6 Best Facial for Acne Scars Options in Canada for 2025

Acne is a common battle, but the scars it leaves behind can feel like a lifelong reminder. For many Canadians, finding an effective solution is a top priority. In fact, studies show that a significant number of people in Canada who experience acne will also face residual scarring. The good news is that modern aesthetic technology offers powerful ways to diminish these marks and restore your skin's confidence. This guide is designed to navigate the top treatments available, helping you identify the best facial for acne scars based on your unique skin needs and goals.

We'll explore everything from advanced laser technology and microneedling to professional-grade chemical peels. Each section will detail how the treatment works, who it's best for, and what to expect, providing clear, actionable insights for your journey toward smoother skin. For individuals looking to address the discoloration that often accompanies acne scarring at home, incorporating a targeted dark spot serum into your routine can also support a more even-toned complexion. This comprehensive roundup will equip you with the knowledge to make an informed decision, with a special focus on advanced options available right here in London, Ontario.

1. Microneedling (Collagen Induction Therapy): Rebuilding Your Skin from Within

Microneedling stands as a cornerstone treatment for textural skin concerns and is a powerful contender for the best facial for acne scars. This minimally invasive procedure, also known as Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT), utilizes a device equipped with fine, sterile needles to create thousands of controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This process triggers the body's natural wound-healing response, significantly boosting the production of new collagen and elastin, the essential proteins that provide skin with its structure and elasticity.

How It Targets Acne Scars

This treatment is particularly effective for atrophic (depressed) acne scars, such as rolling and boxcar scars. By stimulating collagen synthesis deep within the dermis, microneedling helps to rebuild the skin’s foundational support structure. As new collagen fibres form, they gradually lift and fill in the indentations, resulting in a smoother, more even skin surface over time. This internal rebuilding process is what makes microneedling a truly transformative solution for scar revision.

Practical Applications and Enhancements

At Skinsation Aesthetics in London, Ontario, we utilize medical-grade devices to ensure precision, safety, and optimal results. To amplify the benefits, we often recommend pairing treatments.

• Advanced Serum Infusion: Performing microneedling allows for enhanced product absorption, making it an ideal time to introduce potent serums that can penetrate deeper into the skin.

• Combination Therapy: For a comprehensive approach to skin rejuvenation, combining microneedling with other treatments can yield remarkable results. For instance, a combined protocol with BioRePeel can address both texture and pigmentation simultaneously. You can discover the benefits of combining BioRePeel with Microneedling to see how this powerful duo works.

• Body Treatments: Acne scarring isn't limited to the face. Microneedling can be safely and effectively performed on other areas prone to scarring, such as the back and chest.

To give you a better idea of what to expect, here is a quick reference on key treatment parameters.

This data highlights that microneedling is a manageable commitment, with minimal downtime and a structured treatment plan designed for progressive, lasting improvement.

Maximizing Your Results

To get the most out of your microneedling sessions, proper preparation and aftercare are crucial.

• Pre-Treatment: Arrive for your appointment with a clean, makeup-free face. It is vital to avoid using active ingredients like retinoids, AHAs, or BHAs for 5-7 days prior to your session to prevent irritation.

• Post-Treatment: Your skin will be sensitive, similar to a mild sunburn. Use a gentle, non-foaming cleanser and a hydrating serum containing hyaluronic acid. Diligent application of a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is non-negotiable to protect your healing skin.

• Treatment Schedule: For optimal scar revision, a series of 4-6 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart is typically recommended. This schedule allows your skin adequate time to complete its regeneration cycle between treatments.

2. Chemical Peels: Resurfacing Your Way to Smoother Skin

Chemical peels are a time-tested and highly effective method for skin resurfacing, making them a top choice for the best facial for acne scars. This treatment involves the application of a specialized chemical solution to the skin, which meticulously exfoliates the damaged outer layers. The controlled removal of old skin cells prompts the body’s healing process, stimulating cellular turnover and collagen production to reveal a smoother, brighter, and more refined complexion underneath.

How It Targets Acne Scars

Chemical peels are exceptionally versatile, addressing various types of atrophic acne scars, from shallow rolling scars to certain boxcar types, as well as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (the dark spots left after a blemish heals). By penetrating the skin to a specific depth, the peel solution promotes the regeneration of healthier skin tissue. Medium-depth peels are particularly adept at remodelling collagen fibres, which helps to plump up and reduce the depth of depressed scars for a more even texture.

Practical Applications and Enhancements

At Skinsation Aesthetics, we customize our chemical peel treatments to target your unique skin concerns, ensuring safe and effective scar revision. We offer a range of professional-grade peels designed to deliver significant improvements.

