If You've Got Acne Scarring, Derms Say These Products Can Help

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Dealing with acne is frustrating enough, and acne scars make it worse. There are so many skincare products out there—face masks for acne, pimple patches, acne face washes, and more—that promise to clear up those blemishes for good, but pinpointing the miracle-worker for you is also a real journey.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), when acne clears, your body kicks into gear to heal the skin where the breakout occurred. Generally, this process takes anywhere from seven to 10 days, often without any scarring at all. But sometimes you may notice sunken, raised, or red and brown scars.

Acne scars are more likely to develop if you have deep, cystic acne or picked, popped, squeezed, or scratched a blemish. Your likelihood of developing acne scars also appears to be genetic, according to AAD. Either way, lingering acne scars can really feel like adding insult to injury when you've battled acne.

The good news? While the scars may not ever go away entirely, dermatologists told us the scars can certainly fade—and to a level that most people will never even notice.

How to fade acne scars

Acne scars can come in many varieties, and the treatment approach varies depending on what kind of acne scars you have. But it's important to note that no matter what type of acne scars you have, controlling breakouts with common over-the-counter acne products such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide is the first step, says Rosanne Paul, DO, a dermatologist at University Hospitals in Ohio.

It's also vital to incorporate sunscreen into your everyday regimen to prevent any discoloration from worsening, Paul says. "It is important to note that complete resolution of acne scars may not always be possible, but various treatment options can help minimize their appearance and improve skin texture," says Whitney Tolpinrud, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in San Diego. Here are some of those treatments:

• Topical treatments: Certain topical treatments can help fade the appearance of acne scars over time. These may include ingredients such as retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), and vitamin C. These ingredients can help promote skin cell turnover, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve overall skin texture.
  

• Chemical peels: Chemical peels involve the application of a solution to the skin, which exfoliates the outer layer and stimulates the growth of new skin cells. This can help improve the appearance of acne scars by promoting skin renewal and reducing discoloration.
  

• Microneedling: Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that utilizes a device equipped with small needles to create precise micro-injuries in the skin. These controlled injuries stimulate the production of collagen. As a result, microneedling can contribute to the improvement of acne scars by enhancing the skin's texture and overall appearance with consistent treatment over time.
  

• Laser therapy: Laser treatments, such as fractional laser resurfacing, can target the deeper layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production and help improve the appearance of acne scars. This procedure uses laser energy to promote skin remodeling and reduce scar visibility.
  

• Dermal fillers: Dermal fillers can be used to temporarily fill in depressed acne scars, making them less noticeable. These fillers are injected into the skin to provide volume and improve the overall smoothness of the acne scars.

For serious acne-scares—like divots in the skin—the dermatologists we spoke to recommend seeking out a board-certified physician to discuss the risks and benefits of any treatments.

But if you want to get started treating your acne scars at home, here are the 15 best acne scar treatment products you can start using now, all recommended and reviewed by dermatologists and our editorial team.

Max Complexion Correction Pads

For a little extra help in the exfoliating department, apply a product with glycolic acid. It's kind of like a chemical sand paper, working to slough off dead skin cells, softening and smoothing the edges of your acne scars over time.

Y. Claire Chang, MD, a dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City, recommends these pads, which not only contain glycolic acid, but also salicylic acid. Testers say they've noticed a huge difference in the appearance of their acne scars in just a few months.

Intensive Brightening Treatment

Michelle Henry, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, says her favorite acne scar treatment is a prescription product called Epiduo Forte. But if you want something similar you can try at home, she says this brightening serum is a worthy contender.

PCA Skin's over-the-counter retinoid contains the recommended 0.5 percent of retinol. Testers say the formula dramatically reduced their dark spots—both sun spots and discoloration from acne scars.

Acne Treatment Gel

Anyone who has struggled with acne has likely heard of Differin gel. Sure, the vitamin-A-packed treatment is typically used to treat blemishes themselves, but Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine, says it can also help with any resulting scars. That's because it helps boost collagen production which can help plump up the skin, making it harder for acne scars to form in the first place.

Pure Vitamin C Face Serum

Another one of Gohara's favorites, this pure vitamin C serum from La Roche-Posay clocks in at less than $50 and contains acne-fighting salicylic acid. "A lot of science went into developing this over-the-counter option," says Gohara. "It adds radiance to the skin by effectively fighting off free radical damage from UV light and other external sources."

