Got Acne Scars? These At-Home Products Will Help Fade Them *Fast*

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Idk about you, but I find the acne scars and marks that linger on my face post-breakout to be more annoying that the actual whitehead or cystic breakout that caused them in the first place. Most acne flares will last for a few days and then calm down, but the resulting acne scars and marks are typically STUBBORN, and depending on the severity of the breakout, they can linger on skin for week and in some cases months.

The good news is that if you want to smooth and fade your acne scars and marks, you've got some options. If you want them gone ASAP, you'll need to see a pro for a chemical peel, laser, or microneedling treatment (read about your options here). But if your willing to be patient, an at-home acne scar treatment will eventually get the job done. To help you narrow down all the DIY options, I tested and reviewed countless acne scar treatments and reached out to four board-certified dermatologists for their top picks. Here's a quick preview:

✔️ P.S., This is new, up-to-date info, bb. We updated this article in August 2023 to add new top-rated acne scar treatments, complete with specs and reviews, and delete outdated oldies, just for you.

Keep scrolling for the entire list of 16 best acne scar treatments, products, and devices—plus the expert tips for choosing the best acne scar treatment for your skin type.

Even and Correct Brightening Treatment Pads

I swear by these treatment pads for fading the v annoying dark, purplish marks along my cheeks and jawline (the result of an ongoing battle with hormonal acne). Each pad is pre-soaked with a blend of glycolic acid, tranexamic acid, and niacinamide to shed dead, discolored skin cells and regulate pigment production.

I really love how convenient and easy to use these pads are too. Just swipe one on after cleansing, wait a minute or two for it to dry down, and then follow with the rest of your skincare routine. In my testing experience, they never cause whatever product you apply on top to pill, ball up, or feel greasy.

• Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, tranexamic acid, niacinamide

• Usage: Morning and/or evening

THE REVIEW: "This is one of my favorites from SkinMedica," writes a tester, adding "my skin looks so bright and after using one of these pads—they are the BEST."

Active Scar Primer

This makeup primer is a must-try for anyone dealing with atrophic (or indented) acne scarring. It helps to instantly fill in any divots or pockmarks so your foundation lays smoothly on top, and with continued use it can help reduce the size and depth of atrophic acne scars too. While testing, I also found this primer to be *excellent* at minimizing the look of large pores and giving my skin a matte (but not overly drying) finish throughout the day.

• Key ingredients: Medical-grade silicone, peptides, retinol

• Usage: Daily as needed

THE REVIEW: "This is absolutely a game changer if you want to even out your texture before applying your foundation," reads one review. "I have indented scars and this makes my makeup look so much better—it's so good at blurring and smoothing,"

Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution

Designed with all skin tones and skin types (even those with reactive, sensitive skin) in mind, this gentle, yet effective, serum helps to minimize the look of uneven texture and acne scars while helping to soothe and calm skin. During the testing process, I was impressed by the lightweight, fast-absorbing texture and how my skin look calmer and clearer after just a few weeks of use.

• Key ingredients: Aloe leaf powder, pentapeptide-4, N-acetyl glucosamine

• Usage: Morning and evening

THE REVIEW: "This is a really great solution for acne scarring," writes a reviewer. "It's affordable and it feels lightweight on the face. I used it to target post acne scarring and felt like I noticed a difference in my skin."

Major Fade Active Seal Moisturizer

This face moisturizer from board-certified dermatologist Shereene Idriss's skincare line is a regular in my skincare rotation—especially post-breakout when I'm trying to fade a dark mark or spot. The lightweight gel texture feels amazing on my skin, and the combo of brightening vitamin C and 4-butylresorcinol helps visibly fade hyperpigmentation and give my skin a nice glow.

• Key ingredients: Vitamin C, 4-butylresorcinol, glycerin

• Usage: Morning and evening

THE REVIEW: "After just a week of using this product, I noticed improvement in my skin's brightness and texture," reads a review. " I’ve used all types of vitamin C products before but have never been happier than after trying this. I will be repurchasing the whole set!"

