The 17 Most Effective Acne Scar Treatments Dermatologists Swear By
Dark spots, be gone.
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Skin care comes with a few rules, number one being to wear your sunscreen daily, whether the sun is shining or not. However, if it were up to us, the second most important step would absolutely be to stop picking your pimples. Every story starts the same way: A pimple appears on your face, you pop it, and it leaves a scar you frequently pick at—lather, rinse, repeat. Unfortunately, disrupting your pimple before it reaches full term, or in general, really, does more harm than good. Then, you find yourself down a rabbit hole on TikTok, searching for the best acne scar products to minimize the evidence of your poor choice.
Put the toothpaste and baking soda down—it’s important to understand the different scarring that can occur first before you begin treating it. “Acne scars are the result of inflammation from acne blemishes,” says Alabama-based board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Corey L. Hartman. “Acne scarring may be rolling (superficial, longer depression in the skin), ice pick (very small but deep), atrophic (very superficial but very thin), or hypertrophic (thick scars raised above the skin),” adds NY-based board-certified derm, Dr. Elyse Love.
Our picks for the best products to treat acne scars in 2024
Thankfully, acne-fighting cleansers and targeted serum—with ingredients like retinol, lactic acid, and kojic acid, in addition to using LED devices—can help to brighten the area and even the texture of the skin to diminish the overall appearance of the pesky dark spots. Don’t take our word for it. Ahead, we scoured the internet and consulted several dermatologists to find 17 of the best products for treating acne scars.
Pros
- Reduces the look of dark marks
Cons
- Skin needs time to get used to it
If you’re looking to take your hyperpigmentation routine up a notch, Dermalogica’s PowerBright Dark Spot Peel may be just what you need. The powerful blend of AHAs and PHAs works overtime to encourage skin renewal and lighten the appearance of scarring for a fraction of the cost for an in-office peel. Sure, the results aren’t as immediate but it’s still effective.
Key ingredients: Glycolic, mandelic, niacinamide, tranexamic acid
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Ulta star rating: 4.9/5 stars
An ELLE Editor says: “Recently, I did a chemical peel to speed up the disappearance of my stubborn marks. While I was impressed by the visible results in just a matter of days, I didn’t want the party to stop then. Dermalogica’s PowerBright Dark Spot Peel was the perfect cherry on top of my new, post-peel routine. Of course, I use it sparingly—it has a potent blend of AHAs and PHAs—but I love how much more refined and smooth my skin is looking these days.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor
Murad InvisiScar Resurfacing Treatment
Pros
- Great for cell turnover
Cons
- Can be strong for sensitive skin
“Murad Invisiscar Resurfacing Treatment contains beta hydroxy acid, salicylic acid, and exfoliates to help clear old marks as well as prevent future breakouts. Centella Asiatica (cica) decreases inflammation. Hydroxytyrosol and Vitamin C are antioxidants that lighten dark spots by directly and indirectly inhibiting tyrosinase activity which reduces the production of melanin. This serum also contains light diffusers and a “blurring powder” to improve the appearance of skin immediately. Use twice daily to improve the appearance of acne scars,” says Dr. Blair Murphy.
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, vitamin C
Size: 0.5 fl oz
Ulta star rating: 3.9/5 stars
Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand
Pros
- Warms up when applied to skin
Cons
- Must charge often
Slather on your favorite serum and glide the tool across your face to kill bacteria under the skin using this red light therapy treatment. Plus, the device warms up and vibrates, acting as a little facial massage.
LED lights: 7
Battery: Rechargable
Ulta star rating: 4.2/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I swear by this little red light device for reducing the appearance of breakouts. Whenever I feel a breakout forming, I glide my Solawave along the inflamed area, as the red light emitting from this little device kills bacteria and reduces inflammation. I especially love how slim the wand is, which makes it easy to maneuver around my face and neck.” — Nerisha Penrose
Pros
- Enhances skin tone
Cons
- Some users dislike the smell
If you’ve experienced any body acne or scarring, this product is for you. Like its cream counterpart, the Faded Brightening & Clearing Mist is formulated with niacinamide and kojic acid to brighten dark spots in those hard-to-reach areas.
