Does glycolic acid help pitted scars?

Author: Mr. Ramiro Altenwerth DVM  |  Last update: Sunday, August 10, 2025

Conclusions: Glycolic acid peeling is an effective modality for the treatment of atrophic acne scars, but repetitive peels (at least six times) with 70% concentration are necessary to obtain evident improvement.

Which acid is best for pitted scars?

Chemical peels (e.g., Illuminize Peels, Vitalize Peels, Salicylic Acid Peels, and Glycolic Acid Peels) remove dead cells and encourage collagen production around scars, producing smoother-looking skin. Your dermatologist will determine the concentration of peels depending on the severity of your scarring.

What is best for pitted scars?

Treatment for depressed scars includes the following:
  • Chemical peel: Applying a chemical peel to the skin helps the body produce more collagen and elastin. ...
  • Fillers: This treatment adds volume to depressed scars. ...
  • Laser treatment: Dermatologists use lasers to resurface skin with acne scars.

Is retinol or glycolic acid better for scars?

Is glycolic acid or retinol better for acne scarring? Simply put: retinols. They work at a deeper level than glycolic acid to stimulate collagen and elastin production to smooth the skin's surface and improve texture and tone.

Does glycolic acid remove dark spots?

Glycolic acid is highly effective in reducing dark spots and treating hyperpigmentation. It works by promoting the shedding of pigmented cells and encouraging the growth of new, evenly pigmented skin cells. This process helps to lighten dark spots and improve the uniformity of the skin's tone.

How to FADE PITTED SCARS | Dr Dray

Does glycolic acid remove old scars?

Chemical exfoliators

They may help people with acne scars. Active ingredients that may help improve the appearance of scars include: glycolic acid.

What not to mix with glycolic acid?

What NOT to mix with Glycolic Acid. Retinol, other AHAs/BHAs, Vitamin C: Using these ingredients alongside Glycolic Acid in the same routine could irritate the skin. However, alternating them between your morning and evening skincare routine means that you can enjoy the benefits without the risk of damaging your skin.

Can glycolic acid help pitted acne scars?

Conclusions: Glycolic acid peeling is an effective modality for the treatment of atrophic acne scars, but repetitive peels (at least six times) with 70% concentration are necessary to obtain evident improvement.

Is glycolic acid better than tretinoin?

Tretinoin had significantly superior effects in the axillary lesion group than glycolic acid (p < 0.05%). Thus, tretinoin was more efficacious in the treatment of axillary lesions.

Does glycolic acid help with strawberry legs?

Meanwhile, Dr Praveen Bharadwaj adds, "Strawberry legs can only be reduced not cured as it's an ongoing process. Use of glycolic acid improves the condition by helping to unclog the hair follicles or hair pores." "Its use is not curative but one of the ways to maintain the condition.

How to fix a crater face?

Treating Boxcar Scars
  1. Microneedling. Like chemical peels and dermabrasion, microneedling damages the skin in the scar. ...
  2. Fillers. A filler is an injection that literally fills out the indented part of the scar. ...
  3. Laser therapy. ...
  4. Punch excision.

Do pitted scars fill in?

It's natural to wonder, “Do indented scars fill in over time?” Unfortunately, these scars won't disappear on their own. Atrophic scars rarely go away completely, but with the help of a dermatology provider, you may be able to successfully reduce their appearance.

Can a chemical peel help with pitted scars?

Chemical peels can reduce or improve fine lines and wrinkles, acne, scars, uneven skin coloring and other skin imperfections. Different chemicals determine the depth of your peel and type of skin condition treated.

Do dermatologists recommend glycolic acid?

Discussion. Glycolic acid is the alpha-hydroxy acid used most commonly by dermatologists for chemical peeling. It is used in concentrations from 20%–70% in all skin types. It should be used in lower concentrations initially, and then the strength of the peel should be gradually increased in subsequent sessions.

Can I use tretinoin and glycolic acid together?

Unless your skin care specialist tells you otherwise, it is especially important to avoid using the following skin products on the same area as tretinoin: benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, *lactic acid, *glycolic acids, *citric acid, high strength ascorbic acid. These acids & actives will increase skin irritation.

How long does it take for glycolic acid to fade scars?

At the end of 12 weeks, significant improvement in acne scars was noticed in 91.4% of the patients.

What acid is good for pitted acne scars?

Salicylic Acid

This helps prevent new breakouts and potential scarring while also smoothing out existing uneven texture. Salicylic acid also has anti-inflammatory properties to reduce acne-related redness and swelling. Those with oily, acne-prone skin benefit most from salicylic acid.

What causes pitted skin on the chin?

Pitted / Dimpled Chin

This happens when we have a hyperactive mentalis muscle (a muscle in the chin) that contracts too much, causing wrinkles and creases to appear in the chin resulting in a dimpled/pitted appearance.

What cancels out glycolic acid?

Glycolic acid and niacinamide.

Indeed, niacinamide used with AHA's like glycolic acid and lactic acid has no effect and can even cause redness. Since niacinamide has a pH of about 5-7, it can actually increase the lower pH of glycolic acid, which is about 3-4, and negate its properties.

What is the perfect pair for glycolic acid?

Apply vitamin C in the morning and glycolic acid at night. Glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid: Since hyaluronic acid loads up skin with moisture, it makes for an excellent pairing with glycolic acid. Look for a product that combines both for easiest application, though you can also layer serums.

What happens if you use too much glycolic acid on face?

However, as with all chemical exfoliants, using glycolic acid too frequently, at too high a concentration, or incorrectly can result in skin irritation or damage.

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