PIH
Flat brown or grey marks caused by excess pigment after inflammation. More common in medium to deeper skin tones.
Doctor-developed skin protocols
Acne scars & post-acne marks
Best Acne Scar Treatment in Singapore
Post-acne marks and uneven texture are common after breakouts. Identifying whether you have pigmentation, redness, or true scarring is the first step towards a suitable treatment plan.
PIH, PIE, and true scars require different approaches.
After active acne
What remains needs a considered approach.
After acne settles, it may leave behind brown marks, red marks, or changes in the skin’s texture. These concerns can look similar at first glance, but they develop differently and respond to different forms of care.
At SkinLab The Medical Spa, our doctor-developed protocols begin with a skin assessment. This helps distinguish post-inflammatory pigmentation and redness from true atrophic scarring before treatment is recommended.
What are acne scars?
Marks and scars are not the same.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) appears as flat brown or grey marks after inflammation. Post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) appears as flat red or pink marks. Neither is a true scar because the skin’s texture remains unchanged.
True acne scars form when inflammation damages collagen within the skin. Atrophic scars create depressions such as ice pick, boxcar, or rolling scars. Deeper scarring may require medical procedures outside the scope of a medical spa, and referral may be recommended.
Know the difference
Types of Post-Acne Marks & Scars
Correct identification matters because colour changes and textural scars need different approaches.
PIE
Flat red or pink marks caused by changes in small blood vessels after inflammation.
Ice Pick Scars
Deep, narrow depressions that extend into the skin and resemble small puncture marks.
Boxcar Scars
Broad depressions with clearly defined edges, often appearing round or oval.
Rolling Scars
Shallow depressions with sloping edges that create a wave-like, uneven texture.
Mixed Concerns
Marks and textural scars often appear together, so a treatment plan may need to address more than one concern.
Why post-acne changes form
Inflammation can affect colour and texture.
The longer and deeper inflammation persists, the greater the chance of pigment changes or disruption to the skin’s collagen structure.
Trauma from picking at blemishes can intensify inflammation and increase the likelihood of marks or scars.
Persistent inflammatory acne may continue to damage surrounding tissue when it is not addressed early.
Some people are more likely to develop acne scars because of inherited differences in healing and collagen response.
PIH may be more noticeable in deeper skin tones, while ultraviolet exposure can darken existing marks and prolong their appearance.
Active acne should usually be brought under control before a scar-focused treatment plan begins.
Light, exfoliation, and collagen-supporting care
may be combined according to your concern.
Doctor-developed options
Best Acne Scar Treatments at SkinLab
Each option addresses a different aspect of post-acne pigmentation, redness, or mild texture. Your therapist will recommend an approach after assessing your skin. Individual results vary.
PIH + regeneration
Signature Medical Peel + Omega Light
A medical-grade peel helps exfoliate pigmented surface cells, while Omega Light Therapy supports skin regeneration and may help improve mild post-acne marks.
View treatmentPigmentation + brightness
Melasma Peel Facial
A targeted peel designed to improve the appearance of uneven pigmentation, including post-acne marks, while supporting a more even-looking tone.
View treatmentMild texture + collagen
Derma Roller Facial
Controlled micro-injuries are designed to encourage the skin’s natural renewal response and support collagen production for mild textural concerns.
View treatmentTexture + collagen support
LDM Triple Facial
Triple-frequency ultrasound targets different skin depths to support collagen and hyaluronic acid production while helping address uneven texture.
View treatmentRedness + recovery
Omega Light Facial
Multi-wavelength LED therapy is designed to support skin repair and help calm visible redness after inflammatory breakouts.
View treatmentPigmentation + redness
I2PL / M22 IPL
Intense Pulsed Light options designed to address uneven pigmentation and redness, with the recommended system depending on your skin assessment.
View treatmentRenewal + tone
Peptide Peel Facial
A resurfacing facial designed to support skin renewal and improve the look of uneven tone and mild post-acne marks.
View treatmentExfoliation + light
Diamond Peel + I2PL
Diamond-tip exfoliation is paired with light-based treatment to address surface texture and uneven-looking pigmentation.
View treatmentNot sure which treatment suits your skin?
Book a ConsultationTreatment details
A closer look at your options.
01Signature Medical Peel + Omega Light
The Signature Medical Peel uses a customised blend of medical-grade alpha and beta hydroxy acids to exfoliate the skin and support the gradual fading of post-inflammatory pigmentation.
It is combined with Omega Light Therapy. Red light supports skin regeneration, while blue light may be used where active blemishes remain.
The full protocol includes double cleansing, a customised peel application, extraction, ampoule application, Omega Light Therapy, and a tailored finishing mask.
View treatment page02Melasma Peel Facial
The Melasma Peel Facial is designed for pigmentation concerns, including uneven tone and post-acne marks. Its exfoliating protocol supports skin renewal and a more even-looking complexion.
Your therapist will assess your skin’s sensitivity and current condition before deciding whether a targeted peel is suitable.
View treatment page03Derma Roller Facial
The Derma Roller Facial creates controlled micro-injuries to encourage the skin’s natural renewal response. This is designed to support collagen production and gradually improve mild textural irregularities.
It is not suitable for active inflammatory acne, and some temporary redness may occur after treatment.
View treatment page04LDM Triple Facial
LDM Triple operates simultaneously at three ultrasound frequencies, allowing it to target different skin depths in one session. This approach is designed to support collagen and hyaluronic acid production.
It may be recommended for uneven texture, enlarged-looking pores, or skin that would benefit from a gentler, zero-downtime option.
View treatment pageClient result
Progress you can see.
This SkinLab before-and-after image shows one client before and after a course of treatment for post-acne concerns.
Individual results vary. A personalised consultation is recommended before beginning any treatment plan.
Protect your progress
Care for Skin After Treatment
Consistent aftercare helps protect the skin barrier and reduce the chance of marks becoming more visible.
- 01
Apply broad-spectrum SPF daily, as ultraviolet exposure can darken post-acne marks.
- 02
Avoid picking, scratching, or repeatedly touching healing skin.
- 03
Keep the skin hydrated and use gentle products that support the skin barrier.
- 04
Follow the specific aftercare guidance provided by your therapist for your treatment.
- 05
Allow time for progressive improvement; collagen renewal and pigmentation changes are gradual.
Frequently asked
Acne scar treatment questions.
What is the difference between acne marks and acne scars?
Acne marks are flat colour changes, such as brown PIH or red PIE. Acne scars change the texture of the skin and may appear as ice pick, boxcar, or rolling depressions.
Can all types of acne scars be treated at SkinLab?
SkinLab treatments may help with post-acne pigmentation, redness, and mild textural concerns. Deep or complex atrophic scars may require medical procedures, and referral may be recommended after assessment.
How long does it take to see results?
This depends on the type and depth of the concern, the treatment selected, and how your skin responds. Pigmentation and collagen renewal are gradual, so a course of treatments may be recommended.
Should active acne be treated before acne scars?
Yes, active inflammatory acne should generally be brought under control first. This helps reduce the formation of new marks and scars while the existing concerns are addressed.
Does sun exposure affect acne marks?
Sun exposure can darken post-inflammatory pigmentation and make marks appear more persistent. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is an important part of aftercare.
Your skin, considered
Begin with a personalised assessment.
Our therapists are trained by our in-house doctors to assess your skin and recommend an appropriate approach.