Acne Scarring

Samara McRae • November 1, 2025

Acne Scar Treatment Sunshine Coast


Acne may settle, but the scarring and changes it leaves behind can remain long after active breakouts have improved.


At That Skin Clinic in Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast, we offer personalised treatments designed to improve the appearance of acne scarring, uneven skin texture and post-acne marks while supporting the overall health and function of your skin.


Acne scarring is not one-size-fits-all. Different scar types, skin types and concerns require different approaches, which is why every acne scar treatment plan begins with a thorough skin consultation.


Depending on your skin and the type of scarring present, your treatment plan may include fractional Er:YAG laser resurfacing, skin needling, chemical peels, LED therapy and professional home care.

Our focus is progressive, considered skin improvement rather than quick fixes.


What Causes Acne Scarring?


Acne scars can develop when inflammation associated with a breakout extends deeper into the skin and disrupts the normal healing process.


More inflammatory acne, including deeper nodules and cysts, has a greater potential to affect the collagen structures supporting the skin. As the area heals, the body may produce too little or too much collagen, resulting in a visible change to the skin's surface.


This can leave depressed scars, raised scars or areas of uneven texture.


Not every mark left after acne is a true scar. Red or brown marks following a breakout may instead be post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). These concerns behave differently from structural acne scars and may require a different treatment approach.


Identifying what we are actually treating is an important part of your consultation.


Types of Acne Scars


Acne scarring can present in several different ways, and many people have a combination of scar types.


Rolling Scars


Shallow depressions that can give the skin a wavy or uneven appearance.


Boxcar Scars


More defined, depressed scars with noticeable edges.


Ice-Pick Scars


Small, narrow and deeper scars extending into the skin.


Post-Acne Redness and Pigmentation


Red, pink, brown or darker marks that remain after a breakout. While these are not always true scars, they can contribute significantly to an uneven complexion.


The type and depth of your scarring will influence which treatments we recommend.


Acne Scar Treatments at That Skin Clinic


Fractional Er:YAG Laser Resurfacing


Our Etherea MX DualMode Er:YAG 2940 nm laser can be used for fractional skin resurfacing to target uneven texture and support skin remodelling.


Controlled laser energy creates microscopic treatment zones within the skin, stimulating the natural repair process and supporting new collagen formation.


Fractional laser resurfacing may be recommended for suitable clients with textural acne scarring, enlarged-looking pores and uneven skin texture.


Skin Needling


Professional skin needling creates controlled micro-injuries within the skin to stimulate its natural repair response and collagen production.


It can be incorporated into a progressive treatment plan for suitable acne scars, particularly where improving overall texture and skin quality is the goal.


Chemical Peels


Professional chemical peels may be used to improve surface texture, congestion and some of the discolouration that can remain following acne.


The peel selected will depend on your skin condition, barrier health, pigmentation risk and treatment goals.


LED Light Therapy


LED therapy can be incorporated into an acne or acne-scar treatment program to support the skin, particularly when inflammation or recovery from more advanced treatments needs to be considered.

 

Active Acne or Acne Scars: What Should We Treat First?


If you are still experiencing regular inflammatory breakouts, our priority may be improving the active acne and supporting your skin barrier before beginning more intensive scar treatments.


Continuing breakouts can create new marks and scars, so treating existing scarring without addressing ongoing acne may limit your overall result.


At your consultation, we will assess your current skin, breakout patterns, skincare, lifestyle and treatment history before recommending where to begin.


Where acne is severe, persistent, cystic or outside our cosmetic scope, we may recommend assessment by your GP or dermatologist alongside your treatment plan.


Can Acne Scarring Be Prevented?


Not every acne scar can be prevented, but reducing prolonged inflammation and avoiding unnecessary trauma to breakouts may help reduce the likelihood of further scarring.


Some of the most important steps include:


  1. Address persistent acne early rather than waiting for significant scarring to develop.
  2. Avoid picking and squeezing breakouts, which can increase inflammation and skin trauma.
  3. Keep skincare gentle and consistent. Aggressive scrubbing, over-exfoliation and repeatedly stripping the skin can compromise the skin barrier.
  4. Use appropriate home care and daily sun protection to support the skin and minimise worsening of post-inflammatory pigmentation.
  5. Seek medical assessment when appropriate. Persistent, severe or cystic acne may require management by a GP or dermatologist.


How Many Acne Scar Treatments Will I Need?


Acne scar treatment is usually a process rather than a single treatment. The number and type of sessions required will depend on the type and depth of your scars, your skin type, active acne, previous treatments, downtime preferences and the outcome you are hoping to achieve.


For some clients, the best approach involves combining different treatment modalities over several months rather than relying on one treatment alone.


Your treatment plan will be tailored after we assess your skin in person.


Start With an Acne and Skin Consultation


Not sure whether you are dealing with acne scars, post-acne redness, pigmentation or a combination of concerns?


