# Are there home treatments for acne scars that can be harmful? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/are-there-home-treatments-for-acne-scars-that-can-be-harmful Language: en Category: dermatology Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T17:52:52.663Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T17:52:52.663Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/are-there-home-treatments-for-acne-scars-that-can-be-harmful Yes, some home treatments for acne scars can be harmful or ineffective, and may lead to worsening of the condition or skin irritation. It is important to avoid scrubbing, scratching, or forcefully picking at pimples, as this can lead to skin infections, delayed healing, the formation of new scars, or the worsening of existing ones [\[1\]](). For the best results and to avoid side effects, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist to create an individualized treatment plan [\[4\]](). ## Risks of Unreliable Home Treatments Although some over-the-counter products may contain ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide that help treat acne, using them incorrectly or in an attempt to treat scars can cause problems [\[1\]](). These products work by killing bacteria, drying out skin oils, or exfoliating the top layer of the skin, but they may cause redness, dryness, or excessive peeling of the skin [\[1\]](). Using them on scars without medical guidance may not be effective and could lead to additional irritation. Additionally, products containing benzoyl peroxide can bleach or discolor towels and clothing [\[1\]](). ## The Importance of Consulting a Dermatologist Treating acne scars requires in-depth knowledge of the skin and the different types of scars to determine the most appropriate treatment [\[4\]](). Dermatologists evaluate the type of scars, their number, skin tone, the patient's age, budget, and other factors to develop a personalized treatment plan [\[4\]](). If you are suffering from active acne, the treatment plan often starts with controlling the breakouts to reduce inflammation and prevent the formation of new scars [\[4\]](). You must inform your doctor about all acne treatments you are currently using or have used in the past two years, as starting some scar treatments while using certain acne medications may cause unwanted side effects [\[4\]](). ## When to Seek Medical Help? You should contact your healthcare provider if self-care steps and over-the-counter medications do not help after several months, if your acne is very severe (for example, if you have a lot of redness around the pimples or if you have cysts), if the acne is worsening, or if you begin to develop scars as the acne clears [\[1\]](). Acne can cause emotional distress, in which case you should also seek help [\[1\]](). For additional information about the types of acne scars and available treatment options, you can visit [Acne scars: their types, cosmetic and home treatment options (Arabic)](). ## Skin Care Tips to Avoid Worsening Scars To help care for your skin and avoid worsening acne scars, it is recommended to cleanse the skin gently using a mild, non-drying soap [\[1\]](). Look for cosmetics and skin creams that are water-based or non-comedogenic [\[1\]](). Wash your face once or twice daily, including after exercising, and avoid harsh scrubbing or frequent washing of the skin [\[1\]](). Wash your hair daily, especially if it is oily, and brush it or pull it back to keep it away from your face [\[1\]](). Avoid touching your face with your hands or fingers, avoid greasy cosmetics or creams, and do not leave makeup on overnight [\[1\]](). ## Medical references - [Acne]() - [Acne scars: Consultation and treatment]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/are-there-home-treatments-for-acne-scars-that-can-be-harmful#answer