Laser Treatments for Acne Scars: Different Types of Lasers and When to Start
By Sarina Rubin
June 02, 2025
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You’ve made progress managing your breakouts—but what about the marks they left behind?
Acne scars—especially the pitted or textured kind—can linger long after active acne clears. While skincare and topical treatments can help with pigment or tone, treating deeper scarring often requires a more targeted approach.
That’s where laser acne scar treatment can come in. But here’s the thing: if you feel like every time one breakout heals, another one shows up—you’re not alone. And it might not be the right time to invest in lasers just yet.
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Before You Book a Laser Treatment, Ask Yourself This:
Are you stuck in the cycle of:
- Healing a breakout
- Seeing a scar form
- Getting excited to treat the scar and then getting a brand-new breakout?
If that sounds familiar, you’re not quite ready for laser treatments—yet.
Laser therapy is most effective once your acne is consistently under control. Otherwise, you’re investing in treating old scars while new ones are still forming, which can be frustrating (and expensive).
Start with your foundation. Make sure your entire routine is built around acne-safe skincare that supports healthy skin function, like reducing clogged hair follicles (tiny holes in the skin) and calming the inflammatory response. That means double-checking ingredients, avoiding comedogenic triggers, and staying consistent with your routine.
Once your skin is stable and breakouts are occasional (rather than constant), that’s when laser scar treatments will make the most impact.
What Can Laser Treatments Do for Acne Scars?
Laser therapy works by delivering concentrated light energy to the deeper layers of skin to stimulate collagen production, break down scar tissue, and resurface the skin. Over time, this can lead to smoother skin, reduced indentation, and improved overall skin clarity.
Laser treatments can help with different types of scars, spots, and skin concerns:
- Atrophic acne scars (indented scars, like ice-pick or boxcar scars)
- Post-inflammatory erythema (persistent redness)
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots left behind by acne)
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Overall skin texture and tone
Good to Know: Laser treatments don’t erase scars entirely—but they can be an effective solution for improving their appearance over time.
Types of Laser Treatments for Acne Scars
Not all lasers are the same—and the right one for you depends on your skin tone, scar type, and healing timeline.
Fractional Laser (Fraxel)
Best for: Textured, atrophic scars (boxcar or rolling scars)
How it works: Creates microscopic “wounds” in the skin to trigger collagen regeneration without damaging the entire surface.
Downtime: Mild to moderate redness and peeling for 3-7 days
Skin tones: Generally safe for most skin tones with proper settings
CO2 Laser (Ablative)
Best for: Deep acne scarring and resurfacing
How it works: Removes the top layer of the skin in a targeted way and promotes the growth of healthy skin cells to smooth out deeper scars
Downtime: Significant—up to 2 weeks
Skin tones: Best suited for lighter skin tones due to risk of hyperpigmentation
Erbium YAG Laser
Best for: Moderate scars, texture, and fine lines
How it works: Provides laser resurfacing but more gently and with less heat damage than a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser
Downtime: 3-7 days
Skin tones: Safer for medium skin tones compared to CO2
Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) / Vbeam
Best for: Redness and post-inflammatory erythema
How it works: Targets visible blood vessels and inflammation without resurfacing the skin
Downtime: Minimal—redness and swelling for 1-3 days
Skin tones: Generally safe for all skin tones
Nd:YAG Laser
Best for: Pigmentation and subtle scarring in deeper skin tones
How it works: Penetrates deeper into the skin to target melanin and stimulate collagen without harming the surface
Downtime: Low
Skin tones: Preferred acne laser treatment for darker skin due to minimal risk of pigmentation issues
When Should You Start Laser Treatments?
Here are a few important factors to keep in mind:
Wait Until Active Acne Is Under Control
Laser treatments are designed for scarring. They won’t treat acne breakouts or kill acne-causing bacteria. You’ll get the best results once your acne is consistently managed and your skin is relatively stable.
Tip: Still breaking out regularly? Focus first on controlling your acne with an acne-safe routine and dermatologist support.
Let Recent Scars Settle
Fresh post-acne marks often fade with time. Give them at least 3-6 months before committing to laser treatments. Depending on the severity of the scar, you might see natural fading, especially if you’re consistently using ingredients like azelaic acid, niacinamide, or sunscreen.
Check Your Skincare Products
Avoid lasers while using products like Tretinoin, AHAs, or chemical peels unless directed otherwise by a provider. You may need to pause them a week or two before and after treatment.
Consult a Board-Certified Dermatologist or Laser Specialist
Lasers are powerful tools and work best in expert hands. A derm who is experienced in cosmetic procedures for the skin can help select the right laser for your skin tone and scar type while minimizing the risk of hyperpigmentation or irritation.
What to Expect After Laser Treatment
- Redness and swelling in the treated area, especially during early recovery time, depending on the intensity of the treatment
- Dryness or flaking for a few days
- Sun sensitivity (wearing sunscreen is a must)
- Gradual improvement (should be able to see initial results in 7-10 days)
Good to Know: Significant improvement is possible, but the appearance of acne scars often takes multiple sessions, spaced weeks apart, to visibly fade. Treatment results vary based on individual needs, skin type, and type of treatment used.
The Takeaway: Laser Treatments Can Be a Turning Point—If You’re Ready
If you’ve done the work to manage your acne and you’re still left with scarring, laser therapy may be the next step in your skincare journey. But if you’re still cycling through breakouts, the most powerful thing you can do right now is to focus on preventing new scars first.
Build a consistent, acne-safe routine. Give your skin the time it needs to stabilize. Then, when the breakouts slow down, you’ll be in the best possible place to invest in a personalized treatment plan that’s built for your skin and focused on long-lasting results.