The 10 Best Products to Get Rid of Acne Scars

Before you even think about popping at your acne, consider the long-term effects. You know what happens next – a fresh zit appears; you pop it before going to sleep and see that it left behind a scar for you to pick off later. Repeating this cycle will damage your skin and cause more acne scars.

Acne scars result from the inflammation of pimples. Acne scarring has four types. They are rolling, atrophic, hypertrophic, and ice pick scars.

Some scars will heal over time, but others are permanent. There are, however, dermatologist-recommended products for acne scars that can lessen the damage from acne breakouts.

We interviewed dermatologists to find which products work best for each type of acne scarring.

The dermatologists consider the following factors while selecting the products:

• Skin Type
• Product efficiency
• Safety concerns patients should be mindful of

People can treat some scars at home, but it’s always best to consult a dermatologist for severe scarring. Besides the OTC products, there are other treatments available that might help fade acne scars. Talk with your dermatologist about these alternatives.

Our List of the best acne scar treatment products is.

1. Differin Gel Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment

Best For All Acne Scars. OTC retinoid for acne scars.

Skin Type: acne-prone, normal, oily, combination.

Main Ingredients: adapalene 0.1% (retinoid).

Use: Once daily.

Differin Gel is an OTC topical prescription containing Adapalene that helps decrease swelling and inflammation, prevents breakouts, and treats scars. It can help even skin tone changes due to acne scars while boosting collagen production.

Pros:

• FDA-approved OTC
• Fragrance-free
• Good for all acne types
• Boost collagen

Cons:

• Breakouts may worsen before getting better
• Requires consistent use
• May cause redness, stinging, or dryness

2. Neutrogena Rapid Clear 2-in-1 Fight & Fade Toner

Best For All acne scar types. Skin toner for acne scars.

Skin Type: Acne-prone.

Main Ingredients: 2% salicylic acid.

Use: Twice or thrice a day.

Toner is an integral component of most skin care routines after cleansing. There are many types of toners, but Neutrogena Rapid Clear 2-in-1 Fight & Fade Toner has become a favorite among those who suffer from acne. The toner has salicylic acid, which reduces breakouts and fades scarring.

The toner also contains glycolic acid, which exfoliates away old dead skin cells, and the Glyctone Enhance Brightening Complex combined with Azelaic Acid helps for a brighter complexion. Azelaic acid and glycolic acid are pregnancy safe, thus making it an option for pregnant or nursing mothers to battle acne and hyperpigmentation.

Pros:

• Exfoliant acts fast
• Soothing
• Brightening
• Budget-friendly

Cons:

• Fragrance
• Dryness or peeling
• Not suitable for sensitive skin types

3. skinbetter science AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads

Best For All acne scar types. Exfoliating peel pads.

Skin Type: Any skin type.

Main Ingredients: lactic, glycolic, and salicylic acid.

Use: Thrice a week.

This product is more expensive than most on this list, but you need to use it twice a week. These pads are a mixture of hydroxy acids, including lactic acid, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid. They combine with AlphaRet, a retinoid that helps boost collagen production. It is easy to use and a great option for anyone who wants to brighten the skin, improve skin tone and texture, and reduce or eliminate acne marks.

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Fragrance and dye-free
• Cruelty-free

Cons:

• Costly
• Drying and irritating

4. SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

Best For All acne scar types. An exfoliating cleanser for scars.

Skin Type: All types.

Main Ingredients: Licorice root extract, salicylic acid, glycerin.

Use: Day-night routine.

This cleanser offers both exfoliation and deep-cleaning properties. It contains an assortment of alpha hydroxy acids, including lactic acid, glycolic acid, citric acid, and malic acid – which helps to improve skin tone and texture while preventing breakouts.

Pros:

• Improves tone and texture
• alcohol-free
• paraben-free

Cons:

• Scented
• May cause redness
• Irritating or drying
• Use SPF while using this cleanser

5. Dove Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash

Best For All acne scar types. Exfoliating body cleanser for sensitive skin.

Skin Type: Dry, normal, mature.

