5 Acne Skin and Acne Scar Treatment for Working Adults in Malaysia
- Dream Clinic
- 5 days ago
- 11 min read
Have you ever gone to bed with fairly clear skin, only to wake up the next morning with tiny red bumps on your face again? What once seemed like a “teenage phase” somehow followed you into adulthood, and now, between deadlines, long working hours and constant stress, you’re dealing with new breakouts while old acne scars still linger.
In fact, acne affects about 68% of Malaysian young adults, with more than half of those showing some degree of acne scarring. The truth is, not all “acne skin” is the same – and neither are acne scars.
Fading those scars isn’t as simple as just applying a cream; most skincare only works on the surface and can’t fully rebuild the damaged collagen beneath. And with adult skin, it’s even more difficult to heal than teenage skin because it’s often more sensitive and drier, which means your treatment plan needs to be customised, not copy-pasted.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different types of acne-prone skin and acne scars, and the treatment options that can be combined to target your specific concerns, so you can confidently take the next step with a plan that actually fits you.
What Causes Acne on Your Face
Facial acne usually starts when pores get clogged with excess oil (sebum), dead skin cells and sometimes bacteria.
On the face, this is often triggered by:
Hormones and stress
Heavy or comedogenic skincare/makeup
Long mask-wearing, sweat, lack of sleep
When a pore is blocked, it can become a blackhead or a whitehead. If bacteria and inflammation enter the picture, that bump can become a red papule or a pus-filled pustule, and if the inflammation goes deeper, it can become a larger nodule or cyst. The deeper and more inflamed the spot, the higher the risk of scarring.
How Acne Scars Form
When acne is mild and mostly on the surface, it usually heals without leaving a mark. Scars form when inflammation goes deeper and damages the skin’s structure.
1. inflammation Damages the Skin
When a pimple (especially a papule, pustule, nodule or cyst) is very inflamed, the reaction doesn’t just stay on top of the skin – it spreads down into the dermis, where your collagen and support fibres are.
The inflamed pimple:
Destroys some of the normal tissue
Leaves a “gap” once the pimple settles
Forces the skin to repair quickly – often in an uneven way
That imperfect repair is what becomes a scar.
2. Collagen: Too Little or Too Much
Collagen is the framework that keeps skin firm and smooth.
If too little collagen is rebuilt → the skin sinks in → depressed scars (ice-pick, boxcar, rolling).
If too much collagen is produced → the area bulges → raised scars (hypertrophic or keloid).
Because this damage is deep, creams on the surface can’t fully fix it. Most scar treatments (lasers, RF, microneedling, PRF, etc.) work by remodelling collagen from within.
3. Severe or Untreated Acne Scars
The longer and more severe the inflammation, the more damage it can cause.
Scarring risk goes up when:
Acne is severe (nodules and cysts)
Acne is left untreated, or treatment is stop-and-start
Spots are picked, squeezed or harshly scrubbed
In simple terms: More inflammation + more time = a higher chance of permanent scars.
Types of Acne Scars
Not all acne scars are the same – and they don’t respond to treatment the same way either. Knowing which type you have helps your doctor choose the right combination of treatments rather than using a single generic laser for everything.
Atrophic Scars (Sunken / Depressed Scars)
These are the most common facial acne scars. They sit below the normal skin surface because inflammation has destroyed some of the skin's collagen, leaving a depression behind.
Ice Pick Scars
Ice pick scars are small, narrow, and very deep, almost like tiny holes or needle punctures in the skin. Because they extend down into the dermis, they are the hardest type to treat and usually require targeted procedures such as TCA CROSS or deep resurfacing, rather than light, superficial treatments.
Boxcar Scars
Boxcar scars are wider with sharp, defined edges, giving them a “boxed-in” appearance. They may be shallow or deep, and they generally respond well to treatments such as fractional laser therapy, subcision, and collagen-stimulating therapies.
Rolling Scars
Rolling scars cause the skin to look wavy or uneven, especially noticeable under side lighting. This happens because fibrous bands under the skin pull the surface downward.
Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars (Raised Scars)
These scars sit above the skin surface because too much collagen was produced during healing.
Hypertrophic scars
Thick, raised scars that stay within the original pimple area. They often feel firm to the touch and can be more obvious along the jawline, chest or back.
