Acne is frustrating enough on its own — but dealing with scars while new pimples continue to appear can feel like an endless cycle. Many people wonder whether it’s worth starting scar treatments before breakouts fully stop. The answer depends on the type of acne, the condition of your skin, and the approach taken by your dermatologist.
For anyone struggling with both ongoing acne and scars, it’s best to seek professional guidance. If you’re exploring options for acne scars treatment Singapore, understanding how treatment timing and strategy work together can help you achieve smoother, clearer skin more efficiently.
The Difference Between Acne and Acne Scars
Before considering when to start scar treatments, it’s essential to distinguish between active acne and acne scars.
- Active acne refers to ongoing inflammation, whiteheads, blackheads, papules, or cysts caused by clogged pores, excess oil, and bacteria.
- Acne scars, on the other hand, are the marks left behind after the acne has healed. These may appear as flat dark spots (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) or as textured indentations in the skin.
Treating both conditions simultaneously can be tricky since therapies for one may irritate the other. However, dermatologists now have advanced approaches that allow gradual improvement on both fronts.
Why Treating Acne First Matters
In most cases, dermatologists recommend getting breakouts under control first before focusing on scar removal. Here’s why:
- Preventing New Scars: Every new breakout has the potential to create another scar. If you don’t treat the underlying acne, you’ll be undoing your progress.
- Inflammation Interference: Active inflammation can make scar treatments like laser or microneedling riskier, as irritated skin may react poorly.
- Optimal Healing Conditions: Scar treatments work best when the skin barrier is calm and stable.
That said, this doesn’t mean you can’t start any treatments while still managing occasional breakouts — the key is moderation and expert guidance.
Can You Do Both at the Same Time?
Yes, it’s possible to treat acne and scars at the same time — as long as your acne is mild or under partial control. The approach just needs to be more strategic.
Dermatologists often design dual-action treatment plans that target both active acne and early scarring. This helps reduce inflammation, prevent new breakouts, and improve skin texture gradually without overwhelming the skin.
Common Combined Approaches Include:
- Topical Retinoids: These improve cell turnover, reduce active acne, and encourage collagen remodeling to fade shallow scars.
- Chemical Peels: Mild peels with salicylic or glycolic acid help exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, and lighten pigmentation from old acne marks.
- Laser or Light Therapies: Some fractional or non-ablative lasers can safely treat pigmentation and mild texture irregularities even with minimal active acne.
- Oral Medications: Antibiotics or isotretinoin can control acne while setting the stage for future scar treatments.
The key is customization — your dermatologist will adjust intensity, frequency, and timing to suit your skin’s condition.
Understanding the Types of Acne Scars
Not all acne scars are the same, and the type determines the most effective treatment. Common scar types include:
- Atrophic (Depressed) Scars:
- Ice pick scars – deep, narrow holes in the skin.
- Boxcar scars – round or oval indentations with sharp edges.
- Rolling scars – wave-like depressions from collagen loss.
- Hypertrophic or Keloid Scars:
- Raised scars caused by excessive collagen production during healing.
- Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH):
- Dark spots left behind after acne heals — technically not scars but often treated alongside them.
Each type requires a specific method, and some can be treated even before acne fully disappears.
When It’s Safe to Start Scar Treatments
If your acne is mild, occasional, or well-managed with medication, you can start certain scar-reducing treatments early. However, if you’re still experiencing frequent cystic acne, it’s better to stabilize the condition first.
Here’s a general guide:
- Mild acne: Can begin chemical peels, light-based therapy, or retinoids.
- Moderate acne: Focus on anti-acne control first, then introduce microneedling or laser gradually.
- Severe acne: Prioritize medical treatment (e.g., oral isotretinoin), then wait at least 6 months before laser resurfacing to avoid irritation.
Timing matters because scar treatments stimulate collagen and healing processes that can worsen inflammation if the skin isn’t ready.
Modern Treatments That Address Both Acne and Scars
Advances in dermatology now allow professionals to manage both conditions together in a balanced, controlled way. Here are some treatments that multitask effectively:
1. Laser Therapy
Non-ablative lasers such as fractional lasers target both acne bacteria and underlying scars. They help refine texture, reduce redness, and stimulate collagen without excessive downtime.
2. Microneedling
This procedure uses fine needles to create micro-injuries that trigger collagen production. It can be combined with serums or radiofrequency to improve both active breakouts and early scarring.
3. Chemical Peels
Gentle chemical peels exfoliate the skin and help fade pigmentation while controlling excess oil. Regular sessions can smooth rough texture and reduce discoloration.
4. Topical and Oral Treatments
Dermatologists may prescribe retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, or antibiotics alongside brightening ingredients like azelaic acid to treat acne and prevent future scarring.
5. PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Therapy
Often combined with microneedling, PRP uses your own growth factors to accelerate healing, stimulate collagen, and minimize both acne inflammation and scar depth.
Managing Breakouts During Scar Treatment
If occasional breakouts continue while treating scars, that’s okay — the key is to manage them gently. Over-exfoliating or using too many actives can worsen irritation.
Here are a few dermatologist-approved tips:
- Stick to a simple routine: Cleanse, treat, moisturize, and protect.
- Use non-comedogenic products: Lightweight, oil-free formulations prevent clogged pores.
- Avoid aggressive scrubs: Physical exfoliants can worsen inflammation.
- Keep using sunscreen daily: UV exposure can darken scars and slow healing.
- Stay consistent: Results take time, and over-treating can cause setbacks.
With patience and the right balance of active ingredients, you can manage acne while gradually improving skin texture.
The Importance of Professional Guidance
It’s tempting to try over-the-counter scar creams while managing acne, but self-treating often leads to irritation or uneven results. Consulting a dermatologist ensures that your treatment plan is safe, effective, and tailored to your skin’s current condition.
Professional evaluation helps determine whether you should focus on acne control first or if your skin is ready for combination therapy. Clinics in Singapore offer customized solutions that balance inflammation control, scar fading, and overall skin rejuvenation.
Preventing Future Scars
The best way to minimize scars is to prevent new acne from forming in the first place. Here’s how to keep your skin in check:
- Don’t pick or squeeze pimples: It worsens inflammation and damages the skin.
- Manage stress and diet: Hormonal fluctuations and processed foods can trigger breakouts.
- Maintain consistent skincare: Regular cleansing, exfoliation, and hydration keep pores clear.
- Get early treatment: Address acne before it becomes severe or cystic.
Even after your scars have faded, ongoing skincare and sun protection are key to maintaining smooth, even skin.
Final Thoughts
Yes, it is possible to treat acne scars while still getting occasional breakouts — as long as your approach is measured and guided by a professional. The focus should be on controlling inflammation first, then gradually introducing scar treatments that won’t trigger further irritation.
By working closely with an experienced dermatologist, you can safely treat both conditions and enjoy visible improvements in tone and texture. Clear skin is not achieved overnight, but with consistency and expert care, you can finally break free from the acne-scar cycle and restore lasting confidence in your skin.