Start with a $75 Skin Consultation at That Skin Clinic, fully redeemable toward recommended treatment or skincare. We will assess your skin, discuss your concerns and treatment history, and create a personalised plan based on what your skin actually needs.


That Skin Clinic | Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast


Advanced cosmetic skin treatments with a focus on long-term skin health.


Your Skin. But Better.



Book Your Consultation

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It means understanding which treatments and ingredients are appropriate and adapting your skincare to support the changes your body is experiencing. How Does Pregnancy Affect Your Skin? During pregnancy, fluctuations in oestrogen, progesterone and other hormones can influence oil production, pigmentation, circulation, hydration and skin sensitivity. These changes can begin early in pregnancy and continue throughout the different trimesters. Common pregnancy-related skin concerns include: Hormonal acne and breakouts Congestion and blocked pores Increased oil production Dryness and dehydration Sensitive or reactive skin Facial redness and flushing Melasma and hormonal pigmentation Uneven skin tone Dull or tired-looking skin Changes in skin texture A compromised skin barrier Increased sensitivity to skincare products Some women experience increased oil production and congestion, while others develop dryness and sensitivity. 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Unlike more intensive resurfacing treatments, carefully selected enzyme formulations can offer a gentler approach to improving skin texture and clarity. However, not all enzyme products are formulated the same way. We assess the complete formulation, including additional acids and active ingredients, before selecting a treatment suitable for pregnancy. Hydration & Barrier Support Hormonal changes during pregnancy can influence the skin's ability to maintain hydration and tolerate products. You may notice your skin becoming increasingly dry, tight, sensitive or reactive, even if you've previously had oily or combination skin. When the skin barrier is compromised, our priority is supporting hydration and reducing unnecessary irritation rather than exfoliating the skin further. Your facial may incorporate hydrating serums, nourishing moisturisers, calming masks and carefully selected ingredients designed to support the skin barrier. 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Our focus is on selecting the least intensive treatment necessary to address your concerns while supporting healthy skin function. Hormonal Breakouts & Congestion Pregnancy-related hormonal changes can stimulate sebaceous gland activity, increasing oil production and contributing to congestion or acne. For some women, breakouts develop during the first trimester. For others, they may continue throughout pregnancy or into the postpartum period. While many traditional acne treatments contain ingredients that are unsuitable during pregnancy, there are still ways to support breakout-prone skin. Your facial may incorporate: Gentle cleansing Appropriate enzyme exfoliation Carefully selected extractions Hydration and barrier support Non-comedogenic skincare Calming professional masks Pregnancy-appropriate home-care recommendations We avoid aggressively stripping the skin or using strong exfoliation simply because breakouts are present. For persistent inflammatory or cystic acne, we may recommend assessment by your GP or dermatologist to discuss pregnancy-compatible medical treatment options. Professional Extractions Where appropriate, gentle professional extractions may be incorporated into your pregnancy facial to address blackheads and selected areas of congestion. Extractions are performed conservatively, taking into consideration your skin's sensitivity, inflammation and barrier condition. We avoid aggressive squeezing or unnecessary trauma, particularly where the skin is already inflamed or reactive. Our aim is to improve congestion while minimising irritation and the risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation. Calming & Hydrating Masks Professional masks can be particularly beneficial when pregnancy has left your skin feeling dry, sensitive, flushed or uncomfortable. Depending on your skin, we may incorporate collagen fleece masks, hydrating gel masks, nourishing creams or other carefully selected professional treatments. These are selected to support hydration, improve skin comfort and help maintain a healthier skin barrier. Not every professional mask or active ingredient is automatically suitable during pregnancy, which is why product selection is an important part of your treatment. What About LED Light Therapy During Pregnancy? LED light therapy is commonly used in professional skin treatments to support skin recovery and address concerns such as inflammation and redness. However, research specifically examining cosmetic LED light therapy during pregnancy remains limited. For this reason, we do not routinely include cosmetic LED treatments during pregnancy without appropriate medical clearance and consideration of the device manufacturer's guidance. 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Certain Prescription Acne Treatments Some prescription acne medications are contraindicated during pregnancy and require review by your prescribing medical practitioner. This doesn't mean you need to eliminate every active ingredient from your skincare routine. It means selecting ingredients with an appropriate safety profile and understanding how they interact with your changing skin. Which Skincare Ingredients Can Be Used During Pregnancy? There are several well-established skincare ingredients that can help support skin health throughout pregnancy. Depending on your concerns, these may include: Hyaluronic Acid A humectant that helps attract and retain water, supporting hydration and improving the appearance of dehydrated skin. Niacinamide A form of vitamin B3 that can support skin barrier function, improve uneven-looking skin tone and help regulate the appearance of excess oil. Vitamin C An antioxidant that can help improve the appearance