Posted: September 2, 2025
Discover how to fade acne scars and dark spots with expert-recommended treatments like BBL Hero, microneedling, chemical peels, and medical-grade skincare from Atalo Aesthetics.
Acne scarring can sometimes be just as frustrating as the acne breakouts themselves. If you have experienced acne and now have scarring, you may be feeling like there are dark patches or spots on your face where breakouts used to appear. The darkness you are seeing is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Fortunately, there are great at-home and in-office treatments to help fade acne scars and lighten the dark spots!
Here at Atalo, we offer a range of treatments to help, including microneedling, chemical peels, lasers, and medical-grade skincare products. Our goal is to create a personalized, easy-to-follow treatment regimen for you. Follow along in the blog below to learn more about acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, and treatments.
By: Mallory Keebler, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
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Before we dive into the treatments, it is important to understand the differences between acne scarring and hyperpigmentation. Acne scars are changes in the skin’s texture caused by inflammation. They can appear in a variety of shapes and forms, such as ice pick, boxcar, and rolling. Scarring may appear because of how intense the breakout was and if there was any manual picking involved. These scars all differ in their size and appearance.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is a darkening of the skin that appears after a breakout heals. These flat, pigmented spots may show as red, brown, or purple areas. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is more common in darker skin types, but it can appear on anyone. Unfortunately, sun exposure can also make these darker. While the colored areas may diminish in appearance on their own, it can take a long time for them to fade without treatment.
It is important to understand the underlying pathophysiology behind the scars, and that is where we can help! During a consultation, your provider will discuss the nature of the scarring or pigmentation you are experiencing and then personalize a care plan for you.
See more about the Moxi before and after transformation seen here over on our Instagram page!
One of the best investments you can make for your skin is purchasing medical-grade skincare products. These products are clinically proven to be efficacious and will make the biggest difference in your skin when used consistently and appropriately.
Here at Atalo, we have several different lines of medical-grade products, so we can find the one that works best for you. One of our most popular products comes from SkinBetter Science and is called AlphaRet. SkinBetter Science is a science-based, medical-grade skincare line that is paraben-free, dye-free, and cruelty-free. AlphaRet is a nightly cream that combines a retinoid and a lactic acid. In doing so, this product helps speed up cell turnover, fade discoloration, and smooth out the skin’s texture.
In addition to retinol usage, it is also highly advantageous to use SPF and antioxidants such as vitamin C in your skincare routine. These products will help shield against free radicals and harmful UV rays, which can increase the darkness of existing pigmentation. Consistency is key in using these products, and at-home products often should be paired with in-office treatments to have the most dramatic effect.
One of our favorite treatments here at Atalo is microneedling. This minimally invasive treatment stimulates collagen production and promotes skin renewal. Here at Atalo, we use the SkinPen, which has small needles on the tip of it. The needles penetrate the skin and spark an inflammatory reaction. As a result, the body’s healing cascade creates more collagen and elastin. This process helps make the skin brighter, tighter, and firmer.
It is highly beneficial when done in a series of treatments to reduce acne scars, lighten pigmentation, and improve the skin’s overall tone and texture. An additional option is to add platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to the treatment. PRP is rich in growth factors, stem cells, and platelets. By applying topically on the skin during the treatment, the results can be boosted, and healing can be sped up.
Another great treatment option offered at Atalo is a chemical peel. Chemical peels are also recommended in a series of treatments. These peels help exfoliate dead skin cells and improve discoloration. These are safe for a wide range of skin types and have minimal downtime as well. The chemical peels can slowly chip away at acne scarring and pigment with each treatment, helping bring up new cells to the surface. When these new cells appear, the skin becomes smoother in texture and clearer in tone/color.
BBL (BroadBand Light) Hero is the latest, most advanced version of intense pulsed light therapy. This treatment is ideal for red and brown post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and overall uneven skin tone. This is a fast treatment with minimal downtime that helps stimulate collagen in addition to targeting melanin and reducing pigment over time.
Moxi (seen here) is a gentle yet powerful fractionated laser. It is safe for all skin types and is excellent for early signs of pigmentation, helping overall skin tone and texture. This treatment can be completed safely year-round and is also often combined with BBL Hero for optimal results. This laser treatment spares the top layer of skin and targets deeper pigmentation underneath the skin. The downtime is minimal, with most patients recovering in just a few days.
In order to achieve the best results possible, combination therapy is often recommended. In order to target all different aspects of the acne scarring and pigmentation, we can use different tools to get the best response of the skin. Our licensed providers at Atalo will create a customizable treatment plan for you based on your skin tone, scar type, and lifestyle. We have the experience and expertise here to develop tailored protocols that will give you lasting improvement in your skin and reach your overall goals!
Although acne scarring and pigmentation can be extremely frustrating, it is important to remain patient and consistent with treatments. It typically takes a couple of months, sometimes longer, to see major changes in the skin. Some improvement may be visible within the first few weeks post-treatment, but there are several factors that can affect the timeline of the results. For example, post-inflammatory pigmentation typically fades quickly than atrophic scarring, which has impeded the skin’s texture. With our professional guidance, we will be by your side every step of the way and help you reach your goals as quickly but safely as possible.
Thinking of how to get started on your road to clearer, smoother skin? Schedule a consultation with one of our licensed providers today. By completing a consultation, your Nurse practitioner will be able to assess your skin and personalize which treatment regimen would be best for you.
During that time, you will be able to discuss the multitude of cutting-edge technologies Atalo has to offer, including treatments and skincare products. Your provider will focus on how we can get the best skin health and overall long-term results. In doing so, you will be on your way to those beautiful, natural results you’ve been wanting!
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