Every bride dreams of that bridal glow, the kind that makes you look like you’ve stepped straight out of a fairytale. But let’s be honest, acne scars don’t care if you’re walking down the aisle or sitting at home. They don’t budge, and no amount of Instagram filters can hide them in real life. The good news? Science has your back with several acne scar treatment options on the block. We got dermatologist Dr Thalha to spill the ultimate pre-wedding skin secrets, and trust us, you’ll want to take notes.

Types of acne scars and how to treat them

From gentle surface treatments to deeper corrective procedures, the world of acne scar treatments is rich with possibilities. As Dr Thalha explains, “Several advanced dermatological treatments are available to address acne scars, each targeting different scar types and depths. The most widely used include microneedling, fractional lasers, chemical peels, dermal fillers, TCA CROSS, and Subcision.”

Microneedling, often a favourite for Indian brides, stimulates collagen production with fine needles and typically requires little downtime. Fractional lasers, on the other hand, are more intensive and work wonders for deeper scars. Chemical peels are excellent for pigmentation and superficial marks, while dermal fillers provide an instant lift for depressed scars. For stubborn cases, techniques like TCA CROSS and Subcision are highly effective.

No single treatment is universal, and the best approach often involves combining therapies. As Dr Thalha puts it, “In my clinical approach, I frequently use MNRF as a core modality and combine it with other treatments depending on the scar type and the patient’s timeline before the wedding.”

Here’s the thing: not all scars are the same. Using the same treatment for different types of scars is a waste of time and money. Surface irregularities can be treated with chemical peels or light microneedling. But those stubborn, deep pits? They need the big guns like Subcision, lasers or even surgical revision. As Dr Thalha points out, “A dermatologist will carefully evaluate the type, depth, and age of scars before creating a tailored plan, ensuring both safety and effectiveness.”

How long before the wedding should I start?

If there’s one thing brides should take seriously, it’s timing. According to Dr Thalha, “Ideally, treatments should start six to 12 months before the wedding, as this allows enough time for multiple sessions, proper healing between procedures, and visible results.”

That doesn’t mean all hope is lost if you’re short on time. Even within two to three months, microneedling and light peels can deliver noticeable changes. For brides with just weeks left, fillers, camouflage makeup, and silicone-based primers can create the illusion of smoother skin for the big day.

What not to do before the wedding

Here’s the golden rule: don’t experiment with aggressive treatments too close to your big day. “Deep resurfacing procedures such as CO₂ lasers, aggressive chemical peels, or TCA CROSS should not be performed in the last month before the wedding,” Dr Thalha warns. It’s also wise to avoid introducing new skincare products, active ingredients, or last-minute facials, as they could irritate the skin or trigger pigmentation.

What to do after the acne scar treatment

Once you’ve invested time and effort into treatments, proper aftercare is crucial. Try gentle cleansing, diligent moisturising, daily sunscreen, and avoiding makeup immediately after procedures. Carrying an umbrella or hat during daytime events can go a long way in protecting that new radiance.

And if side effects show up, don’t panic. Indian and darker skin tones are prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), making it essential to choose the right treatments under expert guidance. “This makes it very important to get procedures done under the supervision of an experienced dermatologist who understands how to tailor treatments safely for your skin type,” says Dr Thalha.

Every bride wants to shine the brightest on her wedding day and acne scar treatments are a good way to achieve that. However, these treatments aren’t magic. The goal is smoother, brighter, more even-toned skin. “With the right combination of treatments, most see a 50-90 per cent improvement, resulting in smoother, more even skin,” Dr Thalha reassures.

To connect with dermatologist Dr Mohammed Thalha for more personalised skin and hair care advice, find him here.

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