The 15 Most Effective Acne Scar Treatments Dermatologists Swear By

“The ingredients to look for in at-home products are exfoliators to encourage skin cell turnover thereby shedding off the hyperpigmentation, and skin brighteners like those ingredients that prevent pigmentation. Murad Invisiscar Resurfacing Treatment contains both! The beta hydroxy acid, salicylic acid, exfoliates to help clear old marks as well as preventing future breakouts. Centella asiatica (cica) decreases inflammation. Hydroxytyrosol and Vitamin C are antioxidants that lighten dark spots by directly and indirectly inhibiting tyrosinase activity which reduces the production of melanin. This serum also contains light diffusers and a “blurring powder” to improve the appearance of skin immediately. Use twice daily to improve the appearance of acne scars.” – Blair Murphy, MD

“True acne scarring is like a bad boyfriend—it needs attention from lots of different products and just when something seems to be working it can stop being as effective. I find that acne scarring does the best with a combination of procedures and skincare products,but two easily available products that can help are Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Daily Peel Pads and Differin Gel. These glycolic and salicylic acid containing two-step peel pads are portable and help to exfoliate the skin. They can prevent future breakouts and can help to lighten the dark spots that are often left over even after you’ve kicked your acne. These are great for patients with active acne, dark spots and dullness. Both of these can be irritating so starting slow and building up to 2-4 times a week (for the pads) or every other day/every day for Differin is what I would recommend.” – Papri Sarkar, MD

“I consider vitamin C to be the gold standard when it comes to brightening and alleviating dark mark acne scars. Bliss Bright Idea Serum is an amazing formula with clinical-grade vitamin C (most effective and non-irritating form of vitamin C) along with tri-peptide to fade dark marks, brighten and firm skin.” Dendy Engelman, MD

“I also love SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF, which is rich in vitamin C and designed specifically for acne-prone skin.” Dr. Engelman

“Texture acne scars: EGF (epidermal growth factor) is a game-changer for treating acne scars — both texture scars and dark marks. EGF triggers your cell’s receptors to produce more collagen (a function that naturally declines as we age) which helps fill in texture scars, making them disappear from the inside out. It also strengthens the skin barrier and evens out skin tone for healthier, better-looking skin overall. I recommend Glo Skin Beauty Bio-Renew EGF Drops, which contain 100 percent vegan EGF and a multi-peptide complex.” Dr. Engelman

“At-home microneedling treatments can also help eliminate texture scars by creating micro-wounds that trigger controlled skin injury and healing.  I recommend Environ Cosmetic Gold Roll-CIT.” Dr. Engelman

“Differin Gel is an OTC retinoid, containing adapalene, is a great option as not only does it work to prevent breakouts, but it also treats acne and helps to improve scarring. It can help discoloration and textural changes that go along with acne scars by evening out the skin tone and boosting collagen production. It can be used once daily and it is often best to start just a few times per week and increase the frequency as tolerated. It can be used by all skin types and can be used while getting active breakouts and should continue to be used after breakouts subside to help reduce scarring and prevent new breakouts from forming.” Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD

“I like skin brightening agents like glycolic acid cleanser, vitamin C, and skin agents like retinoid and retinols that help target cellular turnover. For a cleanser, I like Glytone and for a serum try Skinceuticals C E Ferulic. This combination helps to lighten pigmented scars and help smooth the skin texture. This combination is safe in all skin types.” Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand MD

“La Roche-Posay Effaclar is an OTC retinoid, which works better than a retinols at speeding up skin cell turnover and building new collagen and slowly remodeling scars. There was a split face study done with micro-needling and tazorac [editor’s note: this is another OTC retinoid similar to Effaclar] showing that both improved the appearance of acne scars.” Caren Campbell, MD

“Sunscreen is a must especially for the red acne scars as this will help them fade more quickly. Elta MD Clear is mineral sunscreen, meaning it’s a physical blocker and reflects light off the skin. The particles are also nanoparticles meaning smaller than usual so they rub in clear rather than looking white on the skin like some other physical/mineral sunscreens.” Caren Campbell, MD

“The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% product targets the brown spots and redness left behind from healing acne spots while also helping to clear whiteheads and blackheads. It works best for those who already have an acne regimen as an add on treatment. It helps post inflammatory redness and hyperpigmentation resolve more quickly.” Cindy Wassef MD

“Wearing an SPF like La Roche Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid every day will not only help prevent new discoloration, but keep your current scars from worsening over time,” Anne Chapas, MD

“Scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can darken with sun exposure and linger on the skin longer than needed. Therefore, a broad spectrum sunscreen, most preferably a physical blocker like CeraVe Sun Protection SPF 30 Sunscreen Face Lotion, is strongly advised.” Shereene Idriss, MD

“The Visha Skincare Advanced Correcting Serum, which I formulated, contains retinol, vitamin c, vitamin e, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid, and Illuminotex- a patented natural lightening agent tested to work equivalent to hydroquinone 4% – a prescription level dose. It works best for hyperpigmentation in all skin types and genders, and those that are still currently breaking out.” Purvisha Patel, MD

“SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser encourages cell turnover without drying out the skin. The glycolic acid washes away dead skin cells on the top layer of the skin, leaving a very clean feel and improving acne blemishing.” Y. Claire Chang, MD