Dermatologist's Say These Are The Most Effective Acne Scar Products

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Anyone who's struggled with acne knows that the scars left behind are sometimes worse than the breakouts themselves. Luckily, there's plenty you can do to minimize their appearance. Your first—and best—strategy is prevention, so keep your hands off your face—picking at pimples is definitely a "don't" when you have acne, says Rita Linkner, M.D., clinical instructor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai."Physically manipulating your skin is a big instigator for scars," she explains. "Extractions of problematic pimples should always be handled by a board-certified dermatologist." You'll also want to be proactive about treating your acne by seeing a dermatologist or treating your whiteheads or blackheads at home with a great face wash, acne-clearing serum, or a moisturizer formulated for oily skin.

But even if you're steadfast in your avoidance of picking, genetics may not be on your side. "Studies have shown that regardless of the severity of the acne, some people just have a genetic tendency to scar," says Linkner. These can be the deep, narrow ice pick scars, or the wider, more shallow boxcar variety. That's when you'll need a treatment regimen for the scars themselves.

Doctors have a variety of tools at their disposal to address scarring—prescriptions like Accutane, lasers, and chemical peels—but there are also acne scar products you can purchase over-the-counter that could help, too. They're best used when scars are fresh (less than a year old). We've included an array of options from dermatologists that can address pitted scars and work for darker skin tones.

Rapid Clear 2-in-1 Fight & Fade Toner

Salicylic acid is a tried-and-true acne treatment ingredient that's available over-the-counter. But this ingredient may also help minimize the appearance of scars, says Howard Sobel, M.D., board-certified dermatologist. "Salicylic acid works to remove dead skin cells without stripping the barrier," he says. This gentle toner contains the ingredient, and is one of Sobel's top picks.

Banisher 2.0

Banish founder Daisy Jing had been suffering from acne since she was in the third grade, so she decided to take matters into her own hands and develop a line of products to address her breakouts and the residual scarring. Enter this tool, which applies even pressure of its 24K gold-plated titanium bristles to stimulate collagen production and minimize the appearance of scars.

Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0

Another acne- and age-fighting superstar ingredient is retinol. "Retinol is FDA-approved to to treat fine lines and wrinkles because it helps improve cellular turnover," explains Julie Russak, M.D., founder of Russak Dermatology Clinic and Russak+ Aesthetic Center. "This may also help reduce the appearance of acne scars by smoothing out the surface of the skin and promoting healthy new cells." This powerful product is suitable for all skin tones, but start slowly: Apply twice a week at night to start, gradually increasing usage as your skin tolerates it.

Beauty Stamp

Dermatologists often use microdermabrasion and microneedling treatments in office to minimize the appearance of pitted acne scars, and this tool—though not nearly as powerful as a professional treatment—can be used similarly at home. Simply press the tiny stamp all over the skin on your face, rotating it in the direction of the stamp. It creates tiny microimpressions that stimulate the production of collagen and elastic to refine skin's texture.

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

"Niacinamide reduces redness and evens out the skin tone so it can reduce the uneven coloring that scars leave behind," says Sobel. One of his favorite products is this serum, which combines 10% niacinamide with 1% zinc to address oversize pores, oiliness, and superficial scars.

Dark Spot Correcting Serum

This gel contains vitamin C and niacinamide to promote a more even skin tone. Whether you're dealing with post-acne marks, hyperpigmentation, blotches, age spots, or freckles, this option has got you covered.

Resist Daily Pore-Refining Treatment 2 BHA

The best offense for acne scars is a great defense. This treatment contains blemish-fighting salicylic acid and skin-strengthening peptides to clear congested pores and prevent the formation of breakouts altogether.

Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight

"Alpha hydroxy acids, which are also known as AHAs, are liquid exfoliants that help clean out dead skin cells from pores, leaving the skin looking fresh and AHAs help with discoloration as well," Sobel explains. This overnight treatment from SkinCeuticals contains 10 percent glycolic acid to resurface skin while you snooze.

30% Glycolic Acid Peel Concentrate

If your skin can handle a more intense glycolic acid treatment, Sobel recommends this 30 percent at-home peel from his line. "It's able to reverse the uneven appearance that acne scars leave behind," he says of the supercharged formula.

Micro Peel Peptide Pads

These peel pads pair 10% resurfacing glycolic acid with algae peptides, which work to minimize any discomfort or irritation from the AHA.

AHA/BHA Cream

"This cream exfoliates the skin to remove dead skin cells and improve texture," says Russak. "It also brightens skin, which is a great way to address the hyperpigmentation aspect of acne scarring while decreasing the inflammation that contributes to acne and cleaning out pores."

InvisiScar Resurfacing Treatment

This unique product combines salicylic acid with potent antioxidants that fade discoloration and brighten skin. This leave-on also contains purified TECA centella asiatica, a barrier-repairing ingredient that can help to visibly improve skin's texture. Plus, light-reflecting powders and blurring ingredients instantly minimize the look of pitted scars.

Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter

Acne scars are no match for this powerful formula. It contains vitamin C, glucosamine, and salicylic acid to help correct current dark spots and prevent future ones.

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