Keloids
Raised scars that grow beyond the original acne spot. They can be itchy or uncomfortable and are more common in certain skin types, especially darker or more reactive skin.
Because the issue here is excess collagen, treatments aim to flatten and soften these scars (for example, steroid injections, silicone gel and carefully selected lasers), rather than stimulating more collagen as we would for sunken scars.
As we age, collagen loss quietly affects skin firmness, texture and healing — learn why this protein matters and how supporting it can make a visible difference.
Best Acne Scar Treatments for the Face
Once you understand what kind of scars you have, the next step is choosing a treatment that actually targets the problem layer of the skin. No single procedure is “the best” for everyone. Instead, treatments work best when they’re matched to the scar’s depth and pattern, your skin tone, and your lifestyle.
Once your scar type is identified, treatment becomes much more straightforward. The best outcomes come from matching the right procedure to the scar’s depth and structure, your skin tone, and what you can consistently maintain.
1. Medical-Grade Topical Treatments
Medical-grade facials, such as Lumigrade Medifacial, are best for mild acne marks and ongoing maintenance and are usually used as supportive care rather than the main solution for deep scars. They help calm inflammation, improve skin clarity and support the skin barrier rather than rebuilding deep collagen.
Common options clinics use or prescribe:
Prescription-strength retinoids – boost cell turnover, help even out texture, prevent clogged pores and future breakouts.
Azelaic acid–based pigmentation therapy – gently targets brown marks and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) while being suitable for many skin tones.
Silicone gels or sheets – used after procedures or on fresh scars to improve healing and soften raised areas over time.
What they can treat:
PIH (brown marks after acne)
Very shallow textural irregularities
Ongoing acne control to prevent new scars from forming
What they cannot fix:
Deep rolling, boxcar or ice-pick scars
Significant collagen loss or tethered scars
2. Microneedling (Collagen Stimulation Core Treatment)
Microneedling uses very fine needles to create controlled micro-channels in the skin. This triggers the body’s natural wound-healing response and stimulates new collagen.
Best for:
Mild to moderate atrophic scars (rolling/boxcar)
Enlarged pores and general texture improvement
Patients who prefer a non-laser option
What to expect:
Procedure time: around 45–60 minutes (including numbing)
Recovery: redness and slight swelling for 1–3 days
Results: gradual smoothing over multiple sessions (commonly 3–6)
It’s often paired with Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) and fractional laser treatments, for better overall results. PRF supports healing and collagen remodelling using growth factors from your own blood, while fractional laser stimulates deeper collagen repair to smooth depressed acne scars.
3. laser Treatments (Precision-Based Resurfacing)
Lasers are among the most powerful tools for treating acne scars when used correctly and tailored to skin type. Different lasers target different concerns:
Fractional lasers (such as Fotona Nx Fractional Laser) – create microscopic treatment zones in the skin to remodel collagen and smooth depressed scars.
Pico lasers – can treat both pigmentation and textural change, useful for PIH + early scars.
Vascular / other settings – can reduce persistent redness (PIE) around old acne sites.
Best for:
Atrophic scars (ice-pick, boxcar, rolling – often in combination protocols)
Mixed scars with pigmentation + texture issues
Working adults who want more visible change in fewer sessions
What to expect:
Procedure time: 30 - 60 minutes
Recovery: ranges from “back to work next day” redness with lighter settings to 3 - 7 days with stronger resurfacing
Results: often noticeable after a few sessions, with continued improvement as collagen rebuilds
4. Chemical Peels (Pigmentation and Surface Refinement)
Chemical peels use controlled acids to remove the top layers of skin and speed up renewal.
Best for:
PIH (brown marks)
Mild surface roughness and small bumps
Congestion and active acne (certain peels)
As a maintenance treatment between bigger procedures
What to expect:
Procedure time: around 20–30 minutes
Recovery: mild redness, dryness or flaking for 2–5 days, depending on peel strength
Results: brighter tone, clearer pores, slightly smoother surface with repeated treatments
Peels are less effective for deep, structural scars, but work very well as part of a combined plan together with microneedling or lasers.
5. Fillers and Biostimulators (Structural Volume Restoration)
Some depressed scars don’t just need collagen stimulation – they need actual lifting or structural support.
Hyaluronic acid fillers can be injected under selected deep scars to lift them closer to the surrounding skin level.
