Written by Jessie, Product Manager · Updated 19 October 2026
Does collagen help with acne scars?
Collagen supports the skin your acne scars sit in. In clinical trials, daily collagen peptides improved skin hydration, elasticity and collagen density within 4 to 12 weeks, for firmer, healthier-looking skin. Deeper scars also need a dermatologist's help, such as microneedling or laser, and a daily collagen drink is an easy habit to pair with that treatment.
This article is for you if: you have post-acne scars or uneven skin texture and want to know how collagen can support your skin, and what else helps.
Acne scars form deep in the skin, in the dermis, where collagen gives skin its structure. That's why collagen comes up so often when people talk about scars, and why it's worth knowing where it helps.
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In this article
What are acne scars?
Acne scars are lasting changes in skin texture, left when inflamed acne damages the dermis, the deeper layer of skin. Most acne scars are atrophic, which means they sit below the skin's surface.[2]
- Icepick scars: narrow, deep pits, and the most common atrophic type (60 to 70%).
- Boxcar scars: wider pits with defined edges.
- Rolling scars: wide, with sloping edges that smooth out when the skin is stretched.
Raised scars (hypertrophic scars and keloids) are less common, and form when the body makes too much collagen.[1] The dark or red marks left after a spot are colour changes rather than scars, and they often fade with time.[2]
Why do acne scars form?
Acne scars form when inflammation in a spot breaks down the collagen and elastic fibres in the dermis, and the skin doesn't fully rebuild them. A 2019 study found that people prone to acne scarring had stronger inflammation and more damage to these fibres, followed by incomplete recovery.[3] The more inflamed a spot is, the more likely it is to scar, so treating active acne early is the best way to prevent new scars.[2]
How does collagen help your skin?
Collagen gives the dermis its structure, and clinical trials show that taking collagen peptides every day supports it:
- A 2019 review of 11 randomised controlled trials, with 805 people, found that oral collagen increased skin elasticity, hydration and dermal collagen density, with no reported side effects. One study in the review suggested that skin benefits rise with the amount of collagen dipeptide.[4]
- A 2021 meta-analysis of 19 trials, with 1,125 people aged 20 to 70, found better skin hydration and elasticity and fewer wrinkles after about 90 days.[5]
- In a placebo-controlled trial, collagen peptides increased collagen density in the dermis, measured by ultrasound, and reduced fragmentation of the skin's collagen network after just 4 weeks. Skin hydration improved after 8 weeks.[6]
- Vitamin C supports the skin's own collagen production, which is why it's often paired with collagen.[8]
What treatments do dermatologists use for acne scars?
Dermatologists treat depressed acne scars with procedures, many of which prompt the skin to make new collagen, usually once active acne is under control. Most need several sessions, and they are often combined, for example microneedling with radiofrequency or platelet-rich plasma (PRP).[1]
| Option | What it does | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical peel | Removes outer layers of skin so it makes more collagen and elastin. Mild peels often take 3 to 5 sessions, 2 to 4 weeks apart | Depressed scars |
| Microneedling | Tiny needles prompt new collagen. Often combined with radiofrequency, a peel or PRP | Depressed scars |
| Laser treatment | Resurfaces or contours the skin | Depressed and raised scars |
| Fillers | Add volume under a scar. Results last from 3 months to 2 years | Depressed scars |
| Scar surgery | Removes or lifts a scar, often followed by laser or PRP | Deep depressed scars |
| Injections | Corticosteroid or other injections flatten raised scars | Raised scars and keloids |
| Topical retinoid | Can make mild scarring less noticeable | Mild scars |
| Collagen drink | Supports skin hydration, elasticity and collagen density from within | Daily skin support, alongside treatment |
Treatments: American Academy of Dermatology.[1] Collagen drink: clinical trials on skin quality.[4] [5]
How does collagen fit into an acne scar routine?
Collagen works on overall skin quality, so it pairs best with care that targets the scars themselves:
- Calm active acne first. Fewer inflamed spots means fewer new scars.[2]
- Support your skin from within every day. Trials measured skin changes after 4 to 12 weeks of daily collagen, so consistency matters more than timing.[6] [7]
- See a dermatologist for deeper scars. Treatments such as microneedling, lasers and peels work on the scar itself.[1]
Collagen Glow Berries gives you 6,000 mg of Wellnex marine collagen dipeptide in every sachet, with vitamin C and bilberry extract. It's a ready-to-drink sachet: take 1 a day, in the morning or before bed. It contains fish, so skip it if you have a fish allergy.
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Related reading: How long does collagen actually take to work? · Niacinamide vs collagen: do you need both? · Can't get rid of acne? The culprit could be your gut
Frequently asked questions
Does collagen help with acne scars?
Collagen supports the skin around acne scars. In trials, daily collagen peptides improved skin hydration, elasticity and collagen density. For deeper, depressed scars, dermatologists use treatments such as microneedling, lasers or peels, and a daily collagen drink is an easy habit to pair with them.
What type of collagen is best for skin?
Hydrolysed collagen peptides are the form used in most skin trials, at about 2.5 to 10 g a day. Look for a clear collagen dose on the pack, ideally with vitamin C, which supports the skin's own collagen production.
How long does collagen take to work on skin?
In trials, collagen density in the skin improved after 4 weeks of daily use, and hydration and elasticity after 8 weeks. Give it 8 to 12 weeks of daily use before you judge the results.
Are dark marks after acne the same as scars?
No. Dark or red marks after a spot are colour changes rather than scars, and they often fade with time. If they linger, a dermatologist can suggest options.
Can I take collagen while having laser or microneedling?
Let your dermatologist know about any supplements you take, including collagen, before you start treatment, and follow their advice.
Is Collagen Glow Berries suitable for everyone?
Collagen Glow Berries contains marine (fish) collagen, so avoid it if you have a fish allergy. If you take prescribed medication or have allergies, check with your doctor before you start.
Key takeaways
- Most acne scars are depressed (atrophic) scars, left when inflamed acne breaks down collagen in the skin.
- Daily collagen peptides have been shown to improve skin hydration, elasticity and collagen density within 4 to 12 weeks.
- Deeper scars respond to dermatologist treatments such as microneedling, lasers and peels.
- A daily collagen drink with vitamin C is an easy way to support your skin alongside treatment.
- Dark marks after acne are colour changes, which often fade with time.
About the author: Jessie is the Product Manager at The Purest Co. A Biomedical Science graduate from the International Medical University Malaysia, she has over five years in the nutraceutical industry, sourcing high-quality herbs to create supplements that are enjoyable and effective. She keeps up with new research through global conferences.
References
[1] American Academy of Dermatology. Acne scars: consultation and treatment. Updated 8 December 2023.
[2] DermNet. Acne scarring. Reviewed August 2023.
[3] Moon J et al. Atrophic acne scar: a process from altered metabolism of elastic fibres and collagen fibres based on transforming growth factor-β1 signalling. Br J Dermatol. 2019.
[4] Choi FD et al. Oral collagen supplementation: a systematic review of dermatological applications. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019.
[5] de Miranda RB et al. Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Dermatol. 2021.
[6] Asserin J et al. The effect of oral collagen peptide supplementation on skin moisture and the dermal collagen network. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2015.
[7] Proksch E et al. Oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides has beneficial effects on human skin physiology. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014.
[8] Pullar JM et al. The roles of vitamin C in skin health. Nutrients. 2017.
These statements have not been evaluated by any regulatory authority. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary. Consult a healthcare provider before use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or on prescribed medication.