• Progressive Treatment: We often recommend starting with a series of lighter peels to condition the skin before progressing to more intensive treatments. This approach minimizes downtime while gradually improving skin texture and tone.

• Combination Therapy: Peels work synergistically with other treatments. For instance, alternating chemical peels with microneedling or Aerolase® laser treatments can provide a powerful, multi-faceted approach to tackling stubborn scarring, addressing both texture and discolouration.

• Targeted Techniques: For specific scar types, specialized techniques can be used by trained professionals to precisely target and rebuild collagen within the scar itself. You can learn more about the wonders of chemical peel facials to understand how we tailor these treatments.

Maximizing Your Results

Proper care before and after your chemical peel is fundamental to achieving the best possible outcome and ensuring a smooth recovery.

• Pre-Treatment: To prepare your skin and enhance the peel’s efficacy, you may be advised to use a specific skincare regimen for a few weeks prior. Avoid waxing, depilatory creams, and exfoliating agents for at least one week before your appointment.

• Post-Treatment: Your skin will be sensitive and will undergo a peeling process. It is critical to avoid picking, rubbing, or peeling the flaking skin. Use a gentle cleanser, a rich moisturizer, and most importantly, apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every single day, as your new skin will be highly susceptible to sun damage.

• Treatment Schedule: For significant scar improvement, a series of 3-5 peels spaced 4-6 weeks apart is generally recommended. Scheduling these treatments during the autumn and winter months in London, Ontario, can help minimize sun exposure during the crucial healing phase.

3. Aerolase® Laser Treatments: Precisely Rebuilding Skin Texture

Aerolase® represents a significant technological advancement in aesthetic dermatology and is a top-tier choice when considering the best facial for acne scars. This sophisticated laser technology uses a unique 650-microsecond pulse duration to deliver targeted energy deep within the skin without causing thermal damage to the surface. This approach allows for a powerful collagen and elastin remodeling process, effectively rebuilding scarred tissue from the inside out with minimal discomfort and no downtime.

How It Targets Acne Scars

This treatment excels at improving the appearance of atrophic acne scars, including stubborn boxcar and rolling scars, as well as addressing post-inflammatory erythema (redness) and hyperpigmentation. By delivering controlled energy into the dermis, the Aerolase® laser breaks down old, disorganized scar tissue and stimulates the production of new, healthy collagen fibres. This dual-action process not only fills in depressions but also improves overall skin tone and texture, leading to a smoother, more refined complexion. It is safe for all skin tones, a crucial factor for Canada’s diverse population.

Practical Applications and Enhancements

The precision of the Aerolase® laser allows for highly customized treatments. At Skinsation Aesthetics in London, Ontario, we harness its power to address a variety of concerns.

• Era Elite for Resurfacing: For more significant textural issues, the Era Elite handpiece can be used for controlled, high-precision skin resurfacing, offering dramatic results for severe scarring.

• Neo Elite for Collagenesis: The Neo Elite handpiece effectively targets deep dermal layers to stimulate comprehensive collagen remodeling without affecting the outer skin, making it a comfortable, zero-downtime procedure.

• Combination Therapy: Aerolase® works exceptionally well when combined with other modalities offered at our clinic, such as microneedling or chemical peels, to create a comprehensive plan that targets scars from multiple angles.

Maximizing Your Results

Achieving the best outcome with Aerolase® depends on a consistent treatment plan and proper aftercare.

• Pre-Treatment: One of the key benefits is the minimal preparation required. Simply arrive with clean skin, avoiding potent active ingredients on the day of your treatment.

• Post-Treatment: There is no downtime. You can resume your daily activities immediately. It is crucial to maintain a good skincare routine and use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ to protect the skin and support the collagen-building process.

• Treatment Schedule: For profound and lasting acne scar revision, most individuals require a series of 4-6 treatments, typically spaced 4 weeks apart. This schedule provides your skin the necessary time to heal and regenerate between sessions.

4. Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling: Amplifying Collagen Remodelling

Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling elevates the concept of traditional microneedling by introducing thermal energy to the treatment, making it a highly effective option for the best facial for acne scars. This advanced procedure combines the physical collagen induction of microneedling with the skin-tightening and remodelling power of radiofrequency. The device uses insulated needles to deliver controlled thermal energy directly into the dermis, heating the tissue and triggering a more robust healing response than microneedling alone.

How It Targets Acne Scars

This dual-action approach is exceptionally effective for deeper, more stubborn atrophic scars, including severe boxcar and rolling scars. The mechanical action of the needles breaks up old scar tissue, while the radiofrequency energy creates a thermal effect that significantly amplifies collagen and elastin production. This process not only fills in depressions but also tightens the surrounding skin, leading to a more dramatic improvement in both skin texture and firmness. The targeted heat contracts existing collagen fibres and stimulates comprehensive tissue reorganisation.

