Understanding Indented Scars
When you look in the mirror and see uneven skin with pits or depressions, you’re likely dealing with indented scars. These scars—often left behind by acne, chickenpox, or injury—occur when the skin doesn’t heal properly, losing its natural collagen during the recovery process. Unlike surface scars, indented scars sit below the skin level, making the texture look rough and uneven. While they can feel permanent, the truth is, there are effective ways to reduce their appearance and regain smoother skin.
What Causes Indented Scars?
Indented scars form when your skin doesn’t produce enough collagen during the healing stage. Instead of rebuilding the damaged area completely, the skin collapses inward. Common causes include:
- Severe acne – Especially cystic or nodular acne, which damages deeper layers of the skin.
- Chickenpox – Often leaves behind small, round indents if scratched or untreated.
- Injuries or trauma – Cuts, burns, or surgical wounds can heal poorly.
- Collagen loss – Age and genetics can make the skin less capable of repairing itself.
Think of collagen like the foundation of a house—if you don’t have enough bricks, the structure sinks.
Types of Indented Scars
Not all indented scars are the same. Knowing the type helps determine the best treatment:
- Ice pick scars – Small, deep, and narrow pits, often caused by severe acne.
- Boxcar scars – Broad depressions with sharp edges, giving the skin a pitted look.
- Rolling scars – Shallow but wide depressions that create a wave-like texture.
- Atrophic scars – General thinning of the skin that makes depressions more visible.
Identifying the scar type is the first step toward choosing the right solution.
Skincare Habits That Prevent Scarring
The best way to avoid indented scars is to prevent them from forming in the first place. Simple but consistent habits make a big difference:
- Don’t pick or squeeze pimples – It increases inflammation and damages deeper tissue.
- Treat acne early – Prevents severe breakouts that leave scars.
- Keep wounds clean – Helps skin heal faster with less risk of scarring.
- Moisturize and protect – Hydrated skin repairs more effectively.
- Use sunscreen daily – UV rays darken scars and make them more noticeable.
Prevention may sound basic, but it’s like protecting a wound before it becomes permanent damage.
Video : The Best Acne Scar Treatments: Explained | Dr Davin Lim
At-Home Remedies to Improve Indented Scars
While home care won’t erase deep scars completely, it can improve skin texture and complement professional treatments:
- Retinoids (Vitamin A) – Stimulate cell turnover and collagen production.
- Vitamin C serums – Brighten skin tone and support healing.
- Exfoliation (AHAs/BHAs) – Remove dead skin cells and smooth rough texture.
- Silicone gels or sheets – Help flatten and soften scars over time.
- Hydrating creams – Keep skin plump, reducing the depth of indents.
Think of home care as maintenance—it won’t rebuild your house, but it will strengthen the walls.
Professional Treatments for Indented Scars
For visible results, professional treatments are often necessary. Dermatologists offer options tailored to scar types and severity:
- Microneedling – Tiny needles stimulate collagen production to lift depressions.
- Chemical peels – Exfoliate deeper layers, encouraging new skin growth.
- Laser resurfacing – Smooths texture and triggers collagen regeneration.
- Dermal fillers – Temporarily plump indented scars for smoother skin.
- Subcision – A minor procedure that breaks scar tissue under the skin.
- Punch excision or grafting – Removes or replaces deep scars, especially ice pick types.
Each treatment works differently, but the goal is the same: to rebuild lost collagen and even out skin texture.
Lifestyle and Nutrition for Healthier Skin
Healing doesn’t only happen on the outside—your daily lifestyle affects how well your skin recovers:
- Eat protein-rich foods – Collagen is made from amino acids found in meat, fish, eggs, and legumes.
- Add antioxidants – Vitamins C and E protect skin from damage and support healing.
- Stay hydrated – Water keeps your skin elastic and supports repair.
- Get enough sleep – Your skin regenerates while you rest.
- Reduce stress – High stress slows healing and worsens acne, leading to more scars.
Healthy skin starts from within—feeding your body the right nutrients gives it the tools to repair damage.
When to See a Dermatologist
If your scars make you feel self-conscious or home remedies aren’t helping, it’s time to consult a professional. A dermatologist can:
- Identify your scar type accurately
- Recommend tailored treatments
- Combine multiple procedures for better results
- Prevent new scars from forming
Seeking help early can save you years of frustration.
Video : How To Treat Scars: Flat, Depressed, Raised, and Keloids | Dr. Shereene Idriss
Conclusion
Indented scars may seem permanent, but they’re not unbeatable. By understanding their causes, practicing prevention, and exploring both at-home remedies and professional treatments, you can dramatically improve your skin’s texture. Collagen is the key—protect it, rebuild it, and support it through healthy habits. With patience and consistency, smoother and more confident skin is absolutely possible.