Biostimulators (e.g. certain injectable products) encourage the body to gradually build its own collagen in those areas.
Best for:
Specific deep boxcar or rolling scars
Localised “dents” that still show after other treatments
Patients who want a visible improvement in targeted spots
What to expect:
Procedure time: 30–45 minutes
Recovery: mild swelling or bruising for 1–3 days
Results: fillers give immediate lifting that’s temporary but repeatable, while biostimulators are subtler at first and improve gradually over weeks to months.
They’re often used as a finishing step after collagen-remodelling treatments, not usually as the first line for very active or widespread scarring.
Quick Comparison: Common Acne Scar Treatments
Treatment | What It Does | Best For | Expected Improvement | Recovery |
Medical-grade topicals (retinoids, azelaic acid, silicone gels) | Improve cell turnover, fade marks, and support healing | PIH, mild marks, maintenance, and prevention of new scars | Marks lighten gradually; minimal change for deep texture | Minimal – mild dryness/irritation at start |
Microneedling | Creates tiny controlled micro-injuries to stimulate collagen | Mild–moderate atrophic scars, large pores, overall texture | Mild–moderate smoothing over a course (often ~20–50%) | Redness 1–3 days; makeup usually the next day |
Laser treatments (fractional, pico, etc.) | Resurface skin, remodel collagen, target pigment/redness | Atrophic scars, mixed scars, PIH/PIE, overall rejuvenation | Moderate improvement over a course (often ~30–60% for texture; marks fade faster) | Redness/peeling 2–7 days (depends on strength) |
Chemical peels | Controlled exfoliation to smooth surface + fade marks | PIH, mild texture, clogged pores, maintenance | Good for tone/marks; subtle texture improvement | Mild redness/peeling 2–5 days |
Fillers / biostimulators | Lift depressed scars or stimulate collagen in specific areas | Selected deep boxcar/rolling scars, volume loss | Fillers: immediate lift (temporary). Biostimulators: gradual improvement over weeks–months | Mild swelling/bruising 1–3 days |
Your Beauty, Backed by Medical Expertise
All treatments are performed by qualified doctors using FDA-approved technologies, ensuring safety and natural-looking results.
Post-Treatment Care for Acne Scar Procedures
Good after-care is just as important as the treatment itself. It helps your skin heal smoothly, reduces the risk of irritation or pigmentation, and supports better long-term results — especially for Asian skin, which has higher melanin levels and a greater tendency toward post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after inflammation or laser procedures.
First 72 Hours After Treatment
Your skin may feel warm, tight, stinging or slightly swollen — this is normal as collagen activity begins underneath the skin.
For the first 3 days, avoid:
Hot showers, saunas or steam
Heavy sweating or intense exercise
Scrubs, exfoliating cleansers or cleansing brushes
Retinoids, acids (AHA/BHA), benzoyl peroxide or strong active products
Make-up on broken/compromised skin areas (follow your doctor’s advice)
Picking, rubbing or scratching the skin
Direct sun exposure / tanning
This reduces irritation and lowers the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
Instead, for the first 72 hours, keep it simple:
Gentle cleanser
Barrier-repair moisturiser
Soothing or recovery products recommended by your clinic (e.g. post-laser gels, PRF-friendly creams)
Broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day, if going outdoors
Hydration + protection = better healing.
Long-Term Maintenance (After Healing Phase)
Once your skin has settled (usually after 3–7 days, depending on treatment strength), you can gradually return to your normal skincare routine, guided by your practitioner.
Sun Protection Is Non-Negotiable
Sun exposure can darken healing skin and scars, especially PIH-prone tones. Daily routine should include:
SPF 30–50 sunscreen
Reapply if outdoors
Hats & shade when possible
Consistent sun protection = more even, smoother-looking results.
Skincare Actives
Your doctor may guide you to restart actives slowly such as:
Retinoids
Azelaic acid
Niacinamide
These help maintain results, smooth texture and reduce pigmentation risk, but usually only after the skin barrier has healed.
Avoid (unless cleared by your doctor):
Over-exfoliating
Harsh scrubs
Layering too many actives too quickly
Think: gentle + consistent, not aggressive.
