Acne scars

Acne scars: what a silicone gel can help with.

Acne can leave dark marks, raised scars and pitted scars long after breakouts clear. Once the skin has healed, a silicone gel may help some raised scars soften and flatten. It does not fade flat marks and cannot fill a pitted (atrophic) scar; that needs in-clinic treatment.

Reviewed by Raed Salah, Pharmacist and Technical DirectorLast reviewed September 2026

What acne scars are

Acne scars form when inflammation from breakouts damages the skin. Some are atrophic (depressed) where tissue was lost; others are raised. Many people also have dark marks (post-inflammatory pigmentation) that aren't true scars but fade slowly.

Raised scars may be hypertrophic or keloid (keloid-type), and some may suit silicone gel once fully healed. Depressed or atrophic scars are pits in the skin's surface; silicone gel is not expected to fill them or correct their depression.

What causes acne scars

Acne scarring depends on:

Inflammation. Deeper, inflamed breakouts are more likely to scar than surface spots.

Picking or squeezing. Disturbing breakouts increases the risk of lasting marks.

Skin and sun. Skin tone and sun exposure affect how dark marks form and how long they last.

Acne can leave different kinds of marks:

  • Depressed or pitted scars (atrophic)
  • Raised scars, more common on the back or chest
  • Dark or red marks left after a breakout
  • Uneven skin texture
  • Marks that fade slowly over months

Once breakouts have settled, supporting the skin's repair and protecting it from the sun helps marks and texture improve.

Improving acne scars

Once active breakouts have calmed, a consistent routine helps acne scars and marks improve:

Treat active acne first. A dermatologist can help choose a treatment that reduces ongoing inflammation and new scarring.

Protect from the sun. Sun darkens marks and slows fading; daily protection is one of the most important steps.

Be patient and consistent. Texture and tone improve gradually over weeks to months.

Don't pick. Disturbing the skin prolongs marks and can create new ones.

When to seek care

See a professional if

A dermatologist can help with stubborn or deep acne scarring. Consider advice if:

You have deep, pitted scars you'd like to address
Acne is still active and causing new scars
Marks aren't improving with consistent topical care
Scarring is affecting your confidence

How Scarless helps

How Scarless helps raised acne scars

Once the skin has fully healed, Scarless may be an option for some suitable raised scars. The silicone layer forms a thin barrier that reduces moisture loss from the scar's surface, and regular use may support its pliability, texture, and appearance. The gel does not fill depressed scars, treat acne, or remove flat discoloration marks.

  • Used only on fully healed skin, not on active or open blemishes.
  • The silicone barrier hydrates and protects the skin as it repairs.
  • Squalane keeps skin soft and comfortable through a long course.
  • The vitamin C derivative is not a treatment for marks or post-acne pigmentation.
Learn about the ingredientsSee how it worksSee how the gel helpsRead the published researchWhat silicone gel can and cannot do for acne scars

Where to next

A few ways forward

Acne scars improve gradually with consistent, sun-smart care. Here's where to start.

  • Where to buy

    See the pharmacies and ordering options in your country.

    Where to buy

  • How to use

    See how to apply Scarless to a raised acne scar once the skin has healed.

    Application guide

  • Ask us directly

    Not sure if Scarless suits your raised acne scar? Reach us directly.

    Open WhatsApp

  • For Healthcare Professionals

    Mechanism, evidence and safety for healthcare professionals.

    Open the HCP resource