Practical Applications and Enhancements

RF Microneedling devices are versatile and can be precisely calibrated to treat different scar depths and skin types. Skinsation Aesthetics offers this powerful treatment, customizing it to meet the specific needs of our clients in London, Ontario.

• Deeper Scar Treatment: The adjustable needle depth and energy levels allow practitioners to target deep dermal layers where stubborn scar tissue resides, making it a superior choice for more significant textural issues.

• Combination Therapy: For multifaceted concerns like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) alongside scarring, RF microneedling can be alternated with treatments like chemical peels or Aerolase® laser therapy for a comprehensive rejuvenation plan.

• Body Treatments: Similar to standard microneedling, this technology is highly effective for treating acne scars on the body, such as the back and chest, providing significant textural improvement.

Maximizing Your Results

Proper aftercare is essential to support the skin’s intensive healing process and achieve the best possible outcome from your RF Microneedling treatments.

• Pre-Treatment: Avoid using potent active ingredients like retinoids, AHAs, and BHAs for at least one week before your appointment to minimize skin sensitivity. Ensure you are well-hydrated.

• Post-Treatment: Your skin will feel warm and appear red, similar to a sunburn. Use cooling masks and gentle, hydrating, fragrance-free skincare products. Meticulous application of a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is absolutely critical to protect the vulnerable skin from UV damage.

• Treatment Schedule: A series of 3-4 treatments, spaced 4-6 weeks apart, is generally recommended to achieve significant and lasting improvement in acne scar appearance. This schedule allows for complete collagen remodelling between each session.

5. Subcision: Releasing Tethered Scars for a Smoother Surface

Subcision is a highly specialized, minor surgical procedure that offers a targeted solution for specific types of scarring, making it a strong candidate for the best facial for acne scars. This technique involves using a special hypodermic needle or cannula inserted through a tiny incision to manually break up the fibrous bands of scar tissue that pull the skin downwards. By releasing these tethers, the surface of the skin is allowed to rise, instantly improving the appearance of the depression.

How It Targets Acne Scars

This treatment is exceptionally effective for atrophic scars with fibrous anchors, particularly rolling and certain boxcar scars. These scars are tethered to the deeper tissues, creating noticeable indentations. Subcision directly severs these fibrous cords, which not only physically releases the depressed skin but also triggers a wound-healing response. This process stimulates new collagen production in the void created, helping to fill the space and provide long-term structural support for a smoother skin profile.

Practical Applications and Enhancements

While Skinsation Aesthetics focuses on non-invasive and minimally-invasive treatments like microneedling and Aerolase® laser facials, subcision is a valuable technique often performed in a dermatological setting. Understanding its application can help you make an informed decision on your treatment journey.

• Nokor Needle vs. Cannula: The classic technique uses a sharp Nokor needle, while modern approaches often favour a blunt-tipped cannula to reduce the risk of bruising and damage to surrounding tissues.

• Combination Therapy: Subcision is rarely a standalone treatment. It creates the ideal foundation for other modalities. Following up with microneedling or Aerolase® can further enhance collagen production, while injecting dermal fillers into the released space can provide immediate volume and lift.

• Targeted Approach: This procedure is not for all-over facial treatment but is meticulously applied only to specific, individual scars that are significantly tethered, making it a precise corrective tool.

Maximizing Your Results

If you and your dermatologist decide that subcision is the right path, following a strict care protocol is essential for achieving the best outcome.

• Pre-Treatment: It is crucial to avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and fish oil, for at least one week prior to the procedure to minimize the risk of bruising.

• Post-Treatment: Expect some swelling and bruising, which is a normal part of the process. Applying ice packs immediately after the procedure can help manage this. Your practitioner may also recommend gentle massage of the treated areas after a few days to prevent the tethers from reforming.

• Treatment Schedule: Often, only one or two sessions are needed for significant improvement, but this depends on the severity and age of the scars. Combining it with other treatments requires a carefully planned schedule. For a complete overview of various options, you can explore our 2025 guide to the 8 best acne scar treatment options to see how subcision fits into a broader plan.

6. Dermal Fillers: Instantly Restoring Volume and Smoothness

Dermal fillers offer a unique and immediate solution for specific types of scarring, earning their spot in the conversation about the best facial for acne scars. This approach involves the precise injection of biocompatible substances, most commonly hyaluronic acid, directly beneath depressed scars. Unlike treatments that rebuild the skin over time, fillers provide instant volume, physically lifting the indented tissue to create a smoother, more uniform skin surface.

