Does salicylic acid help indented scars?

Author: Dortha Gaylord PhD  |  Last update: Saturday, January 10, 2026

There is some research to suggest that salicylic acid can be effective in fading acne scars. However, it is important to note that salicylic acid cannot completely remove acne scars. Deep scars, such as ice pick scars, may require more aggressive treatments, such as laser therapy or microdermabrasion.

What is the best treatment for indented scars?

Soft tissue fillers.

Injecting collagen, fat or other substances under the skin can plump the skin over indented scars. The goal is to make the scars less noticeable. Results are temporary, so repeat treatments are needed to retain the effect. This method has little risk of changes in skin color.

How do you fix indented surgical scars?

Scar-Revision Treatments
  1. Subcision. Subcision is a procedure for treating scars that are indented. ...
  2. Excision. ...
  3. Punch Elevation. ...
  4. Surface Treatments. ...
  5. Laser Treatments. ...
  6. Fillers.

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.

Do indented scars fill in over time?

While some scars may undergo some level of fading, atrophic scars are particularly stubborn and don't resolve over time.

How to FADE PITTED SCARS | Dr Dray

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.

How to raise an indented scar?

The filler of choice for filling indented scars is generally a biostimulator to lay down a new layer of fresh collagenous tissue that will continue stimulating your body to create new collagen. Radiesse® and Sculptra® are examples of fillers used to treat acne and other depressed scars.

Does retinol help with indented scars?

Retinol is also found in many acne scar treatment products because it promotes new skin cell growth and helps even out skin texture and skin tone — all of which can help reduce the appearance of newer, red acne scars and older scars.

Why does my scar look like a dent?

Depressed (atrophic): These sunken scars often result from chickenpox or acne. They look like rounded pits or small indentations in the skin. Also called ice pick scars, they develop most often on the face. Acne scars may become more noticeable as you age because the skin loses collagen and elasticity over time.

Does vitamin C help indented scars?

And vitamin C is a key player when it comes to creating collagen. Even though collagen and wounds are usually discussed in the context of repairing fresh injuries, since collagen helps make healthy tissue, it can impact older scars as well and improve their appearance.

Should you massage an indented scar?

For best results, you should perform scar massage for at least 10 minutes, twice a day, for six months. You should only stop sooner than that if the scar starts showing signs of infection or you experience intolerable discomfort.

Does hyaluronic acid help indented scars?

Atrophic depressed facial scars can be effectively treated with hyaluronic acid fillers with esthetically satisfactory clinical outcome with a low risk or complications.

How do you get rid of indented scars on your face naturally?

Natural remedies
  1. black seed oil, which may help even out skin pigmentation.
  2. rosehip oil, which helps reduce discoloration in postsurgical scars.
  3. honey, which may help wound healing and reduce future scarring.
  4. aloe vera, which, combined with manuka honey, may promote scar-free healing of wounds.

Does retinol help with chicken pox scars?

Chicken pox scars are typically circular indentations of the skin that may also be discoloured. They look very similar to acne scars. Look for specific ingredients like Retinol and Glycolic acid, which are common in creams and ointments for acne scars. These products can help reduce the appearance of scars.

What cream fades chicken pox marks?

  • Mederma Advanced Plus Scar Gel, Purple, 10 g. ...
  • Sanfe Anti Scar Gel - Niacinamide & Allantoin | Acne/Stretch/Burn scars/Dark circles removal cream | For old & new scars-20 g. ...
  • INTIMIFY Dark Spot Removal Cream, Scar Removal Cream For Face, Acne Scars Removal Cream, Acne Marks Removal Cream, Pimple Removal Cream (20 gm)

Are indented scars permanent?

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.

Does silicone gel help indented scars?

Atrophic Scars: These are indented scars that form when underlying structures supporting the skin, such as fat or muscle, are lost. They are common in conditions like acne or chickenpox. While silicone strips may not be able to fill the indentation, they can help to improve the texture and colour of atrophic scars.

Does mederma work on atrophic scars?

Mederma PM Cream can be used on atrophic scars such as acne and chicken pox scars. Mederma® PM Cream may help to smooth and soften the edges of the pox mark but it will not cause the indented area to fill in. By smoothing the edges, the mark may become less noticeable.

How to remove deep chicken pox scars naturally?

There are many different ways to help reduce the appearance of chickenpox scars. These include aloe vera, vitamin E, and laser treatment. Chickenpox is a highly contagious virus. Most people will experience it once during their lifetime, usually as a child.

Can I fix dent on my face?

Fillers. Collagen or fat-based ingredients are injected into the affected skin area. They plump up the skin and improve its overall appearance. Thus, fillers serve as a good way to get rid of acne dents on the face.

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