Acne Control = Preventing New Scars
Scar treatment works best when new acne is kept under control. Your plan may include:
medical-grade skincare like retinoids or azelaic acid
maintenance treatments such as Lumigrade Medifacial
stress, sleep, and lifestyle management
reviewing makeup or skincare that may clog pores
As you move through your 30s, changes in your complexion become more noticeable. Discover the early signs of skin aging and how targeted treatments can help.
How to Choose the Right Acne Scar Treatment for Your Face
If you’re unsure where to start, you’re not alone. Acne scar treatments work best when they’re chosen based on your specific scar type and lifestyle. Use the guide below to match your scars with the most suitable treatment options.
1. Assess Your Scar Type
Scar Type | How It Looks | Best Treatment Direction |
PIH / Acne Marks | Brown or dark marks, flat skin | Pico laser, chemical peels, medical-grade topicals |
Mild Atrophic Scars | Shallow rolling or boxcar scars | Microneedling, PRF, fractional laser (light settings) |
Moderate Atrophic Scars | Noticeable rolling / boxcar scars | Fractional laser, RF microneedling, PRF |
Deep / Tethered Scars | Deep dents, shadowing under light | Combination approach (laser + PRF ± fillers) |
Raised Scars | Thick, raised scars | Steroid-based care, silicone gel (not collagen stimulation) |
2. Consider Your Results Timeline
Your Goals | Best Options |
Fast improvement in marks (weeks) | Pico laser, chemical peels |
Gradual texture improvement (months) | Fractional laser, microneedling, PRF |
Immediate lift for selected dents | Fillers |
Ongoing improvement & maintenance | PRF, medifacials, medical skincare |
3. Evaluate Your Downtime Tolerance
Downtime Preference | Suitable Treatments |
Minimal / next-day work | Pico laser, PRF, Lumigrade Medifacial |
1–3 days social downtime | Microneedling |
3–7 days acceptable | Fractional laser (stronger settings) |
Find the Right Acne Scar Treatment for Your Skin
The best acne scar treatment for your face depends on your scar type, skin tone, lifestyle and how much downtime you can realistically commit to.
At Dream Clinic, we combine medical expertise with personalised care to recommend a treatment plan that fits your skin and your lifestyle — with natural-looking improvement you can feel confident about.
Why patients trust Dream Clinic:
Ranked among the top 3 aesthetic clinics in Penang and KL
Licensed by the Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM)
Treatments performed by qualified LCP-certified doctors
Using FDA-approved technologies and products
Book a consultation today to discover which acne scar treatment is most suitable for your skin.
FAQs
Q1. Will my acne scars completely disappear?
Most people see smoother, clearer skin and softer scars, but complete removal is rare, especially for older or deeper scars. Acne scars form deep within the skin, so treatments focus on collagen remodelling and scar softening rather than completely erasing the scars.
With a proper treatment plan, it’s realistic to expect around 30–70% improvement over time, depending on your scar type, skin condition and consistency with treatment.
The goal is skin that looks smoother under light, with less shadowing and pigmentation and more confidence when you look in the mirror.
Q2. Is it ever “too late” to treat acne scars?
No, even old acne scars can improve. However, older scars usually need more sessions or combination treatments because collagen activity slows with time. Early treatment is easier, but meaningful improvement is still possible later on.
Q3. Can treating acne scars cause new breakouts?
Some treatments can temporarily stress the skin, but when planned properly, they don’t usually worsen acne. In fact, many treatment plans include acne-control steps to prevent new breakouts during the scar-remodelling process.
Q4. Why do some people get scars while others don’t?
Scarring risk varies due to genetics, inflammation severity, skin type, and how acne is treated. Picking, squeezing, or delaying proper treatment also increases the likelihood of scarring.
q5. Is acne scar treatment painful?
Most treatments are well-tolerated with numbing cream or cooling methods. Discomfort levels vary, but pain is usually short-lived and manageable.
References
1. Muthupalaniappen, L., Tan, H. C., Puah, J. W., Apipi, M., Sohaimi, A. E., Mahat, N. F., & Rafee, N. M. (2014). Acne prevalence, severity and risk factors among medical students in Malaysia. Clin Ter, 165(4), 187-92.
2. Mar, K., Maazi, M., Khalid, B., Ahmed, R., Wang, O. J., & Khosravi‐Hafshejani, T. (2025). Prevention of Post‐Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation in Skin of Colour: A Systematic Review. Australasian Journal of Dermatology, 66(3), 119-126.