Adapalene Gel Acne Treatment

The hero ingredient in this topical treatment is adapalene, a type of retinoid for acne that was previously available via prescription but is now for sale at the drugstore, says dermatologist Dan Belkin, MD. In my testing experience, adapalene is not only great for clearing up active acne (including whiteheads, blackheads, and cysts), but for fading the dark marks and scars they leave behind too. And since adapalene can help stimulate collagen production, the ingredient can smooth rough, uneven texture from old breakouts too.

• Key ingredient: Adapalene

• Usage: Evening

THE REVIEW: "I have always struggled with really bad acne and was starting to give up on over-the-counter facial products…until I was recommended Differin. This product has changed my life. I no longer feel embarrassed to walk around make-up free. Differin has cleared up my acne, leaving a soft and hydrated finish," writes a tester.

The Resurfacing Compound Skin Care Treatment

Smooth and brighten your skin with this top-rated serum from U Beauty. "The formula's main ingredient is glycolic acid," says Dr. Belkin. The fruit-derived acid has been shown not only to exfoliate but also to stimulate dermal collagen production—two key things for reducing the appearance of acne scars and uneven texture.

• Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, mandelic acid, hyaluronic acid, retinol

• Usage: Morning and evening

THE REVIEW: "I was dealing with some spots and they just wouldn’t go away. This morning when I woke up I looked in the mirror and felt truly happy with my skin. This product is amazing—and took the place of three different products in my routine. Seems pricey but it’s worth it if you ask me."

Hyperfade Dark Spot Microdart Patch

Chances are you've tried pimple patches to treat your active breakouts, but what about your acne scars? These genius patches are designed to do just that, thanks to teeny tiny micro darts that infuse spots and marks with a concentrated blend of licorice root, tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C to help fade their appearance in just a few weeks. I've been hooked on these dark spot patches for months now—as soon as an active zit heals I pop on a patch every third night until the spot fades.

• Key ingredients: Licorice root, tranexamic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C

• Usage: Evening

THE REVIEW: "Everyone's skin is different, but this was the best purchase ever I've made for my skin. I used one patch and after two days I saw a noticeable difference in my acne scars."

Crystal Retinal 1 Serum

This serum uses retinaldehyde—a potent, fast-acting form of retinol that only requires one conversion to retinoic acid, the active form of vitamin A—to help to improve overall skin tone and texture and reduce the look of acne scars, says dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD. "The double-encapsulation system and incorporation of glycerin and hyaluronic acid makes it gentle on the skin and helps to minimize irritation too."

• Key ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid, glycerin

• Usage: Evening

THE REVIEW: "Did a lot of research before pulling the trigger on this product," says a tester. "I have super sensitive skin so have been cautious about starting a retinol but I'm very pleased with product— absolutely no drying or negative side effects."

Stubborn Marks PM Treatment

Proof that you don't need to spend a ton of $$ on retinol treatment for your acne scars? This top-rated option from drugstore skincare brand Neutrogena. It contains a stable, time-released form of the ingredient to gently fade acne marks and scars without causing irritation or drying out your skin like some other retinol products have a tendency to do.

• Key ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid

• Usage: Evening

THE REVIEW: "I had an red mark from a cyst that wouldn’t go away after eight months," reads one tester review. "I tried all the treatments including lasers and nothing worked. Then I purchased this and it's working remarkably well! I use it consistently at night and my spot is definitely fading."

Rescue Balm Post-Blemish Recovery Cream

This nourishing balm is another great option for treating that post-inflammation hyperpigmentation and redness that lingers after your breakout has healed, says dermatologist Ranella Hirsch, MD. It reduces redness, inflammation, and scaly texture with a blend of moisturizing panthenol, softening and strengthening peptides, and vitamin E to improve tone and texture. It's also great for layering under makeup if you decide to cover up your acne scars with concealer or foundation.

