Let’s start with one thing: If you have acne or acne scars, that’s completely fine. It’s a myth that skin has to be smooth and clear to be glowy and beautiful. You don’t have to change anything about your skin (and we’re not going to tell you to, either). That said, you’re allowed to want to avoid scarring, lift discoloration, and fade acne scars. No shame either way. If you’re interested in the latter, we can help.
It’s important to keep in mind that not all types of acne scars are the same, and treating them also requires different approaches. “Acne can leave multiple types of scars. These are generally categorized into acne blemishes, atrophic acne scars, and hypertrophic acne scars,” explains Dr. Y. Claire Chang, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist.
Acne blemishes are distinguished by a change in skin color; these can be either red marks or dark spots, the latter of which are referred to as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Atrophic scars, commonly referred to as ice pick scars, are caused due to a loss of collagen and elastin and show up as actual changes in the texture of the skin (think: crevices and pits). And finally, hypertrophic scars or keloids are caused by haphazard collagen production that occurs during the wound healing process and shows up as growths of excess skin.1
We conducted hours of research on the best acne scar treatments, evaluating each formula on active ingredients to fade discoloration or help fill in pits and even out skin texture, depending on what type of acne scar you’re looking to treat. We considered how often you have to use each treatment, how long it takes to see visible results, and any extra benefits of the product, like youth boosting or active acne-fighting properties. After consulting with two board-certified dermatologists for their expert recommendations, we cross referenced their picks with top-rated fan favorites for options with the best value that are suited for each skin type, from oily to sensitive and everything in between. Worth noting, each pick on our list is safe for use and has been vetted by a board-certified dermatologist.
Best Overall: Murad InvisiScar Resurfacing Treatment
While different types of acne scars typically require different types of treatment, this option by Murad touts ingredients that work to address all kinds. The formula, which includes a blend of silicones, antioxidants, and salicylic acid, is designed to fill in areas of uneven skin texture as well as help even out tone and brighten any dark marks or discoloration. Use it twice daily, dabbing on a thin layer wherever you have the most stubborn scarring.
Best Budget: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
According to Dr. Chang, in-office treatments are the gold standard for addressing deep, atrophic scars. That being said, using topical retinol can help stimulate collagen, a boon when it comes to treating this type of scarring.2 Enter this drugstore pick— which, according to the brand, has been clinically proven to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles in just 12 weeks. If you’re combatting the effects of adult acne and want an anti-aging boost as well, grab this one.
Best Preventative: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel
No matter whether your complexion is usually clear or you’re trying to combat active acne, using these pads (a long-time fan-favorite among beauty editors) can go a long way towards minimizing the likelihood of future scarring. The two-step system contains a potent blend of five different acids that helps keep pores clear and gently exfoliate away discoloration. Follow that with step two, a formula loaded with collagen-boosting retinol and antioxidant-rich resveratrol, which further evens out and smooths your complexion.
Best Retinoid: Skin Better AlphaRet Overnight Cream
Like we said, using a retinoid can be a great way to help promote collagen production and subsequently smoother, more even-textured skin.3 This one gets our vote for the addition of lactic acid; the formula is an effective-yet-gentle exfoliating solution that addresses discoloration. It also has plenty of moisturizing ingredients, which is ideal for counteracting the potential for dryness that can often come when using a retinoid. It’s also a top pick for Dr. Jeremy Fenton, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City: “It’s been formulated to be very tolerable even for more sensitive skin types,” he says, adding that retinoids are one of his favorite classes of ingredients for helping with acne scarring.
Runner-Up, Best Retinoid: Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment
Sure, it may be called an acne treatment, but Fenton says it’s another great option for combating acne scars and dark marks. “Retinoids are one of the best exfoliators to help remove that pigment on the top layer, and they also help build collagen over time so you’re getting multiple benefits,” he says. “This is an over-the-counter retinoid that is as strong as many of the prescription-strength options,” he adds.
Best for Dark Skin: Ambi Even & Clear Fade Cream
“Those with darker complexions may be more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or brown blemishing after acne lesions heal,” says Dr. Chang. Enter this solution, which touts niacinamide, a popular spot fading ingredient. It’s a great choice for applying on wider areas of discolored scars, not to mention that it rings in at just a few dollars and contains vitamin C, too. We love that it can be used on both the face and the body, and it doesn’t cause irritation to the skin.
Best for Dark Spots: Naturium Tranexamic Topical Acid 5%
“This product contains several ingredients that have been shown to suppress the production of pigment in the melanocyte, the cells that produce the pigment,” says Fenton of another one of his picks. (More specifically, it touts tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, and licorice root.) “This is an example of a product that the sooner you put on acne the better, as it can help stop the dark spots from forming at all,” he says.
