The 9 Best Products for Acne Scars Treatment
I've been in the beauty industry for 4+ years now, although my background is originally in fine arts. In between researching and publishing our guides, I’m usually snacking and making spontaneous (and somewhat chaotic) choices about what to do with my hair.
Acne. No one likes it, yet so many of us deal with it. It can be painful, uncomfortable, and embarrassing, and it can really knock your confidence.
One of the most frustrating things about acne is that long after a blemish has disappeared, the scar can still remain.
Putting a skincare routine in place can help soothe acne scarring, which is why it helps to understand what you are dealing with and how to approach it.
If you are wondering, What can I use to reduce acne scars?
Remember that knowledge is power.
Learning more about scarring, the best ways to treat it, and the essentials that can help will make it easier to feel informed and supported as you build a routine that works for you.
How to reduce acne scars on your face?
It’s not fair. You experience a huge breakout ... and then the scarring aftereffect lingers on your face for what feels like forever. There’s some good news though. You don’t need to spend a fortune at a salon to reduce acne scars over time and reduce redness of acne scars. There are natural ways to reduce acne scars, and you can reduce acne scars at home. You just need to look for the right ingredients.
Studies suggest Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) will help remove dead skin cells and the top layer of skin. Lactic Acid will help improve the texture of the skin and can lighten the appearance of scarring. There really are ways to reduce acne scars face when they linger. Topical Retinoids will reduce discolouration and speed up cell rejuvenation.
What can you use for acne scars? The ingredient most people are familiar with when it comes to acne is Salicylic Acid. It helps reduce pores, exfoliates skin, and lessens redness. Most consider it the most effective ingredient for acne.
Is it possible to reduce acne scars overnight?
A lot of people ask how to reduce acne scars overnight. While we wish we could tell you there’s a dead cert way to get rid of scarring quickly, we can’t honestly do so. The good news is that once the blemish has gone, you can start working with anti-inflammatory ingredients to get rid of scarring.
So, what are some tips to reduce acne scars? Make sure you’re sticking to a regular skincare routine to maximise results and reduce acne scars redness. And check out episode 14 of Beauty IQ Uncensored to get some of your big questions answered.
Can acne scarring even be healed?
We won’t lie: it’s not the easiest thing in the world to do. Because the skin’s tissue has been damaged and inflamed, it’ll take some dedication to reduce scarring. Once your skin is clear of acne, begin introducing ingredients to reduce the appearance of scars.
There are different types of acne scarring, with some types easier to treat than others. Hypertrophic and keloid scars are a result of the skin producing too much collagen to fill in the wound, resulting in raised tissue. Atrophic and depressed scarring are the exact opposite and give skin the dreaded ice-pick effect.
Both types of scarring can be healed, but be aware it will take time and the right ingredients.
Why is my acne scarring?
When a pesky pimple pops up, it’s usually a result of dead skin cells, bacteria, and excess oil. The pimple grows and the skin’s tissue continues to inflame, which can result in deep lesions on the skin’s surface. To try and fix the situation, the skin produces new collagen fibres, which unfortunately aren’t able to make the skin as smooth as before.
Which Ingredients Are Most Effective at Treating Scars?
If you're in the market for a scar remedy, these are the best ingredients for scar treatment:
- Honey. Honey combats inflammation and prevents excess bacteria from entering a healing wound, reducing the risk that the wound will produce an ugly scar. Some research suggests it may also help heal scars.
- SiliconeSilicone is the latest in scar remedies, and research suggests it may help plump your skin and promote healing—particularly with new scars. Even better, silicone can simultaneously treat wrinkles and other signs of ageing.
- Vitamin EVitamin E has been the go-to skin remedy for hundreds, and perhaps even thousands, of years. Today, research on its efficacy shows mixed results. Some studies suggest that vitamin E does nothing for scars and may even make them worse by irritating skin. So before trying vitamin E, patch-test a small area to ensure you're not allergic.Because some research suggests that vitamin E can work, it's worth a shot. Vitamin E's primary benefit is its moisturising quality, which reduces the dryness that can make scars more noticeable. Alpha-H Clear Skin Blemish Control Gel is an excellent option for acne-prone skin, because it simultaneously combats spots and related scarring.
- Retinol. Retinol is an outstanding all-in-one skincare remedy. A form of vitamin A, retinol speeds up the turnover of skin cells, potentially reducing the appearance of scars. Retinol applied to current or recent acne blemishes can be especially helpful. Research on its power to combat established scars, however, is less promising.
- Salicylic Acid. Salicylic acid, like retinol, encourages rapid skin healing. It also dries out blemishes, reducing their ability to damage the skin. Some evidence suggests that salicylic acid may also be a viable scar remedy. But proceed with caution: because salicylic acid tends to dry the skin, it's most effective when paired with a strong moisturiser or an emollient product such as vitamin E.
How do I stop acne scarring?
Prevention is key, especially if you’re prone to the odd breakout. As soon as a blemish sprouts, take straight to your beauty arsenal and let the regime begin. We’ve got some top picks to help prevent and lessen the annoying effect of acne scarring.
If you haven’t heard about the power of Alpha-H Liquid Gold, let us catch you up. The bestselling, award-winning exfoliator resurfaces the skin overnight. Users can see results after just one application. With a powerful dose of Glycolic Acid, Liquid Gold reduces scarring, pigmentation, and sun damage while keeping the skin’s natural moisture intact.
Apply Alpha-H Liquid Gold 2 to 3 evenings per week to really reap the benefits, and always apply sunscreen the next morning. Perfect for acne-scarred skin, this chemical exfoliant removes dead skin cells to reveal a clearer complexion.
