The short answer: for acne scars and large pores with little downtime, most people do best with a series of SkinPen® microneedling, often paired with PRX in our SKYN MicroGlow™. Plan on a day or two of pinkness. For deeper scars, UltraClear® cold fiber laser resurfacing does more in fewer visits, with about 3 to 7 days of downtime. At SKYN in Star, Idaho, we match the treatment to your scars, your skin tone and your calendar.
Why acne scars and large pores need more than a facial
Acne scars are changes in the collagen beneath the surface, so they need a treatment that tells your skin to rebuild. Pores look larger when skin loses firmness and when oil and debris stretch the opening. A good facial and the right home products keep pores clean and clear, but softening scars takes collagen building treatments over time.
The good news is that you do not have to choose between results and your schedule. Here are your options, from least to most downtime.
PRX brightens, smooths and refines texture with no peeling or downtime.
Your options, from least to most downtime
PRX: no downtime
PRX® is a no peel skin booster that brightens, smooths and firms right away, with no frosting, peeling or downtime. It is wonderful for texture, large looking pores and an instant glow. On its own it is gentle for true acne scars, which is why we love pairing it with microneedling.
SkinPen® microneedling: a day or two of pink
Microneedling creates tiny, controlled channels that prompt your skin to make new collagen. It is one of our favorite treatments for softening acne scars and refining pores over a series. Expect a pink flush, like a mild sunburn, for a day or two, and skip makeup for 24 hours. Most clients do three sessions, four to six weeks apart, then maintain once or twice a year. Microneedling uses no heat, so it suits every skin tone.
SKYN MicroGlow™: microneedling and PRX in one visit
SKYN MicroGlow™ pairs microneedling for lasting collagen with PRX for an instant glow, in one appointment, with the same day or two of pinkness. It is our go to when someone wants both scar softening and smaller looking pores.
PRP microneedling
Adding platelet rich plasma from your own blood to microneedling supports healing and can give scarring an extra boost. Downtime is about the same as microneedling.
SkinPen® microneedling softens acne scars and refines pores over a short series.
UltraClear® laser resurfacing: 3 to 7 days for deeper scars
When scars are deeper, or you want more change in fewer visits, UltraClear® Signature blends Clear+ for sun spots and uneven color with Ultra for lines, texture and scarring. Plan on 3 to 7 days of downtime, depending on depth. For a lighter polish that refines pores and brings back your glow, 3DMIRACL® has about 2 days of downtime. UltraClear® is a cold fiber laser, so very little of its energy becomes heat, and it is designed for all skin types, from very fair to deep.
UltraClear® does more for deeper acne scars in fewer visits.
Which one is right for you?
If your main concern is large pores and dull texture, start with PRX or SKYN MicroGlow™.
If you have shallow acne scars and can only take a day or two off, choose a microneedling series.
If your scars are deeper or you want fewer appointments, ask about UltraClear® Signature.
Not sure? A free SKYN Plan Consultation with a VISIA® skin analysis shows exactly what is happening beneath the surface, and we build your plan together.
Questions we hear
What is the best treatment for acne scars with no downtime?
PRX has no downtime and improves texture and pores. For true acne scars, microneedling, with just a day or two of pinkness, gives the best balance of results and recovery.
Can you shrink large pores?
Pores cannot be removed, but they can look much smaller. Treatments that build collagen and keep pores clear, like microneedling, PRX and laser resurfacing, firm the skin around them so they look tighter.
How many treatments will I need for acne scars?
Most clients do three microneedling sessions, four to six weeks apart. UltraClear® often does more in a single visit. We confirm your plan at your consultation.
Are these treatments safe for darker skin tones?
Yes. Microneedling and PRX use no heat, and UltraClear® is a cold laser designed for all skin types. For deeper skin tones we may start lighter and add pigment prep first.
Where can I get acne scar treatment near Boise?
SKYN Aesthetics & Wellness is at 12545 W State St. #105 in Star, Idaho, an easy drive from Eagle, Meridian, Boise and Nampa. Book your free SKYN Plan Consultation and we will look at your skin together.
