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Acne breakouts can be frustrating, and they can also leave scars on the skin. Scars are formed when a breakout penetrates the skin deeply and damages the tissues beneath it. Before you try to treat your scars, it’s important to know what type they are. Each type responds to treatment differently, and some treatments are better for particular types than others. Number one, Atrophic or depressed scars. Atrophic scars are most common on the face. A depressed scar sits below the surrounding skin. They’re formed when not enough collagen is made while the wound is healing. There are three types of atrophic scars: Boxcar These are wide, U-shaped scars that have sharp edges. They can be shallow or deep. The shallower they are, the better they respond to skin resurfacing treatments. Ice pick Ice pick scars are narrow, V-shaped scars that can go deep into the skin. They can look like small round or oval holes, like a chickenpox scar. These are the most difficult scars to treat because they can extend far under the surface of the skin. Rolling These are wide depressions that typically have rounded edges and an irregular, rolling appearance. Number two, Hypertrophic or raised scars. These scars are most common with chest and back acne. They stand above the surface of the surrounding skin and are caused by too much collagen during healing. And last, the Dark spots. Discoloration left behind after a zit has cleared isn’t a scar. The purple, red, or brown marks will fade over a few months on their own. And now, these are 5 effective ways to remove or improve the appearance of the acne scars. Number 1, Dermabrasion Dermabrasion is one of the most effective and common treatments for facial scars. While it uses the same general principle as the microdermabrasion kits you can do at home, healthcare providers use a wire brush or a wheel to more deeply exfoliate the top layer of the skin. Number 2, Chemical peels These aren’t the kind of face masks you binge watch your favorite guilty pleasure with. A chemical peel is a strong acid that’s used to remove the top layer of the skin to reduce deeper scars. Some chemical peels are mild enough to be used at home, but your healthcare provider can provide a stronger solution with more dramatic results. There are many different types of chemical peels, so it’s best to talk to your healthcare provider about which one is right for you. Number 3, Laser resurfacing Much like a chemical peel and dermabrasion, laser resurfacing removes the top layer of the skin. This treatment typically has a faster healing time than other resurfacing treatments. However, you have to keep the area covered with a bandage until it’s completely healed. This treatment is also not a good option for anyone who’s still getting breakouts, and it’s not as effective on darker skin tones. Number 4, Fillers Healthcare providers use fillers to fill in acne scars and help even out the skin. The fillers can be made with collagen, your own fat, or a commercial filler. They’re injected under the surface of the skin to help plump up and smooth out depressed scars. Most fillers last between 6 and 18 months before they need to be redone, but some are permanent. Number 5, Microneedling This newer treatment uses a small, handheld, needle-studded roller or hand held “pen” on the surface of the scars. The needles puncture the numbed skin — but don’t go through it like a shot! As the skin heals, it makes collagen. There’s evidence to suggest that microneedling helps reduce the depth of acne scars, but this treatment can take up to 9 months to see changes according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Outside of the slight fear factor, it’s a safe treatment that works for all skin tones.