Key ingredients: Kojic acid, tranexamic acid, niacinamide
Size: 3.4 fl oz
Sephora star rating: 4.2/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer said: “I had really bad butt acne scars and it made me very self conscious. But after one bottle of this, the spots on behind have faded tremendously. I had tried everything but this did the job. I spray it on after I shower. Let my butt august dryI can’t wait to wear a bathing suit on a cruise now. Thank you Topicals!!!”
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel
Pros
- Gentle for daily use
Cons
- Tingling sensation
“True acne scarring is like a bad boyfriend—it needs attention from lots of different products and just when something seems to be working, it can stop being as effective. I find that acne scarring does best with a combination of procedures and skin care products, but two easily available products that can help are Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Daily Peel Pads and Differin Gel. These glycolic and salicylic acid-containing two-step peel pads are portable and help to exfoliate the skin. They can prevent future breakouts and help to lighten the dark spots that are often left over even after you’ve kicked your acne. These are great for patients with active acne, dark spots, and dullness. Both of these can be irritating, so starting slow and building up to two to four times a week (for the pads) or every other day to every day for Differin,” says Dr. Papri Sarkar.
Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, malic acid, lactic acid, green tea extract
Size: 1 fl oz
Sephora star rating: 4.5/5 stars
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
Pros
- Prevents redness
Cons
- Takes a while to massage in
“The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% targets the brown spots and redness left behind from healing acne spots while also helping to clear whiteheads and blackheads. It works best for those who already have an acne regimen as an add-on treatment. [The treatment] helps post-inflammatory redness and hyperpigmentation resolve more quickly,” says Dr. Cindy Wassef.
Key ingredients: Azealic acid, hyaluronic acid
Size: 1 fl oz
Ulta star rating: 4.4/5 stars
Differin Acne Treatment Gel
Pros
- Easy to find
Cons
- Can be too strong for sensitive skin
“Differin Gel an OTC retinoid, containing adapalene, is a great option as not only does it work to prevent breakouts, but it also treats acne and helps to improve scarring. It can [diminish] discoloration and textural changes that go along with acne scars by evening out the skin tone and boosting collagen production. [The gel] can be used once daily and it is often best to start just a few times per week and increase the frequency as tolerated. It can be used by all skin types and can be used while getting active breakouts and should continue to be used after breakouts subside to help reduce scarring and prevent new breakouts from forming,” says Dr. Marisa Garshick.
Key ingredients: Adapalene
Size: 1.5 fl oz
Amazon star rating: 4.6/5 stars
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- May be drying
If you want prescription-grade results at an affordable drugstore price, CeraVe’s Acne Foaming Cleanser delivers. Formulated with benzoyl peroxide to attack active breakouts, this cleanser helps to control acne so you won’t risk breakouts turning into scars.
Key ingredients: benzoyl peroxide
Size: 5 fl oz
Ulta star rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer said: “I asked for a good face cleaner for sensitive skin to get rid of acne and one of the girls gave me this one. After 4 days, all my redness is gone and my acne is pretty much cleared up.”
Pros
- Clear application
Cons
- Has a silicone-like texture
An important step in reducing the appearance of acne scars is sun protection. Apply Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen liberally to ensure your dark marks won’t get any darker.
Key ingredients: Red algae, frankincense, meadowfoam oil
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Ulta star rating: 4.7/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “Was worried about the texture at first, but it is smooth, not greasy, and feels great on the skin and under makeup.”
Starface Hydro-Star + Salicylic Acid Pimple Patches
Pros
- Reduces inflammation
Cons
- May not stick well when using with other products
The minute you see a breakout forming, reach for your Starface pimple patches. Formulated to stop stubborn breakouts right in their tracks, all Starface patches are made of hydrocolloid, which aids in minimizing the look of pimples. Even better, this particular one has the acne-fighting power of salicylic acid, perfect for those deep-seated bumps waiting to rise to the surface.
Key ingredients: Hydrocolloid, salicylic acid
Size: 32 ct
Target star rating: 3.9/5 stars
A Target reviewer said: “This product is magical for those deep down cystic like blemishes. You throw this star patch on at night and in the morning it’s a zillion times better and doesn’t hurt. Highly recommend!”
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Topical Retinoid Acne Treatment
Pros
- Evens texture
Cons
- May cause dryness
“For a prescription-strength retinoid in an over-the-counter gel, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% takes it up a notch. Previously only available as a prescription, this gel helps clear blackheads, whiteheads, acne blemishes, and clogged pores. Topical retinoids also help to treat textural irregularities and acne lesions that contribute to discoloration,” says Dr. Corey L. Hartman.
