Often formed through an age-old skin care sin of picking and poking at a pimple, acne scarring is an unwanted side effect of blemishes and breakouts that many teens and adults suffer with. It can become a treacherous cycle for some, while for others, the scars themselves can overstay their welcome on the skin and leave behind discoloration or indentations for many years.
The two most common types of acne scarring are atrophic (also known as ice pick or boxcar scars) and hypertrophic. Atrophic marks are characterized by sunken skin, caused by a loss of collagen which results in textural crevices and imbalances. Hypertrophic scars appear raised and oftentimes red or brown in color, due to an outcome of haphazard collagen production that results in excess, irregular skin.
Related article: Understanding Acne: A Guide To The Different Types And How To Treat Them
At SkinStore, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the best acne scar products for certain skin types and specific blemish-related concerns. Keep scrolling for our top treatments and tools to help you kickstart your journey to clearer skin.
Best Retinol Treatment
The PCA SKIN Intensive Clarity Treatment 0.5 Percent Pure Retinol is packed with pure retinol and fast-acting acids, this night-time treatment visibly corrects hyperpigmentation and marks caused by acne. Recommended for combination and oily skin, sweep on this targeted serum without the worry of blemish-causing congestion.
Best Glycolic Acid Treatment
Boasting a high percentage of skin care powerhouse glycolic acid, SkinCeuticals Glycolic 10 Overnight Treatment is a lightweight cream gently exfoliates the skin to speed cellular turnover, resulting in a more balanced and brighter complexion.
Best Vitamin C Treatment
BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner Vitamin C Brightening Serum harnesses the potency of L-ascorbic acid to diminish discoloration, this super serum reduces acne scarring by unifying tonal and textural irregularities.
Best for Dark Spots
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum stars multi-tasking active niacinamide and a whole host of brightening botanicals, encouraging a more even-toned result as it prevents sunspots, redness and pigmentation from saturating.
Best for Raised Scars
Troubled by raised textures and bumps? Then look no further than Murad InvisiScar Resurfacing Treatment, clinically proven to reduce the look of scar size, depth, texture and color in as little as eight weeks.
Best for All Skin Types
An advanced all-rounder dedicated to visibly improving the skin’s tone and texture. COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is infused with 96% Snail Secretion Filtrate, this hydrating essence instantly illuminates, softens and balances.
Best for Oily Skin
Masters of exfoliating formulas, Neostrata Clarify Oily Skin Solution Toner with Glycolic Acid buffs away dead skin cells and removes excess oils, not only minimizing the look of scars but protecting against future breakouts too.
Best for Sensitive Skin
Specifically targeting adult acne, the Avène Cleanance NIGHT Blemish Correcting and Age Renewing Cream defends against bothersome blemishes while rejuvenating the skin. Plus, it even helps to soften the appearance of fine lines and premature signs of aging, packing a powerful youth-boosting punch with every application.
Best Cleanser
Featuring glycolic acid and glycerin, SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser is a foaming formula refines and renews the appearance of acne-prone skin as it cleanses, supporting a smooth start to your regime.
Best Toner
Cleverly combining seven cutting-edge ingredients such as azeloglicina 5% and a Micro Algae Complex, the multi-purpose MZ Skin Micro-Peeling Glow Essence improves skin tone over time while granting a pillow-like luminosity.
Best Serum
Taking the title for the best serum for acne scars is the SkinCeuticals Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment, rich in azelaic acid to combat pigmentation, scarring and congestion.
Best SPF
An important step in any skin care routine, best-selling sunscreen, EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF46 is fortified with fatty acids to improve acne scarring by reducing visible redness. Apply daily to ensure your marks won’t get any darker while protecting against photoaging and sunburn.
Best LED Light Therapy Device
Backed by years of extensive clinical research to support its efficacy, Zutta LED Mask harnesses the power of 66 LED lights to diminish discoloration and inflammation. Switch between red and blue light therapy to reap the multiple beautifying benefits of this non-invasive tool.
Best Face Mask
Addressing dullness and congestion, the Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask physically and chemically exfoliates the skin to leave it feeling polished and purified.
Best At-Home Peel
Suitable for those with more severe acne scarring, this two-step system, Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel, of pre-soaked pads targets enlarged pores, textural irregularities and uneven tone.
Best Post-Breakout Treatment
La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 is a multi-purpose balm perfect for soothing and nourishing post-breakout skin. Its ultra-hydrating benefits help to plump the skin with moisture, minimizing the look of unsmooth scars.
Shop all Acne & Blemishes products at SkinStore.
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