The Fast Facts
- Acne can cause scarring. Some topical products may help prevent and reduce the appearance of acne scars.
- We asked three dermatologists which products they recommend for acne scars.
- Top picks include ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, and salicylic acid. CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum is a popular choice.
- Best budget serum for acne scars: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Oil Control Serum | Skip to review
- Best post-breakout treatment for acne scars: Naturium Tranexamic Acid Topical Acid 5% | Skip to review
Acne can affect teens and adults alike, thanks to a variety of causes: hormonal changes, medications, diet, and genetics, to name a few.
Besides being a nuisance, acne can also cause scarring, especially when breakouts are picked or popped.
While some scars fade over time, others may be permanent. However, with some dermatologist-recommended products that help treat acne scars, you can lessen the damage caused by breakouts.
Our panel of experts
- Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, a qualified dermatologist in New York City
- Joshua Zeichner, MD, the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital’s Department of Dermatology
- Dr. Jeannette Graf, a board certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
To create this list, we asked dermatologists which products they swear by for the different types of acne scarring.
They took into consideration:
- skin type
- efficacy of the products
- any safety concerns patients should be mindful of
Keep in mind that some scarring can be treated at home, but it’s best to talk with a dermatologist about severe scarring. Aside from over-the-counter (OTC) products that you can pick up at major retailers, there are other ways to help fade acne scars.
It’s a good idea to talk with your dermatologist about these alternatives during your appointment.
Sifting through all the acne scar products available can get frustrating. There are slews to choose from. It’s a good idea to visit your dermatologist before you start a routine with your new OTC routine for acne scars.
Your healthcare provider can help you narrow down which acne scar types you experience and offer information on your skin type. Overall, the best approach is to choose a product that targets the type of acne scar you experience — raised acne scars, depressed scars, hyperpigmentation, etc. Many products are designed to treat certain acne scar types and address certain skin types.
Read product labels carefully before using them for the first time, looking for any ingredients you may be allergic to or sensitive to. For example, some products include fragrance or alcohol, and these can be too irritating or drying to certain skin types.
Performing a patch test using your acne scar product is a good idea. Apply a small amount of it to your inner wrist and watch for signs of irritation for 24 hours. You can test the product out on your face if no irritation pops up.
It’s also a good idea to look over product reviews and make sure the brand you’re shopping from has a positive reputation.
There are several types of acne scars. According to Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, a dermatologist in New York City, acne scarring usually presents as:
- Hyperpigmentation: This may be brown or red discoloration.
- Depressed scars: Also known as atrophic scars, these include ice pick scars (narrow and deep), boxcar scars (shallow with sharp edges), and rolling scars (shallow with smooth edges).
- Raised scars: These are also known as hypertrophic, or keloidal, scars.
“Severe acne has a greater chance of leaving permanent scars while it heals,” Garshick adds. She also notes that topical treatments can only take you so far. Chemical peels and microneedling are also beneficial in diminishing acne scarring.
Joshua Zeichner, MD, the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital’s Department of Dermatology, adds, “Unfortunately, topical treatments have limited use in treating acne scars, and physical modalities, like lasers, are often needed.”
Zeichner says depressed scars usually benefit more from lasers, thick and raised scars are treated with cortisone injections, and ice pick scars are usually removed with a minor surgical procedure.
Scarring occurs as a result of injury to the skin and excess oil production, bacteria, and inflammation.
Zeichner explains, “Inflammation in the skin tells our pigment-producing cells to become overactive, explaining why pimples leave behind dark spots.”
The hyperpigmentation that remains isn’t permanent, but it can be uncomfortable for some people. It can also present differently, depending on your complexion.
“[Hyperpigmentation] is more common in patients with darker skin tones,” he adds. “Whereas, [lighter-skinned] patients are often left with pink or red spots in areas where there used to be pimples. This post-inflammatory erythema heals on its own over several weeks.”
Although most superficial breakouts heal on their own without leaving a significant mark, there are others that leave a more noticeable scar behind.
“This is why it’s advised to avoid picking pimples. It can lead to more injury to the skin, which can lead to a greater chance of a scar,” Garshick says.
Besides using these products to improve acne scars, there are a few other changes you may want to make to your skin care routine.
Use sunscreen
Garshick says sunscreen should be used daily for added protection.
“While some topical treatments may help to lighten the marks, with unprotected sun exposure the marks can darken again,“ she explains.
Don’t over apply
The number of applications per week varies based on the product. Some products are meant to be used daily, while others should only be used a couple times per week.
Garshick warns to avoid applying too much product too soon. This will help minimize irritation or dryness.
If you have sensitive skin, it’s best to only use one product at a time.
Cleanse and moisturize
“In general, it’s often best to cleanse prior to applying any leave-on or topical products, and apply moisturizer after use, unless otherwise directed,“ Garshick advises.
Additionally, she recommends applying a thin layer and avoiding multiple harsh active ingredients all at once, leading to dryness and heightened sensitivity.
Talk with your healthcare provider
If you’re pregnant, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about which products are safe to use and which you should avoid.
“While OTC acne scar treatments might lessen the look of acne scars, there could be side effects,” says Dr. Jeannette Graf, a board certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
These possible side effects include:
- dry skin
- irritation
- redness
- burning
- peeling
Graf explains that these products can have a high percentage of active ingredients that can cause side effects for sensitive skin.
“It’s best to start by using these products in small amounts so the skin can get used to them and if you’re concerned about irritation, test it on a small patch of skin before using,” she says.
According to Graf, acne scars will fade with time but may not completely go away on their own.
“Sometimes, it can take 4 to 6 months for acne scars to fade on their own. Since acne scars are skin damage that has affected the texture and color of the skin, acne scar treatments can help lessen these effects with active ingredients and exfoliants,” she says.
Acne scar products that contain the right ingredients can be effective.
“Retinoid gels will speed up skin cell turnover and decrease the swelling of the skin and will effectively fade acne scars,” Graf explains.
AHA and BHA products, as Graf points out, can help improve the texture of the skin and even out the skin tone.
“Salicylic acid will brighten the skin, exfoliate it, and prevent new acne scars.,” she says.
To speed up the process of lightening acne scars, Graf suggests using products with active ingredients, like AHA and vitamin C.
“Both of these ingredients will work together to lighten, exfoliate, even out skin pigmentation, and renew the surface of the skin. This will reduce the look of your acne scars at a faster rate,” she says.
Some types of acne scarring, like discoloration, may be treatable at home.
However, OTC topical treatments can only do so much. If you have severe scarring, it’s best to seek the help of a dermatologist.