What treats acne scars best?

For depressed (atrophic) scars, microneedling builds collagen over a series of sessions. Flat red or brown post-acne marks usually fade with peels, brightening topicals and daily SPF.

Are post-acne marks the same as scars?

No. Flat red/brown marks are discolouration that usually fades; true scars are textural changes that need collagen-building treatments like microneedling.

Should I treat scars while still breaking out?

Get active acne under control first — resurfacing actively breaking-out skin is counterproductive. Then address marks and scars.

Acne & Acne Scars in Calgary: the complete guide

Acne is hard enough; the marks and scars it leaves behind can be even more frustrating. The key to treating them is understanding that active acne, dark marks and true scars are three different problems needing different approaches. This guide breaks down what works for each, for Calgary skin.

First: are they scars or marks?

Post-inflammatory marks (PIE/PIH): flat red or brown spots left after a pimple heals. These are not scars and usually fade with time, brightening treatments and sun protection.
True scars: changes in skin texture — usually atrophic (depressed: ice-pick, boxcar, rolling) or, less often, raised. These need collagen-building treatments.

Treating active acne first

There is no point resurfacing skin that is still actively breaking out. Get breakouts under control first (a good skincare routine, and a dermatologist’s help for moderate-to-severe acne). Then address the aftermath.

Best options for marks (PIE/PIH)

Chemical peels to speed cell turnover and fade discolouration — see our peels guide.
Brightening topicals and, critically, daily SPF so marks fade rather than re-darken.

Best options for true (atrophic) scars

Microneedling: creates controlled micro-channels that trigger collagen, gradually filling depressed scars and smoothing texture — see our microneedling guide. Usually a series of 3–6 sessions.
Resurfacing treatments for deeper scarring, discussed at consultation.

What about Calgary’s climate?

Dry, cold air can aggravate a compromised acne barrier, and strong UV darkens marks. A simple barrier-supporting routine plus daily SPF makes every in-clinic treatment work better and last longer.

Realistic expectations

Marks can fade substantially; true scars usually improve meaningfully (often 30–70%) rather than vanish entirely, and improvement builds over months as collagen remodels. Anyone promising to erase scars in one session is overselling.

Get a tailored plan

Because the right treatment depends on whether you have marks or scars, start with an assessment. Book a free consultation at Alyssum Laser in NE Calgary and we will map a realistic plan.