Pock marks are small, depressed scars. They are most commonly the result of acne, though they may have other causes. There are a variety of ways to address the problem of pock marks either at home or with your dermatologist's help. Treatments for pock mark scars focus on encouraging the growth of healthy skin to replace the scar.
Step 1
Address the underlying cause of the pock marks. If you have pock marks from acne, work to get your acne cleared up. The more severe your acne, the sooner you should seek professional help to minimize scarring.
Step 2
Exfoliate your skin regularly. A home microdermabrasion kit is a good choice, as are products containing alpha or beta hydroxy acids. Exfoliation encourages the skin to produce new, healthier skin cells and minimizes the appearance of imperfections of the skin.
Step 3
Apply a pock mark filling treatment or use an anti-aging moisturizer for your skin type. Pock mark filling treatments and anti-aging moisturizers contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, which stimulates the body's production of collagen. Choose a moisturizer for your skin type. Read and carefully follow product instructions for application and use.
Step 4
Consider using an antioxidant mask, such as one that contains vitamin C, to support your skin's elasticity and collagen. Choose a mask for your skin type. Read and carefully follow product instructions for application and use.
Step 5
Use a noncomedogenic sunscreen every day. Choose an SPF of at least 15 to minimize photoaging, damage to the skin's collagen caused by intense and chronic exposure to sunlight.
Step 6
See a dermatologist if home treatments do not adequately reduce the appearance of your pock marks. A dermatologist can help you choose from treatment options including laser skin resurfacing, professional dermabrasion or skin peels, surgical procedures or injections of filler substances directly into scars.
Tips and Warnings
- Do not pick at or squeeze acne pimples; this increases the risk of scarring.
- If you are using prescription products to treat acne, talk with your dermatologist before using any additional treatments. Avoid home microdermabrasion kits if you have medical skin conditions such as psoriasis, rosacea or lupus.
Things You'll Need
- Home microdermabrasion kit
- Pock mark filling treatment
- Anti-aging moisturizer for your skin type, optional
- Antioxidant mask for your skin type, optional
- Noncomedogenic sunscreen