With an almost instant blurring effect, Murad Invisiblur Blemish Scar Treatment works hard over time to help smooth out your skin. Made especially for acne marks, the smoothing treatment visibly treats the size, colour and depth of the scar, so your self-esteem gets a little boost.
Perfect for all skin types (even those with sensitive skin) the Murad Invisiscar Blemish Scar Treatment will help clear current breakouts and scars from past pimples. The light-diffusing technology gives skin that smooth effect and the Vitamin C & Hydroxytyrosol help to brighten things up. Apply sparingly where required after you cleanse your skin but before you moisturise.
Want to know more about Murad Skincare? Check out The Best Murad Products You Need to Try
The Best Acne Scar Treatment for Scar Removal on Your Body
While most people are used to discussing scarring on the face, what happens on the rest of the body isn’t often mentioned. Perfect for acne scarring, stretch marks, and other skin traumas, Beauté Pacifique Scars and Stripes will rejuvenate skin and brighten the skin’s tone. With Salicylic Acid, light-diffusing technology, and more, Beauté Pacifique Scars and Stripes is paraben-free, sulphate-free, and alcohol-free, making it kind to skin.
When you first start using Beauté Pacifique Scars and Stripes, use it twice a week so your skin can get used to the form of Retinol it contains. You might wonder, does Retinol reduce acne scars? Well, to target a specific area, apply a generous amount once or twice a day to see results quickly.
And how to treat scars on face from acne? Aspect Retinol Brulee will help protect the skin from daily aggressors. Use it regularly and you’ll also see a reduction in acne scars, pigmentation, sun damage, and signs of premature ageing—nice! Apply a small amount as part of your evening skincare to reduce acne scars, and build up your use over time.
Apply potent Aspect Retinol Brulee before you sleep at night to see results when you wake up. With Retinyl Palmitate Complex 0.5 and Retinol Molecule Film, the serum helps accelerate skin cell turnover, making it easy for face oils and the best night cream to reduce acne scars sink into the skin and really work. And the intelligent blend of ingredients will help reduce the appearance of acne scars.
The One for Ageing Skin
Mesoestetic stem cell active growth factor is a regenerative face cream to reduce acne scars and helps the skin restore itself from inside the cells. With leading-edge technology, Plant Stem Cells and Growth Factors combine to rejuvenate mature and damaged skin. Dexpanthenol, a stable form of Vitamin B5, makes the skin look plump and hydrated after use.
To use, give skin a double cleanse and then apply mesoestetic stem cell active growth factor directly to the face at night. Gently rub in and then allow the skin to absorb it. For the best results, use every morning too.
This retexturing serum is perfect for treating acne scarring. With the combined power of a triple AHA blend, a BHA, Retinol, and Antioxidants, Société Refinishing Complex treats damaged skin and prevents further scarring. It’s also gentle, with soothing Tea Extracts helping protect and calm the skin.
Apply one pump of Societe Refinishing Complex 50ml and spread it all over the skin and neck to maximise results. Once you’ve built up a tolerance, you can apply morning and night. Always wear a strong SPF after use to keep the skin soft and safe.
The Mature Skin Must-Have for Scar Removal
Perfect for normal, dry, and combination skin, this intense serum targets the signs of ageing and keeps the skin strong. Free of dyes and synthetic fragrances, this product should be introduced into your routine slowly. Use a small amount after cleansing.
If you’re looking for a cruelty-free wonder product to help with acne scarring, PCA Skin Intensive Age Refining Treatment 29.5g could be just the thing. Retinol, Peptides, and Stem Cell Extract Technology keep skin looking firm, nourished, and protected.
It’s not all about the lotions, potions, and creams. Needle technology can help the skin rejuvenate itself and is a great acne marks treatment. The Skinstitut Skin-Inject MTS Derma Roller has proven to be a must-have for those with acne scars. It can also reduce the appearance of blackheads, capillaries, breakouts, fine lines, stretch marks, and more.
When you roll the Skinstitut Skin-Inject MTS Derma Roller 0.25mm over your skin, you cause micro-injuries … which are nowhere near as scary as they sound! The healing process is sped up with collagen and elastin accelerating the cell turnover. The result? Toned, bright, clear, even-looking skin all thanks to this Derma Roller!
Lilac Extract and Mirabilis jalapa keep the skin soothed, soft, and clear. Use Société Clear Skin Boosting Pads only once and always follow up with a powerful sunscreen.
You might ask yourself, How to fix scarring from acne? Well, perfect for helping you recover from a blemish breakout, Société Clear Skin Boosting Pads reduce redness and help with acne scarring. The exfoliating action of Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, and Mandelic Acid works to clear the skin in the most effective fashion.
You might ask yourself, How to fix scarring from acne? Well, perfect for helping you recover from a blemish breakout, Societe Clear Skin Boosting Pads reduce redness and help with acne scarring. The exfoliating action of Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, and Mandelic Acid works to clear the skin in the most effective fashion.
So, even if your acne scars are getting you down, there are many facial products to reduce acne scars ready and waiting for you to use. And the best way to reduce acne scars? Pick yourself up a solid skincare routine, and don’t stress about it too much.
- Want to find our more about how to treat acne? Have a read through our guide The Best Acne Treatments for Pesky Pimples and Breakouts
So, let's recap the 9 Best Products To Reduce Acne Scars
Discover more great products for acne-prone skin in our guide The 7 Best Facial Cleansing Brushes for Better Skin
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