Yes, you are right in that acne scar treatments should be commenced once acne has resolved and become quiescent.
Acne scar treatments such as fractional CO2 laser can also cause scarring if there is active ace and secondly; ongoing acne can cause new scars to form.
PCOS is a condition that troubles many when it comes together with acne as the local skin factors are also affected by systemic hormonal issues.
Besides oral contraceptives, anti-adrogenic medications like Spironolactone can be helpful.
It is also worthwhile to target local skin issues that can contribute to the ongoing acne such as comedones and inflammation.
I usually treat my patients in a systematic manner with medications like antibiotics and retinoids (topical and/or oral). Treatments that you can consider to control the acne outbreaks and lighten the scars are Q switch laser and chemical peels.
I find that with a multi-pronged approach, the acne outbreaks can be better controlled and the outcomes (e.g. residual scarring) are much better.
