How effective is alpha-hydroxy acid products in removing acne scars?

Doctor's Answers 1

Hi,

Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) products are generally good skin hydrators and smootheners and give the skin a healthy glow but do little to improve acne scars.

For effective acne scar treatment, the best options are energy-based devices, e.g. : [1]

  • Fractional CO2 lasers
  • RadioFrequency (RF) Microneedling
  • Ablative and Non-Ablative Lasers

These procedures can penetrate deep into the skin to release the scar tissues and cause new collagen formation. Do check out the Acne Scar Treatment section for more details about these procedures.

Hope this helps!


References:

1. Kravvas, G. and Al-Niaimi, F. (2018). A systematic review of treatments for acne scarring. Part 2: Energy-based techniques. Scars, Burns & Healing, [online] 4, p.205951311879342. [Accessed 3 Sep. 2019].

Similar Questions

For better results, is it advisable to undergo acne scar treatment when younger and in my 20s, as opposed to when I am in my 30s or 40s?

Hi, The most important age factor to consider when to undergo acne scar treatment is not the age per say but when the acne is no longer active. This is because continued active acne will result in new scars and undo the benefits of the acne scar treatment. For some patients, active acne may persist way into their 20’s and even 30’s. In my experience, the clinical response to acne scar treatment is quite similar when treatment is done in the 20’s or in the 30-40’s. Hope this helps!

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Answered By

Dr Chin Yee Choong

Aesthetic

How do I treat acne marks as compared to acne scars? (photo)

Hi, Acne marks (post-inflammatory erythema and hyperpigmentation) will gradually fade on their own over several weeks/months, so do not worry. It is important to prevent new acne from occurring (check out the Acne section for the various strategies to do so) as new acne will cause new marks to occur. Hope this helps.

Photo of Dr Chin Yee Choong

Answered By

Dr Chin Yee Choong

Aesthetic

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