Key ingredients: Adapalene
Size: 4.4 fl oz
Ulta star rating: 4.5/5 stars
Pros
- Absorbs quickly
Cons
- Not best for sensitive skin
“A retinol alternative that also contains lactic acid, this nighttime serum is formulated in a moisturizing base that provides all of the benefits of retinol with virtually none of the irritation. It is a great option for those who have had difficulty tolerating other retinol [since it] exfoliates gently,” says Dr. Hartman
Key ingredients: Retinol, AHAs
Size: 1 fl oz
Skinbetter star rating: None
Pros
- Unclogs pores
Cons
- May cause dryness
“The pads provide daily, gentle exfoliation. They also keep the pores clear, help reverse past damage, and prevent new scarring, too,” says Dr. Paul Nassif.
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycolic acid
Size: 30 pads
Nassif MD Skincare star rating: 4.8/5 stars
Hydrating Sunscreen Face Sheer Tint SPF 30
Pros
- Provides a glow
Cons
- Takes awhile to massage in
“Scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can darken with sun exposure and linger on the skin longer than needed. Therefore, a broad-spectrum sunscreen, most preferably a physical blocker like CeraVe Sun Protection SPF 30 Sunscreen Face Lotion, is strongly advised,” says Dr. Shereene Idriss.
Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, ceramides
Size: 1.7 fl. oz
Ulta star rating: 3.9/5 stars
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Pros
- Provides a glow
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
“I like skin-brightening agents like glycolic acid cleanser, vitamin C, retinoids, and retinol that help target cellular turnover. For a cleanser, I like Glytone, and for a serum, try Skinceuticals C E Ferulic. This combination helps to lighten pigmented scars and smooth the skin texture. This combination is safe for all skin types,” says Dr. Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand.
Key ingredients: Vitamins C and E
Size: 1 fl. oz
Skinceuticals star rating: 4.6/5 stars
Visha Skincare Advanced Correcting Serum with Illuminotex™
Pros
- Derm-formulated
Cons
- Pricey
“The Visha Skincare Advanced Correcting Serum, which I formulated, contains retinol, vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid, and Illuminotex—a patented natural lightening agent tested to work equivalent to four percent hydroquinone. It works best for hyperpigmentation in all skin types and genders, and those that are still currently breaking out,” says Dr. Purvisha Patel.
Key ingredients: Retinol, vitamins C and E
Size: 6.8 fl. oz
Visha Skincare rating: 4.2/5 stars
SkinCeuticals SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser
Pros
- Clarifies the skin without stripping
Cons
- Pricey
“SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser encourages cell turnover without drying out the skin. The glycolic acid washes away dead skin cells on the top layer of the skin, leaving a very clean feel and improving acne blemishes,” says Dr. Claire Chang.
Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, glycerin
Size: 6.8 fl. oz
Dermstore rating: 4.6/5 stars
How can I remove acne scars?
Topical treatments are great temporary fixes, but Dr. Elyse Love advises seeing a professional to begin your journey of permanently removing acne scars. “Treatment of rolling, ice pick, and atrophic scars require procedures that increase collagen production such as CO2 laser, Fraxel, and/or microneedling with radiofrequency,” she explains. Meanwhile, hypertrophic scars require more attention: “Hypertrophic scars are classically treated with injections to soften the scars but laser treatments such as PDL, excel v, laser genesis, and CO2 laser can also be helpful.”
Can acne scars be permanently removed?
The good news is that acne scars can lighten over time, as long as you maintain a consistent regimen. “The results of scar treatments are permanent (pending the acne is under control),” Love says. It will also take several treatments to bring you closer to the clear, even-toned skin of your dreams. Not to be confused with hyperpigmentation, acne scars are the “textural changes that develop as a result of severely inflamed acne nodules and cysts that occur deep in the dermis,” says Dr. Nassif.
What are the best products for acne scars?
When shopping for topical products to help treat your scars, Nassif says to check ingredient labels for exfoliating agents. “Look for a product with good concentrations of AHAs and BHAs like glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acid. A good retinol product would be a close second, to help boost skin cell turnover and collagen to help fill in the scarring,” he explains. Just be sure to always follow up with sunscreen.
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