Acne Scar Treatment with Topical Retinoids

Topical retinoids (tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene) are vitamin A derivatives that improve acne scars by:

• Increasing collagen and elastin synthesis → dermal remodeling.
• Accelerating epidermal turnover → smoother texture.
• Reducing post‑inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Usage: Pea‑size amount nightly on clean, dry skin. Start 2–3×/week, increase as tolerated. Use sunscreen daily (photosensitivity).

Best for atrophic (rolling, boxcar) scars and PIH. Deep ice‑pick scars may need microneedling, laser, subcision, or fillers combined with retinoids.

Results appear after 3–6 months of consistent use.