raised or pitted but leave behind dark spots where acne used to be.
Salicylic Acid
Do pimple scars fade with topical, over-the-counter treatments like salicylic acid? Yes.
Salicylic acid is an ingredient in skincare for treating acne and clogged pores. It gently exfoliates the skin and speeds up cell turnover. This process helps clear out dead skin cells, oil, and dirt and make scars look more noticeable.
When you use it topically, salicylic acid dives deep into the pores to unclog them and encourage fresh, new skin to come to the surface. That’s a big win if you’re dealing with post-acne marks or uneven texture.
If you’re using salicylic acid as an acne mark fader, here’s a general idea of when you might start to see results:
• For mild scars, like those superficial marks or dark spots (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), you might see some small improvements after just a few weeks of regular use. For bigger changes, give it 2 to 3 months.
• For icepick or boxcar scars, it can take 3 to 6 months, or even longer, to notice improvements.
Retinoids
A go-to ingredient for treating acne and softening the look of acne scars. You’ll find it in both over-the-counter and prescription products, and it's in a lot of scar treatment creams for a reason.
That said, don’t expect overnight results. It usually takes a couple of months to see real changes, and even the stronger prescription versions might not fully fade more severe scarring.
Wondering if any retinoid can fade scars? Stronger versions like tretinoin, isotretinoin, and adapalene might help improve some scars' appearance.
How To Get Rid Of Dark Pimple Scars With Retinoids?
Start by using it just two to three nights a week, then slowly work your way up to every other night. Once your skin seems cool with it, you can try using it nightly. Don’t forget to layer on a good moisturizer for the extra hydration.
A quick but important reminder: always wear broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day. Retinol makes skin more sensitive to the sun.
Other Chemical Peel
Sometimes called chemexfoliation or dermapeeling is a treatment that refreshes and smooths out your skin. It works by applying a special chemical solution that gently causes the top layers of your skin to shed. As that old, damaged skin peels away, it reveals fresh, new skin underneath that’s usually smoother, brighter, and more even in tone.
This treatment is usually done in clinics, but it's totally doable at home with the right superficial or medium-depth peels.
Chemical Peel | How it Works | How Often to Use |
|---|---|---|
Glycolic Acid | Gently exfoliates, smooths texture, boosts collagen, fades fine lines, adds glow, and helps clear pores. | Once or twice a week |
Lactic Acid | Even out skin tone and texture, and it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin. Ease minor dark spots and dryness. | Lower concentration daily, higher concentration one or three times a week |
Fruit Enzymes | Break down dead skin cells for smoother, brighter skin. | One to two times a week |
Natural Remedies
A lot of people fade acne scars home remedies and while some of these options sound promising, the science behind them is still a bit fuzzy. Certain ingredients might irritate your skin or even make things worse, so it’s always a good idea to use them with caution.
That said, here are a few natural treatments people have used for acne scars:
• Black seed oil – might even out skin tone
• Rosehip oil – used to fade discoloration
• Honey – known for supporting wound healing and possibly helping prevent future scars
• Aloe vera (especially when mixed with manuka honey) – may promote scar-free healing
Everyone’s skin reacts differently, so if you’re thinking of trying any of these, do a patch test first, or better yet, check in with a skincare pro.
How Long Does It Take For Pimple Scars To Fade?
Depends on the type of treatment you choose and how severe your scars are. If you're dealing with pigmented scars, you might start to see fading within 3 to 6 months. But if your scars are more textured or depressed, it could take closer to a year to see noticeable improvement. That’s why many people turn to combination treatments for better, faster results.
One study compared microneedling, chemical peels, and a combo of both. Over five months, 120 people (mostly women, average age around 30) participated. The group that got both microneedling and chemical peels showed more improvement in their acne scars than the other groups. Everyone in the study reported an improvement in their quality of life, no matter which treatment they had.
How To Remove Pimple Scars On Back?
Of course, it's not just our faces that get pimples; our backs can suffer too, and they end up with pimple scars on the back. The good news is that treating pimple scars back is pretty similar to the treatment you'd use on your face. You don’t have to spend a lot on separate treatments unless something more specialized is needed.
Fade Pimple Scars by Combining Aither Derma Roller and Other Treatments
Don't let pimple scars hold back your confidence any longer. With Aither's microneedling tool, you can take control and start seeing smoother, clearer skin. Pair it with one of the treatments mentioned above, and you'll soon be loving how your skin looks and feels. It’s time to embrace your best skin yet!