The Best At-Home Acne Scar Treatments, According to a Dermatologist
Dark marks don't stand a chance.
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What's worse than actual acne? The aftereffects of blemishes, also known as acne scars. For many of us, our pimples and zits can leave a dark spot, hyperpigmentation, and more. They can last just a few days, or they can leave a permanent mark.
"Inflammation is the root of all evil — your skin responds with disordered collagen as it heals, which results in a visible scar," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jessie Cheung. "Picking at pimples often results in scarring, as you release the contents of pimple into the surrounding skin."
According to Cheung, you should think of "acne scars" as an umbrella term, as there are different variations of them. "Ice pick scars are narrow but deep, pitted scars," she says. "Rolling scars are broad depressions with sloping edges, while boxcar scars are broad depressions with sharp edges. Atrophic scars have thin, depressed skin, while hypertrophic or keloid scars are thick and raised. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation scars are brown stains left in the skin as the acne heals."
While all types of acne scars can be stubborn, there’s good news: They’re treatable!
"Topicals that stimulate cell turnover and collagen will help to smooth scars," says Cheung. "Look for ingredients such as retinol, glycolic acid, and peptides. Home micro needling rollers and LED devices also stimulate collagen."
Below, take a look at our favorite acne scar treatments for a smoother, spot-free complexion.
This best-selling serum from celebrity esthetician Shani Darden is known for its combination of retinol with exfoliating lactic acid.
On top of being an anti-aging favorite, this acne scar treatment also works to fade dark spots, acne, and blemishes though its lightweight formula.
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This fast-absorbing moisturizer is perfect for anyone who’s dealing with a post-acne flare-up, no matter what their skin type. The peptide formula works to rejuvenate and stimulate collagen production for a clearer, firmer, and more youthful look to your complexion, but its lightweight feel is perfect for even the oiliest of skin types. Plus, this acne scar treatment is only $15!
Get all of the lingering gunk out of your pores while promoting cellular turnover with this clarifying cleanser. Filled with glycolic acid and hydrating glycerin, this acne scar treatment cleanser will work overtime to dissolve dirt, oil, and grime while improving skin tone and texture without over-stripping: a major win for your skin!
Pure Daily Care Luma LED Skin Therapy Mask
We love LED face masks, but they can get a bit pricey. That's why we're in love with this one from Pure Daily Care. For under $100, this face mask allows you to tinker with seven different LED light colors to address any complexion concerns you may have, including dark spots.
The controller also allows you to choose your light intensity, and it has a timer, creating a fully customized spa experience in the comfort of your own home.
This cult-favorite cream may be formulated for anti-aging properties, but it's packed with collagen to also address any acne-scar concerns you may have. This acne scar treatment helps keep your skin intact and healthier by giving it a boost of collagen marine extract, creating a firmer and smoother finish.
This fan-favorite Drunk Elephant retinol cream has an intense 1% retinol formula, which helps heal your skin of any dark spots, dryness, and fine lines. This acne scar treatment also contains peptides and vitamin F to nurture and revive tired complexions.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel
When the going gets tough on your post-blemish skin, you're going to need an acne scar treatment with a more intense formula. That's when you break out these extra-strength peel pads from Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare, which contain a blend of glycolic and mandelic acids, along with willow bark extract to remove any lingering dirt and debris.
BeautyBio GloPRO Microneedling Facial Regeneration Tool
Think of this as the Lamborghini of acne scar treatments. This microneedling tool glides over skin with ease, supporting cells to restore your glow from the inside out.
But what makes this microneedler truly special is that it also combines the power of LED light therapy to accelerate the process, making this a must-have 2-in-1 product.
This acne scar treatment truly is genius. It's a vegan treatment that gives your skin a burst of the healing and firming ingredient, along with hydrating microalgae oil and alguronic acid to create a softer, more even look and feel to your skin. The results: diminished acne scars, quenched skin, and a radiant complexion.
Sunday Riley GOOD GENES Glycolic Acid Treatment
This glycolic acid treatment is a best-seller for its potent formula that nips acne and scars in the bud.
This potent formula penetrates the surface of the skin with tiny glycolic acid molecules, making it able to penetrate skin deeper than other forms of chemical exfoliants. It breaks apart pore-clogging impurities and repairs the look of sun-damaged, congested, wrinkled, and dull skin.
This best-selling peptide serum is not only bargain-friendly (only $20!), but it also contains a cocktail of skin-nourishing ingredients.
Expect your pores to be pampered with a blend of vitamins, acne scar-treating peptides, and antioxidant resveratrol for a softer, more youthful, and clearer complexion after using this lightweight acne scar treatment.
Jennifer is the former beauty editor for BestProducts.com, where she’s testing out everything from the latest lip gloss to the craziest skincare trend sweeping the online beauty-verse. Her work has been featured in Allure, Byrdie, HelloGiggles, and more. When she’s not swatching eyeshadow all over her arms, you can find the NYC-based editor scouring for hours on end for vintage finds, eating pad thai, and hanging out with her cat, Chunks.
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