Acne

Atrophic Acne Scars: Causes & Best Solutions

October 23
Mixi Skincare

Smooth skin is possible—let’s break down the why and how.

What Are Atrophic Acne Scars?

Atrophic acne scars are those tiny indents or dips left behind after a breakout. They’re not just surface issues—they form when the skin doesn’t produce enough collagen during the healing process. Instead of repairing the tissue fully, the skin forms sunken or pitted scars. These are most common after severe or inflamed acne and can stick around long after the acne is gone.

There are three main types:

Ice Pick Scars – Narrow and deep, like tiny holes in the skin.

Boxcar Scars – Wider with sharp edges, often found on the cheeks.

Rolling Scars – Soft, sloping indentations that give skin a wavy look.

Knowing which type you have is key to treating it properly.

What Causes These Scars?

Atrophic scars don’t just happen overnight. Here’s what often leads to them:

Inflammatory acne, like cysts and nodules, that damage the skin deeply
Picking or squeezing pimples, which disrupts healing and triggers inflammation
Delayed or improper acne treatment
Genetic predisposition—some skin types are more prone to scarring

In simple terms, anything that creates trauma in the deeper layers of skin during a breakout can lead to atrophic scarring if collagen isn’t rebuilt fast enough.

Effective Treatments at Mixi Skincare

1. Procell Microchanneling

Procell Microchanneling is a non-invasive procedure that stimulates the body’s natural healing process. It involves creating microchannels in the skin to promote collagen and elastin production. This treatment is effective in reducing the depth and visibility of atrophic scars, improving overall skin texture .

2. Geneo Glo2Facial

The Geneo Glo2Facial combines exfoliation, oxygenation, and nutrient infusion to rejuvenate the skin. This multi-step treatment enhances skin tone and texture, making it beneficial for those with mild atrophic scars and uneven skin complexion .

3. Chemical Peels
Chemical peels involve applying a solution to exfoliate the skin’s top layers, promoting new skin growth. Medium-depth peels, such as those containing trichloroacetic acid (TCA), are particularly effective for treating atrophic scars by stimulating collagen production and smoothing skin texture .

Personalized Treatment Plans

Each individual’s skin is unique, and at Mixi Skincare, we emphasize personalized treatment plans. Our licensed estheticians assess your skin type, scar severity, and overall health to recommend the most suitable combination of treatments. This customized approach ensures optimal results in reducing atrophic acne scars.

Preventing Atrophic Scars

Prevention is key in managing acne and avoiding scarring:

Early intervention: Treat acne promptly to minimize inflammation.
Avoid picking or squeezing pimples: This prevents additional skin damage.
Sun protection: Use sunscreen daily to protect healing skin and prevent hyperpigmentation.
Consistent skincare routine: Maintain a regimen that includes gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and appropriate acne treatments.