Acne Scars Don't Have to Be Permanent: Treatment Options for Teens and Young Adults
Posted on 8/17/2026 by The Facial Center |
 Dealing with acne is frustrating enough on its own, but the scars it leaves behind can feel even more discouraging, especially for teens and young adults in the Charleston and Teays Valley, WV area who are navigating school, social life, and self-confidence all at once. The good news is that acne scars are treatable. With the right approach, you can significantly reduce their appearance and feel more comfortable in your own skin.
At The Facial Center, we work with younger patients and their families to find acne scar treatments that match their skin type, scar severity, and lifestyle. This post covers the most common types of acne scars, the treatments that work best for younger skin, and what to expect from the process.
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Understanding the Different Types of Acne Scars
Not all acne scars are created equal, and knowing what type you’re dealing with helps determine the best course of action. The most common types include atrophic scars, which are indentations left in the skin after a breakout heals. These show up as ice pick scars (small, deep pits), boxcar scars (wider depressions with defined edges), or rolling scars (broad, shallow dips that give the skin a wavy texture).
Some patients also deal with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which are flat, darkened spots left behind after a pimple heals. While these aren’t true scars in the structural sense, they can linger for months and are a common concern among teens. Raised scars, known as hypertrophic or keloid scars, are less common on the face but can occur along the jawline or chest.
A question our team hears often from younger patients is whether their scars will go away on their own. Post-inflammatory marks can fade over time, but textural scars typically don’t resolve without treatment. The earlier you address them, the better your results tend to be, because younger skin has a stronger natural healing response.
Treatment Options That Work for Younger Skin
When it comes to treating acne scars in teens and young adults, we prioritize treatments that are effective, well-tolerated, and appropriate for developing skin. Here are some of the options we recommend most often.
Microneedling
Microneedling is one of the most popular scar treatments for younger patients. It uses a device with fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, which triggers your body’s natural collagen production. As new collagen fills in, scars become less noticeable over a series of sessions. Microneedling works especially well for rolling and boxcar scars and has minimal downtime, which matters for busy students.
VI Peel
The VI Peel uses a medical-grade solution to remove the outermost layers of skin, encouraging fresh, smoother skin to develop underneath. For acne scars, it can be effective at reducing discoloration and softening textural irregularities. It’s also a good option for patients who are still dealing with occasional breakouts, since it can address active acne and scarring at the same time.
Radiofrequency Microneedling
For deeper or more stubborn scars, radiofrequency microneedling combines traditional microneedling with radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen at deeper layers of the skin. This can produce more dramatic results for patients with significant textural scarring. Your provider will help determine whether this is the right step based on the severity of your scars.
What Teens and Young Adults Should Know Before Starting Treatment
If you’re a teenager or young adult considering scar treatment, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, your active acne should be under control before starting most scar treatments. Treating scars while you’re still breaking out can lead to new scarring and slow your progress. If you’re still managing frequent breakouts, your provider may recommend a skincare plan to get those under control first.
Second, results take time. Collagen remodeling is a gradual process, and most patients see meaningful improvement after two to four sessions spaced several weeks apart. Patience is key, and your provider will set realistic expectations during your consultation.
Sun protection is also critical during treatment. Freshly treated skin is more vulnerable to UV damage, which can cause dark spots and undermine your results. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher should become a non-negotiable part of your daily routine.
Finally, know that it’s completely normal to feel self-conscious about your skin. Our team sees patients of all ages who are working through similar concerns, and we approach every consultation with that understanding. You don’t need to wait until you’re older to start taking care of your skin.
Take the First Step Toward Clearer Skin
Acne scars don’t define you, and they don’t have to be permanent. The team at The Facial Center has helped patients across Charleston and Teays Valley, WV find the right treatment plan for smoother, more confident skin. Call 304-205-6123 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and learn which options are best for your skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age can you start acne scar treatments?
There is no strict minimum age. Many teens begin scar treatment once their active acne is under control. During a consultation at The Facial Center, your provider will evaluate your skin and recommend a safe, age-appropriate plan.
How many sessions does it take to see results?
Most patients notice improvement after two to four sessions, depending on the treatment type and scar severity. Microneedling sessions are typically spaced four to six weeks apart to allow your skin time to heal and produce new collagen.
Will acne scar treatment completely remove my scars?
While treatments can significantly reduce the appearance of scars, complete removal is not always possible. The goal is to smooth the texture and even out the skin so scars are much less noticeable.
Can I treat acne scars if I still break out sometimes?
Occasional breakouts are usually fine, but frequent or severe active acne should be managed first. Your provider may suggest a combination approach that addresses both active acne and existing scars over time.
Is there any downtime after acne scar treatments?
Downtime varies by treatment. Microneedling typically involves a day or two of redness, while the VI Peel involves mild peeling for several days. Most teens can return to school within a day or two.
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