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The most important thing is not to squeeze the pimples because that's what leaves scars - it's better to use products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. And if you already have deep marks, it's better to see a dermatologist because there are treatments like laser or microneedling that work pretty well.
Avoiding squeezing is obviously key, but it also depends a lot on where you're at in the process. If the breakouts are still active (red, inflamed), topical products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide help control inflammation before they turn into scars. Now, once you already have acne marks, those over-the-counter products aren't going to do much because the mark is already there. At that point you need to be realistic: if they're superficial marks like discoloration (those red or dark spots), time and sun protection help quite a bit, but real scars (the ones that look like pits) need stronger treatments.
What many people don't mention is that even before you get to a dermatologist, there are intermediate options that work decently. Gentle, regular exfoliation with acids (like AHA or niacinamide) can improve the appearance of shallow scars over a few months. If the scar is deep or it really bothers you, yeah, you need a specialist who can assess whether microdermabrasion, laser treatments, or even injections would work for you, but at that point it's a matter of going to a consultation because it depends on your skin type and how pronounced the scar is.
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