15 Best Acne Scar Treatments Dermatologists Use

Stop! Consider the consequences before you pick at your pimples. The cycle is simple: A new pimple appears, you pop it and it leaves a scar you pick at often. Boom, now you have a dark spot. This cycle can cause more skin damage if you keep going. These may be necessary in some cases.

But I’m not one to judge. I’ve had my fair share of mistakes and have paid the price. In reality, I still have to deal with the consequences. If you have a zit, or just notice dark spots after an acne treatment, I’m here to help. Ingredients like retinol and lactic acid (or kojic acid) can brighten the area. They also help to even out the texture of your skin, which helps to reduce the appearance of dark spots. These areas can be treated with acne-fighting cleansers or fun LED devices. Continue reading to see top products for treating scarring caused by acne, as rated by dermatologists.

BEST FOR CELL TURNOVER
InvisiScar Resurfacing Treatment

• Exfoliating
• Prices are high

Dr. Blair Murphy, a board-certified dermatologist, says exfoliators are the best ingredient in home acne scar treatments. They encourage skin cell turnover and help to reduce hyperpigmentation. Skin brighteners should be included in the formula, such as those that reduce pigmentation.

“Murad Invisiscar resurfacing treatment contains both!” Salicylic acid and beta hydroxy acids exfoliate to remove old marks and prevent future breakouts. Centella asiatica (cica) decreases inflammation. Vitamin C and Hydroxytyrosol are antioxidants that lighten dark areas by inhibiting tyrosinase activity. Vitamin C also reduces melanin production. The serum contains light diffusers as well as a “blurring dust” to instantly improve skin appearance. Dr. Blair Murphy says that the serum can be used twice daily to reduce the appearance of acne scarring.

BEST AT-HOME PEL
Alpha Beta(r), Universal Daily Peel

• Gentle
• Prices are high

True acne scarring can be like a bad boyfriend. It needs to be attended to with many different products. Sometimes, even when something is working well, it can become ineffective. My experience is that acne scarring responds best to a variety of skincare products and procedures. Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Daily Peel pads and Differin Gel are two readily available products that can help. These glycolic and salicylic acid-containing 2-step peel pads can be carried around and exfoliate skin. These two-step peel pads can help prevent future breakouts as well as lighten dark spots left behind from acne treatment. These are ideal for patients suffering from active acne, dullness, or dark spots. These can be very irritating, so Dr. Papri Sarkar recommends starting slowly and increasing the frequency of use for pads or Differin.

BEST VALUE TREATMENT
Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

• Redness is prevented
• It takes a while to massage in

The Ordinary Azelaic acid 10% treats brown spots and redness caused by the healing of acne spots. It also clears whiteheads and blackheads. This treatment works best for people who have an existing acne regimen. Dr. Cindy Wassef says that the treatment helps hyperpigmentation and post-inflammatory redness to resolve faster.

BEST DRUGSTORE TREATMENT
Acne Treatment Gel

• It’s easy to find
• May cause dryness

Differin Gel, an OTC retinoid containing adapalene is a great choice as it not only prevents breakouts but also treats and reduces scarring. It can reduce discoloration and textural changes associated with acne scarring by evening out skin tone and increasing collagen production. The gel can be used up to once per day. It is best to use it only a few times per week, and then increase the frequency as you feel comfortable. It is safe for all skin types.

BEST PEPTIDE SERUM
Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Serum

• Firming and brightening
• A scent?

Vitamin C is the best choice for brightening dark marks and reducing acne scarring. Dr. Dendy Engelman says that Bliss Bright Idea serum is an incredible formula that contains clinical-grade vitamin A (the most effective, non-irritating and effective form of vitamin C) and tri-peptide to brighten, firm and fade dark spots.

BEST PREVENTATIVE CLEANSER
Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser

• Affordable
• It may be drying

CeraVe’s Acne Foaming Cleanser is prescription-grade at a drugstore price. This cleanser is formulated with benzoylperoxide to treat active breakouts. It helps control acne and prevents scarring.

BEST INVISIBLE SPF
Unseen sunscreen

• Clear application
• It has a silicone-like texture

Sun protection is an important step to reduce the appearance of acne scars. Apply Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen liberally so that your dark marks don’t get darker.

BEST PIMPLE PATCHES
Hydro-Stars Starter Pack

• Inflammation is reduced
• Use with other products may cause it to not stick

Starface pimple patches are available immediately you notice a breakout. The patches are made from hydrocolloid which helps to stop stubborn breakouts.

BEST LED DEVICE
Advanced Skincare Wand With Red Light Therapy

• Soothing
• You must charge frequently

This little red light device is a lifesaver for dark spots. To lighten dark spots, apply your favorite serum to your face and then glide the tool along your skin. The tool vibrates and warms up, which can be used as a facial massage. After just a few Solawave uses, I saw my dark spots disappear.

BEST RETINOL
Retinol Skin Brightener 1%

• Exfoliating
• May cause dryness

To help remove dead skin cells and reduce the appearance of acne scarring, you can add retinol into your daily routine. ZO Skin Health has a variety of strengths that can be used for different skin types.

BEST CLEAN OPTION
Niacinamide Dark Spot Corrector

• Protects against environmental pollutants
• Prices are high

The power of Niacinamide is not to be underestimated. This lightweight, melanin-rich formula absorbs without leaving behind a sticky film. It also reduces the appearance of dark spots.

BEST MULTI-TASKER
Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Topical Retinoid Acne Treatment

• Evens texture
• May cause dryness

“For a prescription-strength retinoid in an over-the-counter gel, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% takes it up a notch. This gel was previously only available with a prescription. It clears blackheads, whiteheads and other skin conditions such as acne blemishes and clogged pores. Dr. Corey L. Hartman says that topical retinoids can also be used to treat discoloration-related textural irregularities, and acne lesions.

BEST FOR ALL-OVER BRIGHTENING
Hyper Even Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum

• Future breakouts prevented
• It may take up to a month for results

Vitamins C, E and B work together to fight hyperpigmentation. One pump can lighten scarring and brighten the complexion thanks to turmeric, fruit enzymes and kojic acids.

BEST FOR BODY SCARES
Dark Spot Correcting Serum

• Skin tone enhancement
• Prices high

This product is for anyone who has ever suffered from any type of scarring or body acne. Crepe Erase Spot Fade contains retinol, kojic acid and other ingredients to lighten dark spots in just two weeks. The formula has a little shimmer to give you a bright glow and is great for use during the day.

BEST OVERNIGHT TREATMENT
AlphaRet Overnight Creme

• Gentle
• Prices high

“A retinol substitute that also contains lactic acid. This nighttime serum contains a moisturizing base which provides all the benefits of retinol without causing irritation. This is an excellent option for people who have difficulty absorbing other retinols, because it exfoliates gently.” Dr. Hartman says.