Yes, you can.
To understand why and how, let’s find out what kinds of acne and acne scars you might be dealing with:
Types of Acne and the Scars They Leave Behind
Acne can show up in a variety of forms:
- Whiteheads and blackheads (non-inflammatory):
These surface-level blockages of pores typically do not cause scarring. If any marks are left behind, they’re usually mild and pigmented rather than textural. - Papules and pustules (moderate inflammatory acne):
These inflamed bumps can damage surrounding tissue, especially if picked or improperly treated. They often result in pigmented scars (dark spots) and less often in pitted scars.
- Nodules and cysts (deep inflammatory acne):
These severe forms of acne penetrate deeply into the skin and are more likely to damage collagen structures. They frequently lead to pitted (atrophic) scars but can also leave pigmented spots behind.
The deeper the acne lesion goes into the skin, the more likely it is to leave behind a scar. While some people experience pitted acne scars (also called atrophic scars), most of the requests we get are for help with pigmented acne scars (dark spots left after a breakout).
What’s the Difference Between Pigmented and Pitted Acne Scars?
- Pigmented scars are dark marks left after inflammation and are often more common in melanin-rich skin, but can affect all types of skin.
- Pitted scars are indentations in the skin that result from collagen breakdown and poor wound healing.
The good news is: There are safe and effective options for both.
Gentle Yet Effective: A Dual-Effect Fix for Acne and Scars
If you’re dealing with widespread acne and dark spots, and want a solution that’s budget-friendly and approachable, a series of monthly chemical peels is your best bet.
Look for Alpha and Beta Hydroxy acids. These exfoliants clear out pores to treat active acne and also resurface the skin by fading pigmentation and smoothing post-acne texture.
Why We Love It:
The Image Acne Peel is:
- Safe for all skin types
-
Two-in-one results (active acne and scars)
- Targets active acne lesions
- Brightens and fades post-acne pigmentation
- Packed with botanical lighteners and exfoliants
Pair this with your pharmaceutical-grade at-home skincare routine, and you’re well on your way to clearer skin. The more you get, the clearer your skin gets. We recommend starting with three (about one a month).
Going a Bit Stronger? Combine Facials and Laser
If you’re ready to treat both active acne and scarring more aggressively, we recommend dual monthly treatments:
1. MesoAcne Facial
(Noninvasive Mesotherapy)
Start here to get your active acne under control.
- Uses vibration to open micro-channels in the skin
- Delivers anti-acne serum deep into the dermis
- Kills acne-causing bacteria (P. acnes)
- Reduces oiliness and rebalances skin
Book your PicoSure Laser treatment before you leave.
2. PicoSure Laser for Pigmented Scars
- Shatters melanin clusters into tiny particles (bye, pigmented acne scars)
- Stimulates natural healing
- Lymphatic system naturally flushes pigment particles away
- Results in visible fading of dark spots
If your acne scars are pitted, opt for Fractional Laser instead of PicoSure. It creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate collagen production and smooth out texture over time.
Active Acne Is Managed, Not Cured
Even after treating current breakouts and scars, maintenance is key to prevent new scarring. This is where your home routine and monthly anti-acne facials come in.
Some of Our Favourites:
- OxyGeneo Balance Facial
- Gently exfoliates and oxygenates the skin (for a healthy glow)
- Uses an anti-acne pod packed with willow bark (natural BHA), tea tree oil, and peptides
- Soothes inflammation and calms acne-prone skin
- Image Acne Peel
- Targets active acne and pigmentation spots left behind
- Gently resurfaces and refines
- Great to alternate every few months with OxyGeneo
Add-On:
LED Light Therapy
Add this to any facial to:
- Kill acne bacteria
- Reduce inflammation
- Speed up healing
If You’re Breaking Out Badly…
Start with targeted treatments for active acne before going all-in on scar correction.
Try a Fusion Facial Treatment:
Each of the two acne-specific options combines 3 anti-acne treatments in one:
- Deep cleansing, extractions, and exfoliation
- Targeted LED light therapy
- Pharmaceutical-grade products to target root causes, balance and calm the skin
What About Microneedling?
Microneedling is an excellent tool for treating acne scars if your active acne is mostly cleared or under control. However, if you have widespread active acne, we don’t recommend it just yet. Physical trauma to acneic skin can worsen inflammation. In that case, start with chemical peels or laser (pair laser with an anti-acne facial) until breakouts are under control.
Quick Recap: What to Get When
- Widespread acne + scars: Monthly chemical peels + homecare
- Acne + dark spots: MesoAcne facial + PicoSure Laser
- Acne + pitted scars: Anti-acne facial + Fractional Laser
- Maintenance phase: OxyGeneo Balance or Image Acne Peel, alternating these facials monthly.
- Bad Breakout: Fusion Facial Treatment
All of these treatments can be found and booked on our Acne Page.
Yes, you can treat acne and acne scars at the same time—and now you know how to find the right balance for your skin’s current state, budget, and long-term goals.
With a monthly plan, you can skip the lump-sum payments and choose a plan that works for you and a home routine to last most of the year. Do what feels manageable—there’s just no reason not to take care of your skin.
Book your first step to clearer skin today! You’ll never regret feeling confident in your skin sooner rather than later.