Runner-Up, Best for Dark Spots: Dermologica Age Bright Spot Fader
Talk about multi-tasking. This pick gives you plenty of bang for your buck, acting as a two-for-one that both helps clear existing breakouts while simultaneously warding off the appearance of new ones. Credit a trio of salicylic acid, niacinamide, and hexylresorcinol, all of which work synergistically to treat pimples and prevent the tell-tale post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that can occur after the fact.
Best Sunscreen: EltaMD UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41
Sunscreen may not be the first thing you think of when you think of an acne scar treatment, but trust us, it’s essential. Sun damage will not only make any discolored spots darker, but it also breaks down collagen, which is the last thing you want if you’re dealing with scars that have caused uneven texture and roughness. The bottom line: When you’re trying to eliminate scars, your daily dose of SPF is more important than ever. Dr. Chang recommends this tinted option: “It has a smooth, sheer application and can cover up existing blemishes,” she says.
Best for Raised Scars: Biodermis Pro-Sil Silicone Scar Stick
If you’re already dealing with hypertrophic or keloid scars, you’ll most likely need to see a dermatologist for the most effective treatment. Still, Dr. Chang says that using silicone topically can help prevent these types of scars from forming in the first place.4 Enter this easy-to-use, mess-free stick which you can quickly swipe on as needed. It also works on all skin types and tones,
Best Splurge: iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance +
Just a few drops of this pricey pick (which just happens to contain the highest levels of antioxidants of any of the brand’s products) pack a major punch. The formula, made with zinc sulfate and vitamin C, tones down redness and helps brighten the skin.5 But the benefits don’t stop there; along with working well on both current breakouts and scars, it can also help with everything from rosacea to bug bites. Talk about getting good bang for your buck.
Best for Breakouts: Topicals Faded Brightening & Clearing Serum
As the name suggests, this potent gel-like serum helps fade the look of acne scars, dark spots and patches, and other pigmentation issues—but what we love most is that it can help fight existing breakouts, too. Tranexamic acid and niacinamide work together to fight discoloration and promote an overall more even tone, while azelaic acid helps to brighten and improve skin texture while taking care of any pesky blemishes. Plus, it has the clinical results to back it up: In a four-week study, 96% of participants found that their skin looked more even, while 84% said their dark spots were less visible.
Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Rapid Clear 2-in-1 Fight & Fade Toner
From the drugstore aisle, we’re big fans of Neutrogena Fight & Fade Toner. This double-duty product calls on both AHA and BHA in the form of salicylic acid6 and glycolic acid7 to not only smooth the skin and fade post-acne marks but also prevent new pimples from forming.
Best Antioxidant Blend: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid help fade dark spots, address larger patches of hyperpigmentation, and brighten your complexion.8 This fancy formula from SkinCeuticals combines all three to tackle uneven skin tone and leave you with a noticeably healthy glow. The steep price might be hard to justify, but if you can swing it, you won’t be disappointed with the results.
Final Verdict
Treating scars is a complex task and one that largely depends on the type of scar you’re trying to treat. The Murad InvisiScar Resurfacing Treatment is our overall favorite pick, a rare formula that contains ingredients that can both treat textural and tone changes in the skin. Retinoids are another ingredient dermatologists suggest looking for (not to mention ones that offer several other benefits). Try the RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream, Differin Adapalene 0.1% Acne Treatment, or SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream, all great retinoid-based options.
What to Look For in an Acne Scar Treatment
Brightening Ingredients
Since discoloration is one of the tell-tale signs of the post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation associated with acne scarring, look for proven brightening ingredients such as retinoids, tranexamic acid, azelaic acid, and vitamin C. (Though with the caveat that the more intense ingredients should be used with caution if you have sensitive skin, more on that point to come.)
Some of the best options for brightening your skin and fading dark spots are SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance, and Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel.
FAQ
What types of products best address acne scars?
This depends largely on the type of acne scar, says Fenton, who points out that no topical product is going to yield a large improvement for pitted acne scars. He says over-the-counter products are better able to help fade the discoloration associated with acne, citing exfoliating formulas that contain ingredients such as retinoids and glycolic acid, and brightening formulas that contain ingredients such as hydroquinone, tranexamic acid, and vitamin C as good choices.
Are there any ingredients to avoid in acne scar treatments?
If you have sensitive skin, steer clear of the retinoids and/or hydroquinones of the world, because they can potentially irritate your skin, cautions Fenton. If you do want to try them, start slowly, using one just a few times per week to make sure you can tolerate it.
How long does it take to see results from acne scar treatments?
Expect to see improvement within four weeks. “Some people see dark spots fade in weeks, for others it can take months, but I usually say that you can expect at least some improvement within one month,” notes Fenton. According to Fenton, this timeline can vary greatly from person to person.
How often should you use acne scar treatments?
Acne scar treatments should be used daily, with a few caveats. “This depends on the type of treatment you are using. Most are designed to be used daily, however, if it is something that can be drying or irritating, you may only want to use it a few times per week. For example, if your skin cannot tolerate it, a retinoid may be better used only two to three times per week,” says Fenton.