of dullness and uneven skin tone while supporting the skin against environmental oxidative stress. Azelaic Acid An ingredient commonly used for acne, redness and pigmentation concerns, with a generally favourable pregnancy safety profile when used appropriately. Ceramides Lipids that help maintain the skin's protective barrier and reduce moisture loss. Glycerin A humectant that supports hydration and improves skin comfort. Zinc Oxide Sunscreen A mineral UV filter that provides broad-spectrum protection when used in an appropriately formulated sunscreen. The most suitable ingredients will depend on your skin concerns, product formulation and any medical considerations. Can I Have a Facial During My First Trimester? Many gentle cosmetic facials can be performed during pregnancy, including the first trimester, provided the products and treatment techniques are appropriate. However, the first trimester is a period of significant physiological change, and some clients may experience increased nausea, fatigue, sensitivity or discomfort. At That Skin Clinic, we review your pregnancy history, current skin condition and any relevant medical concerns before proceeding. We may modify the treatment duration, positioning, products or techniques to ensure you remain comfortable. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, pregnancy complications or have been advised to restrict certain activities or treatments, we may request clearance from your maternity healthcare provider. You should always let us know that you're pregnant, even if you're in the very early stages. What About Facials While Breastfeeding? Breastfeeding can also influence skin hydration, hormonal activity and the appearance of breakouts or pigmentation. Many gentle professional facials remain suitable during breastfeeding, although some skincare ingredients and advanced treatments still require consideration. The precautions for pregnancy and breastfeeding are not always identical. Certain treatments or topical ingredients that are avoided during pregnancy may be considered compatible with breastfeeding, depending on their absorption, application area and available safety information. We assess your skin, breastfeeding status and current skincare before recommending treatment. What Treatments Are Not Recommended During Pregnancy? At That Skin Clinic, we generally defer elective advanced cosmetic procedures during pregnancy, including: IPL skin rejuvenation and pigmentation treatments Picosecond laser treatments Fractional Er laser resurfacing Cosmetic laser hair removal Laser tattoo removal Skin needling and microneedling Medium-depth and deep chemical peels Aggressive resurfacing treatments This precautionary approach reflects the limited pregnancy-specific safety evidence for many elective cosmetic procedures, along with considerations such as inflammation, pigmentation changes, infection risk and skin recovery. Pregnancy doesn't necessarily make every cosmetic procedure inherently harmful, but when a treatment is elective and safety evidence is limited, postponing it is generally the more appropriate approach. There are still effective ways to maintain skin health throughout pregnancy without undertaking advanced resurfacing or laser treatments. Why We Recommend a Tailored Pregnancy Facial Your skin can change considerably between the first trimester, third trimester and postpartum period. A facial that was suitable before pregnancy may no longer be the most appropriate treatment. For example, a client who previously benefited from regular exfoliation may suddenly develop sensitivity and dehydration. Another client may experience increased congestion and hormonal breakouts despite having relatively clear skin before pregnancy. Our pregnancy facials are designed to adapt to these changes. Rather than selecting the strongest treatment available, we consider what your skin actually needs at the time of your appointment. That may mean gentle enzymes and hydration at one visit, followed by a calming and barrier-supportive facial at another. Sometimes improving skin means doing less, not more. Which Pregnancy Facial Is Right for Me? You don't need to know. That's our job. If you're pregnant and wondering whether your skin needs exfoliation, hydration, congestion management or simply some professional attention, book a Skin Consultation with Tailored Facial. We'll assess your skin, discuss your pregnancy and current skincare routine, and select an appropriate treatment based on your individual needs. Our pregnancy-safe facials may be suitable for clients experiencing: Dryness and dehydration Dull or tired-looking skin Mild congestion Blackheads Hormonal changes in oil production Sensitive or reactive skin Uneven skin texture Mild facial redness Skin barrier concerns General skin health and maintenance For more complex concerns such as persistent inflammatory acne, melasma, rosacea or significant pigmentation, we may recommend a more structured skincare approach and referral to an appropriate healthcare professional. Start With a Pregnancy-Safe Tailored Facial Pregnancy can change your skin, but it doesn't mean you need to put your skin health on hold. At That Skin Clinic in Mooloolaba, our pregnancy-safe facials are designed to support your skin through these changes with carefully selected professional products, gentle treatment techniques and personalised home-care recommendations. Whether you're experiencing hormonal breakouts, dehydration, increased sensitivity, pigmentation or simply want to maintain healthy-looking skin throughout pregnancy, we'll tailor your facial to what your skin needs. Your treatment may incorporate gentle enzyme exfoliation, hydration, calming masks, selected extractions and barrier-supportive skincare where appropriate. You'll also leave with practical recommendations for maintaining your skin at home, including guidance on which ingredients to continue, introduce or avoid during pregnancy. That Skin Clinic | Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast Advanced cosmetic skin treatments with a focus on long-term skin health. Book a Pregnancy-Safe Tailored Facial
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