Acne and acne scars: everything you need to know in one place

This page brings together our articles on acne and acne scars in reading order. Start by understanding the problem, then read about the options and the risks.

1 · Start here

Start With a ConcernMedical Aesthetics for Active Acne: Do Peels, Light Therapy and Facials Help While You Have Spots?The evidence for chemical peels, blue light, laser, comedone extraction and facials in active acne. Medical treatment first; procedures to postpone.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board Start With a ConcernAcne Scars: Types, Treatment Options and Realistic ExpectationsTypes of acne scars, the difference between marks and scars, treating active acne first, and realistic expectations from laser, peels and microneedling.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board

2 · By area, type and related treatments

Treatment GuidesFractional Laser: How Suitable Is It for Acne Scars, Wrinkles and Skin Texture?How ablative and non-ablative fractional lasers work, what to expect for acne scars and wrinkles, recovery and pigmentation risk. A patient guide.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board Treatment GuidesMicroneedling: How Effective Is It for Acne Scars, and Are At-Home Needle Rollers Safe?What microneedling is, how effective it is for acne scars, who it does not suit, the risks of at-home needle rollers and the single-use needle tip rule.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board Treatment GuidesChemical Peels: What They Are, Who They Suit and What Recovery InvolvesThe differences between superficial, medium and deep chemical peels, recovery times, risk of pigment spots, who needs caution and aftercare advice.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board GuidesRetinoid Guide: What Are Retinol, Tretinoin and Adapalene, How Do You Start, and Who Should Not Use Them?What retinoids are and how retinol differs from tretinoin. Evidence in acne and fine lines, how to start, reducing irritation, why not in pregnancy.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board Start With a ConcernScars and Keloids: Types, Who Is Prone, Treatment Options and When to See a PhysicianTypes of scar, keloid versus hypertrophic scar, who is prone to keloids, and silicone gel, injections, laser and surgery; piercings and tattoos.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board Start With a ConcernEnlarged Pores: Why They Happen, Can Pores Close, and Which Methods Have Evidence?Why do pores look large, and can they really close? The evidence for retinoids, salicylic acid, chemical peels and laser, and realistic expectations.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board

3 · Risks

Safety CentreProblems after a Chemical Peel: Prolonged Redness, Dark Spots, Infection and Scarring — What to Do?Problems after a chemical peel: prolonged redness, dark spots, cold sores, infection, scarring. Telling normal healing apart, home care and urgent signs.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board Safety CentreBurns and Pigmentation Changes after Laser and IPL: Darkening, Lightening and Scarring — Prevention and What to DoWhy do burns and dark spots occur after laser and IPL, how long do they last? Blisters, darkening, lightening, scars, eye risk: what is normal, what to do.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board Safety CentreProblems after Fractional Laser: Dark Spots, Cold Sores, Acne, ScarsProlonged redness, dark spots, cold sores, infection and scars after fractional laser: telling normal healing apart, home care and urgent signs.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board