Can You Treat Scars If You Still Have Active Acne? Sequencing That Works

At a Glance

Acne scars form from inflammation; active breakouts can keep creating new scars.
Most people get better results by stabilising acne first, then treating scars.
“Clear acne” doesn’t always mean 100% acne-free — it means controlled and predictable.
A structured sequencing approach reduces wasted sessions and lowers flare risk.

TL;DR: You can start planning scar care even if you still break out, but timing matters. Treating scars while acne is actively inflamed often leads to slower improvement, more marks, or new scars forming. In most cases, the best sequence is to control acne first, then treat scars in a staged way.

Why Sequencing Matters for Acne and Scars

Acne scars form when inflammation damages deeper skin structures. If inflammation is ongoing, the skin is still in “injury mode.”

Treating scars at this stage is like repairing a wall while it’s still being hit — progress is limited and new damage can continue.

This is especially relevant in humid climates where acne may flare more easily and inflammation can linger.

The key principle is simple: active acne can create new scars faster than scar treatments can improve old ones.

Should You Clear Acne Before Treating Scars?

In most cases, yes — acne control comes first. However, “clear acne” doesn’t always mean being 100% acne-free. What matters is whether acne is stable and controlled rather than actively inflamed.

Controlled acne usually looks like:

Fewer new inflamed pimples
No frequent cystic or nodular breakouts
Existing pimples heal without spreading inflammation
Breakouts are predictable and manageable

What Happens If You Treat Scars Too Early

Starting scar-focused procedures while acne is still active can lead to setbacks. Common issues include:

New scars forming while older scars are being treated
Higher risk of post-acne marks and uneven tone
Wasted sessions with limited improvement
Flares triggered by overly aggressive procedures
A longer overall timeline to reach your end goal

This is why most structured plans start with stabilising acne first, then moving into scar correction.

If you’re planning next steps, see our acne scar treatment plan and learn more about scar types in our acne scars hub.

Acne vs Scar Priority: How Doctors Decide

Skin Situation	Priority	Why
Frequent inflamed pimples	Acne control first	Ongoing inflammation creates new scars
Cystic or nodular acne	Acne control first	Higher scarring risk and longer healing time
Occasional mild pimples	Case-by-case	Scar planning may begin cautiously if acne is stable
No active inflammation	Scar treatment	Skin is stable and more repair-ready
Mainly pigmentation marks	Often parallel	Marks aren’t the same as textural scarring

Sequencing That Works (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Control Active Acne

This phase focuses on reducing inflammation, breakouts, and triggers. The goal is control, not perfection. A structured approach can help you stabilise skin and reduce the chances of new scars forming.

Learn more here: doctor-led acne management.

Step 2: Prevent New Scar Formation

Once acne is calmer, prevention becomes the priority. This includes avoiding picking, reducing friction and irritation, and keeping inflammation low so pimples heal with less disruption to deeper skin layers.

Step 3: Assess Scar Type and Timing

Scar type is easier to assess accurately after acne stabilises. Active acne can mask true scar depth and pattern. Common scar categories include ice-pick, boxcar, rolling and mixed patterns. Each behaves differently and requires tailored planning.

Explore scar types and definitions in our acne scars hub.

Step 4: Begin Scar-Focused Treatments

With stable skin, a personalised plan can be introduced progressively. This staged approach typically produces more consistent outcomes and fewer setbacks compared to “scar treatments first.” For planning guidance, see our acne scar treatment plan.

Can Any Scar Treatments Be Done While Acne Is Active?

In limited cases, supportive or preparatory steps may be considered, but aggressive scar correction is usually deferred until acne is controlled. This reduces flare risk and helps scar treatments work more effectively.

Treatment Category	With Active Acne?	Reason
Aggressive resurfacing	❌ Usually avoided	Higher flare risk and healing disruption
Deep collagen stimulation	❌ Usually avoided	Inflammation can interfere with repair
Gentle skin preparation	⚠ Sometimes	Only if acne is mild and controlled
Acne-control procedures	✔ Often appropriate	Reduces future scarring by lowering inflammation

Flowchart: Acne → Scar Treatment Timing

Use this simple sequencing check:

Question	If Yes	If No
Are you getting frequent inflamed pimples?	Control acne first	Go to the next question
Is acne mild and predictable?	Begin scar assessment cautiously	Continue acne stabilisation
Are concerns mainly textural scars (not just dark marks)?	Plan scar-focused steps	Focus on mark management while maintaining acne control

Common Myths About Acne and Scar Treatment

Myth: “I should treat scars ASAP before they harden.”
Reality: Active inflammation matters more than scar age when it comes to sequencing.

Myth: “Scar treatments will also clear acne.”
Reality: Acne and scars have different drivers; plans should be tailored accordingly.

Myth: “Waiting means I lose my chance to fix scars.”
Reality: Proper timing often improves results and reduces setbacks.

FAQs: Sequencing Acne Then Scars

Should I clear acne completely before treating scars?

You don’t need perfect skin, but acne should be stable and not actively inflamed. This makes scar assessment more accurate and improves treatment response.