Testers say a little goes a long way, upping the overall value of the product. Not to mention, it really works. Our testers said their acne scars were much lighter just a few weeks later after first use, plus their skin looked more radiant overall.

Skincare Oil

You've gotta love a drugstore product that can get the job done—and efficiently, to boot. Bio-Oil says their product helps improve the appearance of uneven skin tones or pigmentation (i.e. acne scars), thanks to ingredients like vitamin E, lavender oil, and chamomile oil. It also has hydrating properties to help smooth and tone wrinkled skin.

Our tester saw reduced acne scars in just three to four weeks, but the real magic happened over the course of a year and a half. "I have now been using Bio-Oil for around 18 months. My scarring has gone down by around 90 percent and my skin hardly ever feels dry," she said.

Mighty Patch Micropoint

For really stubborn spots, consider a highly-targeted treatment option, like a dark spot patch. These micropoint patches contain an impressive 173 microneedles designed to deliver a healthy dose of brightening ingredients like beta glucan, vitamin C, niacinamide, glycolic acid, and tranexamic acid.

Our tester said it "works wonders" on her acne scarring, noting that her only complaint is that the box only comes with eight patches.

100% Pure Silicone Gel

"Silagen products provide a medical-grade approach to scar treatment, utilizing silicone technology backed by clinical evidence to effectively minimize the appearance of acne scars and promote smoother, more even skin texture," says Reszko. The gel is lightweight, non-greasy, and suitable for all skin types, plus is easy to apply to targeted areas.

Our tester said this gel improved the appearance of acne scars, but also had the added bonus of almost completely eradicating a burn scar she had, too.

15% Vitamin C, Ashwagandha, And Turmeric

This is another powerful vitamin C treatment for any acne scarring and hyperpigmentation, says Gohara. The serum not only harnesses the brightening power of vitamin C, but also contains turmeric, which is a great anti-inflammatory ingredient for acne-prone individuals, she explains. It also happens to be a great pick for anyone with dry skin, since it contains hyaluronic acid, too.

Hyperfade

If you like dark spot patches, you have to try the latest patch from Zitsticka. Each patch offers targeted treatment and has a whopping 24 self-dissolving microdots that melt into your skin over the course of two hours. During this time, your skin will get a punch of niacinamide, arbutin, tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and licorice root extract—all derm-backed ingredients for reducing acne scars. One reviewer said "it literally worked overnight!"

Gly-Sal 5-2 Clarifying Pads

Pads are a highly convenient option because they're virtually mess-free—simply swipe them over the affected areas, whether on the face or the body. They're also a great option for frequent fliers, since you don't have to worry about any TSA liquid limits. Marina Peredo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, recommends pads like these because they're formulated with both glycolic acid and salicylic acid—two ingredients that are good for all types of acne scarring. Our tester said she noticed a "huge difference" in the overall appearance of her acne scars in just a few weeks.

Regenerating Skin Nectar With TriHex Technology

"This serum promotes the production of new collagen and strengthens the skin," Peredo says. She likes it because it heals and soothese the skin. One reviewer acknowledged the fact that it's a pricey pick, but said the splurge was well worth it. "The product feels so soothing on my skin. It leaves it feeling so soft and silky, but I know it's also working to diminish my dark spots." As a plus, the reviewer said she also noticed a reduction in fine lines, too.

Advanced Scar Treatment Gel

"This product is made up of medical-grade silicone and is ideal for burns or raised scars," says Peredo. Its formula has a unique ingredient called 'silishield', which is a cross-linked silicone that works to suppress scars and speed up healing, she explains. One reviewer said she's seen a difference in both new and old scars. "I love the creamy texture, too. It really works to soothe my skin at the same time," they said.

Face & Body Scar Gel

This scar gel may not feel like anything fancy, but both dermatologists and our testers say it really does help reduce the color of the scar, while improving skin texture. "Aloe vera extract, onion extract, and allantoin are the main ingredients, which soothe and heal the scars," says Peredo, who recommends it most for keloid and hypertrophic scars. "Whether you have old or new scars from surgery, injuries, burns, or even stretch marks, this gel works wonders," one reviewer said.