• Key ingredients: Peptides, panthenol, beta glucan

• Usage: Daily as needed

THE REVIEW: "I had a very big scar after picking a pimple that looked like a hole on my forehead," reads a review. "Normally these scars take up to two weeks to heal for me, but I used this product three three days and wow! The scar is basically gone!"

Super Radiance Resurfacing Facial Treatment

Dr. Garshick recommends this weekly face mask for anyone dealing with acne scars and marks. "Using a blend of AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs, this resurfacing treatment helps to exfoliate to get rid of dead skin cells, improving the appearance of acne scars and blemishes," says Dr. Garshick. "It also contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate and nourish the skin so it won’t be left feeling dry or irritated."

• Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, polyglutamic acid

• Usage: Once a week

THE REVIEW: "This product did everything it said it would do and more," writes one tester, adding "after the first use my skin was so soft and glowing so now I am using twice a week." "Yes, it is pricey but it’s definitely worth it," says another reviewer.

EradiKate Acne Mark Fading Gel Salicylic Acid

If you're dealing with a mix of whiteheads, blackheads, and acne scars from old breakouts all at once, this lightweight gel can definitely help. It uses salicylic acid to unclog pores and clear up breakouts, a prebiotic complex to strengthen your skin's protective barrier, and niacinamide to visibly fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and uneven skin texture.

• Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, prebiotics, niacinamide

• Usage: Morning and/or evening

THE REVIEW: "Oh my god my skin has never been better after using this morning and night for a couple weeks. My skin texture is the best it’s ever been. You need this if you have post-acne marks."

UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

Sunscreen isn't a traditional acne scar treatment, but it's an absolute must in your routine if you want your acne scars to fade quickly. If you haven't found a sunscreen you love, I highly recommend this one from EltaMD. It uses SPF 46 to protect your skin and prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from darkening, along with brightening niacinamide to even out your skin tone.

• Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, octinoxate, niacinamide

• Usage: Morning

THE REVIEW: "This is worth the hype," reads one tester review. "It's lightweight, transparent, non-greasy, doesn't run into your eyes, and is flawless under makeup. And it dries down quick, so you aren't left with the tacky/wet feeling of so many sunscreens."

DermaRoller for Face and Skin 0.25 mm

"I love dermarollers for at home use," says dermatologist Karan Lal, MD, adding that "some may find it controversial, but if you get one that is 0.25mm it is safe to use at home." The safety lies not in the roller but in the prep, says Dr. Lal. "You have to use 70 percent alcohol to clean your roller before and after use and also be sure you throw it out after one month of consistent use." Dermarollers are great at stimulating collagen (again, this is a must for reducing acne scars), minimizing pore size, and helping the active ingredients in your skincare products better penetrate your skin too.

• Usage: Once or twice a week

THE REVIEW: "I am 23 years old and have struggled with large pores, dull skin, hormonal acne, and acne scars for years. I started using this nightly for about three weeks and ITS MAGIC. My skin is dewy and my scarring had faded significantly. I wish I discovered this sooner."

LED Mask

This at-home LED mask incorporates red and near-infrared light which penetrates deep into the dermis (deeper than topical skincare can get) to stimulate fibroblasts and smooth the look of acne scars, says Dr. Belkin. For best results, use the mask on clean skin five times a week for 10 minutes and in four weeks you'll see a visible difference in your skin texture and acne scars.

• Usage: 10 minutes daily

THE REVIEW: "I’ve been using this mask for six weeks now and I can see nice results," writes one tester, adding that "my complexion is more even, my skin looks brighter, and my dark spots and marks are lighter too."

SmoothBeauty Laser

This laser from Tria is non-ablative, meaning it doesn’t damage the top layer of your skin, says Dr. Lal. Instead, it gently heats your skin to improve its texture and tone with continued use. "While it is not FDA-approved for acne scars, I think it’s a great at-home device for patients who cannot afford in-office laser treatments to address their scarring," says Dr. Lal. "When used correctly, it’s also safe for all skin types too."

