Left With Pitted Skin After Acne?
Many clients come to our Chorley clinic feeling stuck with indented acne scars long after their breakouts have settled. These marks — often called pitted scars, ice-pick scars, boxcar scars or rolling scars, can make the skin look uneven in texture and dull in certain lighting.
Pitted scarring does not improve significantly with basic skincare alone. It requires collagen-stimulating, regeneration-focused treatments delivered consistently and safely.
The good news: with the right plan, pitted skin can become noticeably smoother, firmer and more even.
What Causes Pitted Acne Scarring?
Pitted scars form when inflammation from acne damages the skin’s deeper layers, creating indentations. Factors include:
- Inflammatory acne or cysts
- Skin picking
- Slow wound healing
- Loss of collagen
- Hormonal breakouts
- Delayed treatment during active acne
These scars sit below the surface, which means topical products alone cannot reach them effectively.
Consultation First: Assessing Scar Type & Severity
Because pitted scars vary in depth and pattern, your consultation determines:
- Type of scars (rolling, boxcar, ice-pick, mixed)
- Depth of indentations
- Presence of pigmentation or redness
- Skin sensitivity
- Suitability for microneedling vs PureDerma
- Whether chemical peels are needed first
- Skincare gaps slowing progress
This allows us to build a structured, multi-layered treatment plan.
Microneedling: A Gold Standard for Pitted Acne Scars
Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries that trigger collagen and elastin production, essential for lifting and smoothing pitted scars.
Benefits include:
- Gradual improvement in indentation depth
- Smoother skin texture
- Firmer, more even skin
- Improved scar appearance with each session
It is ideal for mild–moderate scarring or combined with other treatments for more stubborn areas.
PureDerma (RF Microneedling): Advanced Collagen Stimulation
For deeper pitted scars, PureDerma combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy, delivering heat into deeper layers of the skin.
This improves:
- Moderate to severe scarring
- Skin laxity around scars
- Texture irregularities
- Rolling or boxcar depressions
- Collagen remodelling
PureDerma typically offers faster, more dramatic results than standard microneedling.
Chemical Peels for Brightening & Surface Refinement
Chemical peels help resurface the top layer of the skin by:
- Improving pigment or redness around scars
- Smoothing rough or uneven texture
- Preparing the skin for deeper treatments
- Enhancing glow and clarity
While peels won’t lift deep scars, they support the overall improvement of the skin.
Skincare Priority: Exfoliation & Retinol
Your home routine is crucial for maintaining results and supporting treatment outcomes.
We focus on:
Exfoliation
Gentle, consistent exfoliation helps:
- Improve texture
- Encourage healthy cell turnover
- Reduce dullness
- Support smoothness
We avoid harsh scrubs and use controlled chemical exfoliants instead.
Retinol / Retinoids
Retinol is one of the most important ingredients for pitted acne scarring. It:
- Stimulates collagen
- Improves skin texture
- Reduces indentation depth over time
- Makes professional treatments more effective
Medical-grade retinoids (e.g., AlumierMD) often deliver the best results.
Barrier Support & Hydration
A strong barrier is essential so following acne the skin can remodel collagen effectively.
We include:
- Hydrators
- Peptides
- SPF
- Non-comedogenic moisturisers
Regularity Is Key — The “Skin Gym” Approach
Pitted acne scarring does not resolve in one session.
We recommend a structured skin gym schedule, such as:
- Microneedling or PureDerma every 4–6 weeks
- Peels every 4 weeks
- Daily retinol/exfoliation routine
- 3–6 month treatment plans for optimal results
- Maintenance to prevent regression
Consistency creates visible transformation.
Why Clients Across Lancashire Choose Mollie Elise Aesthetics
Clients travel from Chorley, Preston, Wigan, Leyland and beyond because we offer:
- Medically led, evidence-based treatment plans
- Advanced technologies for acne scarring
- Safe, controlled procedures
- Tailored skincare recommendations
- Clear, honest expectations
- Ongoing support throughout your skin journey
Our approach blends professional treatments with powerful homecare, giving you the best possible outcome for acne scarring.
Book Your Post-Acne Scarring Consultation in Chorley
If pitted acne scars are impacting your confidence, texture or makeup finish, we can help you achieve smoother, more refined and healthier skin.
Book your consultation at Mollie Elise Aesthetics and start your personalised skin regeneration plan today.