How to Treat Acne Scars with Topical Applications & IPL

Acne scars—whether they’re post-inflammatory pigment changes or textural indentations—can impact confidence and skin clarity. Fortunately, a combined approach using topical treatments and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) can significantly improve skin tone, texture, and overall appearance.

Understanding Acne Scars

Acne scars fall into two major categories:

• Pigmented scars – red (post-inflammatory erythema) or brown (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) marks left after acne heals

• Textural scars – such as atrophic (icepick, boxcar, rolling) or hypertrophic/keloid scars

An effective treatment plan must address both pigment irregularity and structural changes in the skin.

2. Topical Applications for Acne Scars

Topical treatments play a key role in managing pigmentation and supporting skin regeneration:

• Topical treatments are essential for improving acne scars by fading pigmentation and supporting skin regeneration. Ingredients like niacinamide, azelaic acid, vitamin C, retinoids, and hydroquinone help reduce dark spots and even skin tone. Meanwhile, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and Centella Asiatica promote healing, hydration, and collagen production to improve texture and scarring.

Ingredients that support skin renewal and scarring:

• Ingredients that support skin renewal and scar healing include peptides, which stimulate collagen and elastin production to repair scars and improve firmness. Hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates the skin, helping to plump and smooth indented scars. Centella Asiatica (Cica) reduces inflammation, promotes healing, and strengthens the skin barrier.

3. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) for Acne Scars

ELLIPSE IPL (e.g., PR 530 nm on Nordlys) is a light-based therapy that targets vascular and Acne not ablating the skin but improving discoloration over time.

How IPL Helps:

• Reduces post-acne redness and broken capillaries (especially common after inflammatory acne)

• Breaks down melanin deposits, lightening dark spots

• Boosts collagen production, subtly improving mild textural issues over multiple sessions

Treatment Protocol:

• Typically done in a series of 3–6 sessions, spaced 3–4 weeks apart

• Minimal downtime; redness or mild swelling may occur temporarily

• Works best for fair to medium skin tones (Fitzpatrick I–III)