How It Targets Acne Scars

This treatment is exceptionally effective for atrophic scars with soft, well-defined edges, such as rolling scars and some shallower boxcar scars. By adding volume from underneath, fillers essentially "prop up" the depressed area, making it level with the surrounding skin. This method provides immediate visual improvement by correcting the shadow-casting indentations that make scars noticeable. While hyaluronic acid fillers are temporary, some fillers can also stimulate the body’s own collagen production for longer-lasting results.

Practical Applications and Enhancements

Choosing the right filler and an experienced injector is paramount for achieving natural-looking results. The type of filler used will depend on the scar's depth and location. While Skinsation Aesthetics does not offer dermal fillers, understanding their role is important for a comprehensive view of scar treatment.

• Targeted Filler Selection: Products like Juvederm Volbella or Restylane Silk are excellent for fine, superficial scars, while thicker fillers may be used for deeper depressions.

• Combination Approach: Fillers are often used alongside other resurfacing treatments. For example, after a series of microneedling or laser sessions to improve overall skin texture, fillers can be used to spot-treat any remaining stubborn indentations for a flawless finish.

• Subcision Synergy: For tethered scars that are anchored down by fibrous bands, a procedure called subcision may be performed first. This releases the scar, allowing the filler to lift it more effectively.

An experienced practitioner can create a tailored plan that leverages fillers as a finishing touch in a comprehensive scar revision strategy.

Maximizing Your Results

To ensure the best outcome and longevity of your filler treatment, proper care and realistic expectations are key.

• Pre-Treatment: Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and fish oil, for about a week before your appointment to minimize the risk of bruising.

• Post-Treatment: It is normal to experience mild swelling or redness at the injection site. Avoid strenuous exercise, excessive sun exposure, and touching the treated area for at least 24-48 hours. Your practitioner may advise a gentle massage technique for certain fillers.

• Treatment Schedule: Hyaluronic acid fillers typically last from 6 to 18 months. Maintenance sessions will be required to preserve the results. Discuss a long-term plan with your injector to keep your skin looking smooth and even.

Top 6 Acne Scar Facial Treatments Compared

Your Personalized Path to Smoother Skin Starts in London, Ontario

Navigating the world of advanced skincare to find the best facial for acne scars can feel overwhelming, but the journey to smoother, revitalised skin is more accessible than ever. As we've explored, the key isn't a single "magic bullet" but a strategic, personalised approach. Understanding your unique scar type, whether it's atrophic, hypertrophic, or a combination, is the foundational first step toward effective treatment.

We've covered a range of powerful modalities, from the collagen-inducing precision of microneedling to the transformative resurfacing of chemical peels and the targeted energy of Aerolase® laser therapies. Each treatment offers a distinct mechanism for rebuilding the skin's architecture. Microneedling creates micro-injuries to trigger natural repair, while chemical peels accelerate cellular turnover to reveal healthier skin beneath. Advanced treatments like Aerolase® and radiofrequency microneedling take this a step further, delivering controlled thermal energy deep into the dermis for more significant collagen remodelling.

Key Takeaways for Your Skincare Journey

The most critical takeaway is that customisation is paramount. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for acne scarring. An effective treatment plan often involves a multi-faceted strategy, potentially combining different facials over time to address various concerns. For instance, a series of Aerolase® sessions might be complemented by a chemical peel to enhance texture and tone, creating a synergistic effect.

Furthermore, patience and consistency are your greatest allies. The processes that repair scar tissue, like neocollagenesis, happen over weeks and months, not overnight. Committing to a full treatment series and following a diligent at-home aftercare regimen is non-negotiable for achieving and maintaining optimal results. This partnership between professional treatments and personal skincare is where true transformation occurs.

Building Your Treatment Plan in London, Ontario

For residents of London, Ontario, and the surrounding Southwestern Ontario region, this journey begins with a professional consultation. An expert skin therapist can accurately assess your scarring, discuss your aesthetic goals, and demystify the options available. At Skinsation Aesthetics, we specialise in creating these tailored plans, focusing on safe, effective, and evidence-based treatments like Aerolase® and medical-grade facials.

We've seen firsthand how a well-designed strategy can rebuild not just the skin's surface, but a person's confidence as well. By moving past the reminders of previous breakouts, you can embrace the smooth, radiant complexion you deserve. Your path to skin rejuvenation is unique, and taking that first step toward a professional assessment is the most empowering action you can take.

Ready to write a new story for your skin? The expert team at Skinsation Aesthetics Inc. in London, Ontario, is here to guide you through every step of your acne scar treatment journey. Book your personalized consultation today and let's design the ideal plan to reveal your smoothest, most confident complexion.