Main Ingredients: Stearic acid, palmitic acid.

Use: Daily.

Acne is common on the face but may appear on your back and chest. Those with acne scars will find relief when they use this inexpensive cleanser. With its gentle exfoliation and hydration, the skin feels fresh and rejuvenated. It is good for those who can’t tolerate an abrasive scrub.

Pros:

• Gentle moisturizing product
• Budget-friendly
• Sulfates and parabens free
• Cruelty-free

Cons:

• Fragrance

6. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

Best For All acne scar types. Retinol serum for scars.

Skin Type: Dry, oily, acne-prone, combination, mature.

Main Ingredients: Ceramides, licorice root extract, niacinamide, retinol.

Use: Daily.

This Cerave retinol serum is perfect for all acne marks. Retinol helps resurface skin’s natural texture and improves skin tone, while licorice root extract brightens the complexion and enhances facial features. This serum has ceramides and niacinamide, which makes it very effective in soothing skin

Pros:

• Noncomedogenic
• Soothing and brightening
• Fragrance and parabens free

Cons:

• Sunscreen is necessary
• Drying

7. EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40

Best For Discoloration. Sunscreen.

Skin Type: Normal, combination, normal, post-procedure.

Main Ingredients: 7.5% octinoxate, 9% zinc oxide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E.

Use: Every two hours.

Sunscreen is important, no matter your skincare routine – but it also plays a key role in protecting against acne scarring. This sunscreen has niacinamide, which helps soothe skin by calming any possible redness or improving discoloration. This sunscreen is perfect for people who are acne prone or have skin discolorations. This lightweight, oil-free sunscreen does not feel greasy.

Pros: 

• Nongreasy
• Good for use under makeup
• Noncomedogenic, fragrance, parabens, and alcohol-free
• Airless pump for easy dispensing

Cons:

• Costly

8. SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense

Best For Discoloration, and anti-aging. Oil-free serum.

Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone, mature, combination.

Main Ingredients: Dioic acid, salicylic acid, dioic acid, glycolic acid.

Use: Day and night routine.

This oil-free face serum is expensive but highly rated. It has dioic acid, which helps reduce excess oil production. It also has salicylic acid and glycolic acid, which will lead to clearer skin free of blemishes and post-acne marks.

This is beneficial for all types of acne scars but would help someone looking to improve signs of aging. When using this product, it’s essential to apply a good lotion afterward if you have dry or sensitive skin.

Pros:

• Oil, fragrance, and parabens free
• Brightening
• Help clogged pores
• Highly rated

Cons:

• Peeling
• Costly
• Drying, Irritation

9. RoC RETINOL CORREXION Line Smoothing Night Serum Capsules

Best For Depressed or rolling scars. Overnight retinol.

Skin Type: Mature.

Main Ingredients: Antioxidant dimethylmethoxy chromanol, retinol.

Use: Night.

This retinol comes in capsules. Retinol stimulates skin cell turnover, improving the appearance of mild scars, and increasing collagen production. 

Pros:

• Free of alcohol, fragrance, and paraben
• Targets fine lines
• Biodegradable
• Easy to use

Cons:

• Use consistently

10. Alpha-H Liquid Gold with Glycolic Acid

Best For Discoloration. Glycolic acid for acne scars.

Skin Type: All skin types.

Main Ingredients: Glycolic acid, licorice root extract.

Use: Every other night.

Exfoliating ingredients, such as salicylic acid and glycolic acid, assist in shedding darkly pigmented cells from the skin.

If your skin is sensitive, you might want to gradually introduce this new product into your routine or limit the number of days you apply it.

Pros:

• Brightening
• Treats fine lines, dullness, and pigmentation
• helps with sunburns
• Free of parabens and fragrance
• cruelty-free

Cons:

• Intense for sensitive skin
• Temporary tingling sensation
• Alcohol denat

Final Thoughts:

Certain acne scars, like discoloration, can be treated at home. However, over-the-counter topical creams and treatments cannot always work miracles. For severe scarring, it is best to see a dermatologist for assistance.