If you are struggling with breakouts, professional acne treatment in St. Louis can help prevent long-term skin damage. Many people believe acne is only a temporary cosmetic issue. However, without proper care, acne can lead to permanent scarring and ongoing skin concerns. At Arch Dermatology, we focus on early intervention to protect your skin’s health and appearance.
For patients concerned about overall skin health, we also offer services such as Skin Cancer in St. Louis to support complete dermatologic care.
Types of Acne Scarring
Acne inflammation can leave several types of depressed (atrophic) scars, including:
- Boxcar scars
- Rolling scars
- Ice pick scars
These scars form when inflammation destroys healthy skin tissue. Unfortunately, once a scar forms, it is permanent. Although discoloration may fade over time, the skin will never fully return to its original texture.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, early acne management significantly reduces the likelihood of permanent scarring.
Cosmetic Treatments for Acne Scars
There are treatments designed to improve the appearance of acne scars. These include:
- Laser resurfacing
- Chemical peels
- Retinoids
- Microneedling
- Punch excisions
While these procedures can make scars less noticeable, they do not remove scar tissue completely. Additionally, most cosmetic treatments are not covered by insurance and often involve high out-of-pocket costs.
Therefore, preventing scars with timely acne treatment in St. Louis is far more effective — and more affordable — than trying to correct them later.