How we chose the best acne scar treatment products

For the past few months, Women’s Health editors, including associate e-commerce editor Lily Wohlner and contributor Brigitt Earley, have been researching the most popular and top-rated acne scar treatments on the market. Our team also consulted an array of board-certified dermatologists including Dr. Anetta Reszko, Dr. Suzanne Kilmer, Dr. Rosanne Paul, Dr. Marina Peredo, and Dr. Whitney Tolpinrud.

Meet the experts

• Anetta Reszko, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.

• Suzanne Kilmer, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Laser & Skin in Sacramento, California.

• Rosanne Paul, DO, is a board-certified dermatologistat University Hospitals in Ohio.

• Marina Peredo, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and associate clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

• Whitney Tolpinrud, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in San Diego.

• Y. Claire Chang, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Union Derm in New York City.

What to look for in the best acne scar treatments

If you're looking for the best acne scar treatment products you can try at home, here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping:

Ingredients

If you have discoloration, look for the following ingredients, says Tolpinrud:

• Retinoids: Retinoids, such as retinol or tretinoin, are derivatives of vitamin A that promote skin cell turnover and collagen production. They can help improve the appearance of acne scars by
  reducing discoloration and stimulating the growth of new, healthy skin cells.
  

• Hydroquinone: Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent that can be effective in reducing the appearance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which is a type of post-acne mark
  characterized by dark spots or patches on the skin. It works by inhibiting the production of melanin.
  

• Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs): AHAs, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, are exfoliating agents that can help improve skin texture and the appearance of acne scars. They work by removing
  dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover, which can help fade the appearance of scars over time.
  

• Salicylic acid: Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that has exfoliating and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and improve the appearance of acne scars.
  

• Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help brighten the skin and promote collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of acne scars by improving skin tone and texture.
  

• Niacinamide: Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, has anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening properties. It can help fade acne scars, reduce redness, and improve overall skin texture.
  

• Silicone-based products: Silicone-based gels or sheets can be applied topically to acne scars to help improve their appearance. They create a protective barrier over the scar, helping to retain moisture and flatten raised scars over time.

If you have depressed or raised acne scars, which are harder to treat and may never be completely eliminated, it's important to have them evaluated and treated by a board-certified dermatologist, says Paul.

Clinical Evidence

Choose products backed by scientific research and clinical trials demonstrating their effectiveness in treating acne scars.

Skin Type Compatibility

Consider your skin type and any sensitivities or allergies you may have when selecting products.

What causes acne scars?

When skin damage occurs, the body tries to repair itself by producing collagen, a protein that is responsible for the structure and shape of the skin. As the wound—aka the acne—heals, there can be a difference in the color or texture of the new skin in its wake. "In the case of acne scars, however, the healing process is incomplete which can lead to depressed scars," Kilmer explains. "When too much collagen is made, visible and raised scars form and remain visible."

Acne scars can also be formed by touching, picking, or poking at pimples, which causes irritation or damage that increases the risk of scarring, says Kilmer. And often, acne scarring can be out of your control. "Acne scars can also be caused by inflamed lesions that break below the skin’s surface, leaving behind scars," Kilmer adds.

What are the different types of acne scars?

Dermatologists lump acne scars into three general categories—discoloration, divots, and ice-pick or rolling scars—but if you want to dive a little deeper, AAD lists the following types of acne scars:

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: These are flat, discolored spots that generally disappear over time.

Hypertrophic scar: Raised acne scars that feel firm.

Keloid: Raised acne scars that grow larger over time.

Papular scar: Raised bumps that are skin-colored or lighter.

Ice-pick scars: Small indents that go deep into the skin.

Rolling scars: Wide and shallow depressions that may have a wavy appearance.

Boxcar scars: Round or oval-shaped depressions that are wider than ice pick scars but not as wide as rolling scars.

How long does it take for acne scars to go away?

"Depending on the type and severity of the acne scars, fading can take anywhere from a couple weeks to several months to fade," says Kilmer. " In more severe cases, additional laser treatments are often needed. You should be careful to not pick or touch the scars while they're healing, which could hinder the healing process. You should also wear sunscreen to avoid discoloration. Choose broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of at least 30, says Paul.

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