• Usage: 5 days a week for 12 weeks

THE REVIEW: "I have had laser treatments at a dermatologist's office that were expensive, $350-ish per treatment, and I needed at least four treatments to see any result," says a tester, adding that "after using this just a couple of weeks I'm seeing amazing results and have saved a ton of money in the long run too."

Which treatment is best for acne scars?

As a I mentioned earlier, the best, most effective treatments for acne scars are professional treatments—including lasers (like Fraxel and IPL), radiofrequency microneedling, and chemical peels (like a VI Peel). All of these options will give you a noticeable difference in your acne scars and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation quickly.

That said, these treatments are usually pricey (in New York City, one Fraxel session can cost $1,000) and they're not always easily accessible, which is where over-the-counter products, tools, and devices (like the ones above) come in handy. These at-home options *do* work, but they need to be used consistently (usually for months) to see a real, noticeable change in skin.

Can you permanently get rid of acne scars?

Generally yes, you can permanently get rid of acne scars. Unlike other forms of hyperpigmentation (like melasma), once you've faded your acne scars and marks they won't come back. Same goes for atrophic or indented acne scars, although they are much more difficult to permanently get rid of with at-home treatments.

The biggest thing to keep in mind here is that you're active acne needs to be under control before you can think about permanently fading your acne scars. My best advice is to see a board-certified derm to get your breakouts in check, then focus on fading any resulting scars and marks.

Does vitamin C remove acne scars?

Yes! Vitamin C can remove acne scars—but only the kind that looks like brown, purple, or red marks. Vitamin C helps regulate pigment production to help fade discoloration—plus it has antioxidant properties that can help protect your skin from UV and environmental damage (two things that can make acne scars look darker).

How to choose an acne scar treatment:

First, identify the type of acne scars you have.

Most acne scars appear as are either categorized as atrophic scars or as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) or post-inflammatory erythema (PIE). Atrophic acne scars (or pockmarks) appear as hollow indents or divot in the skin from a sudden loss of collagen, which is a result of inflammation that occurred at the time the acne lesion was active.

In general, atrophic scars are a result of angry, cystic acne. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation looks like flat purple or brown marks (and usually present on deeper marks), while post-inflammatory erythema looks like flat red marks (and usually present on lighter skin).

These types of acne scars are also caused by inflammation from your breakout, but instead of your skin losing collagen (which would result in pockmarks), it produces excess pigment and discoloration where your breakout was instead.

Look for ingredients best suited to your specific type of acne scarring.

If you're dealing with atrophic acne scars, you'll need to choose an acne scar treatment that has ingredients that stimulate collagen (like retinol or peptides) and/or have resurfacing properties, like glycolic and lactic acids.

If you're mostly dealing with flat dark marks or red spots, an acne scar treatment with brightening ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, or tranexamic acid will be your best option.

Meet the experts:

• Karan Lal, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in Hackensack and Hillsborough, NJ. Dr. Lal specializes in pediatric and adult dermatology, laser surgery, and treating skin for People of Color.

• Dan Belkin, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at New York Dermatology Group and NYDG Wellness in New York, NY. Dr. Belkin is an expert in aesthetics and skin health and has experience in a wide range of lasers, energy-based devices, surgical techniques, and injectables.

• Marisa Garshick, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York, NY and a clinical assistant professor at Cornell. Dr. Garshick specializes in general medical dermatology as well as cosmetic dermatology.

• Ranella Hirsch, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Massachusetts. Dr. Hirsch is an expert in all fields of dermatology and dedicates her time to debunking skin and beauty myths on her social media platforms.

Why trust Cosmopolitan?

Lauren Balsamo is deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan with nearly a decade of experience researching, writing, and editing skincare stories that range from the best retinol eye creams to the best pore minimizing treatments. She’s an authority in all skincare categories but an expert when it comes to acne scars and the best acne scar treatments for all skin types. She regularly tests and analyzes acne scars treatments for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top dermatologists and estheticians to assess new formulas, brands, and technologies.

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