The 20 Most Effective Acne Scar Treatments Dermatologists Swear By

“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 best with a combination of procedures and skin care 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 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 two to four times a week (for the pads) or every other day to every day for Differin,” says Dr. Papri Sarkar.

Sephora star rating: 4.5/5 stars

“The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% 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. [The treatment] helps post-inflammatory redness and hyperpigmentation resolve more quickly,” says Dr. Cindy Wassef.

Ulta star rating: 4.4/5 stars

“Differin Gel 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 [diminish] discoloration and textural changes that go along with acne scars by evening out the skin tone and boosting collagen production. [The gel] 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,” says Dr. Marisa Garshick.

Amazon star rating: 4.6/5 stars

If you want prescription-grade results at an affordable drugstore price, CeraVe’s Acne Foaming Cleanser delivers. Formulated with benzoyl peroxide to attack active breakouts, this cleanser helps to control acne so you won’t risk breakouts turning into scars.

Ulta star rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer said: “I asked for a good face cleaner for sensitive skin to get rid of acne and one of the girls gave me this one. After 4 days, all my redness is gone and my acne is pretty much cleared up.”

An important step in reducing the appearance of acne scars is sun protection. Apply Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen liberally to ensure your dark marks won’t get any darker.

Ulta star rating: 4.7/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “Was worried about the texture at first, but it is smooth, not greasy, and feels great on the skin and under makeup.”

The minute you see a breakout forming, reach for your Starface pimple patches. Formulated to stop stubborn breakouts right in their tracks, the patches are made of hydrocolloid, which aids in minimizing the look of pimples.

Target star rating: 4/5 stars

A Target reviewer said: “Love this! They work really good as pimple patches, and they’re also cute enough for you to wear out of the house! It has also helped a lot with scarring!”

Add retinol to your routine to help slough away dead skin and lighten the appearance of dark marks breakouts can produce. ZO Skin Health offers different strengths to choose from for different skin types.

ZO Skin Health star rating: 4.4/5 stars

A ZO Skin Health reviewer said: “Love this product, have been using for many years every night. After cleansing, it prepares to skin to accept serum and night cream. Has helped immensely with skin texture!”

Vitamins C and E work together to combat hyperpigmentation. Plus, thanks to turmeric, fruit enzymes, kojic acid, and more, one pump a day helps to lighten scarring and brighten your complexion.

Sephora star rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer said: “The Hyper Even Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum is one of my new favorites. I’ve had a couple of dark spots from blemishes that I couldn’t get rid of at all. I’ve been using the Hyper Even Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C serum and it’s faded significantly. The serum absorbs well into my skin and is also pretty gentle. I have semi-sensitive skin and I’ve experienced no issues with the product. I really recommend it if you have dark spots.”

Don’t underestimate the power of niacinamide. Formulated specifically for melanin-rich skin, this lightweight formula absorbs without leaving a sticky film and reduces the appearance of dark spots.

Amazon star rating: 4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “This works well on dark spots! I live in sunny California and have tried a few different products that did not work in the past. I like how it glides on easily and feels super hydrating overall. It almost feels cooling when you put it on your face, and I noticed the smoothness it gives to my skin. I plan on using it consistently!”

“For a prescription-strength retinoid in an over-the-counter gel, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% takes it up a notch. Previously only available as a prescription, this gel helps clear blackheads, whiteheads, acne blemishes, and clogged pores. Topical retinoids also help to treat textural irregularities and acne lesions that contribute to discoloration,” says Dr. Corey L. Hartman.

Ulta star rating: 4.5/5 stars

“A retinol alternative that also contains lactic acid, this nighttime serum is formulated in a moisturizing base that provides all of the benefits of retinol with virtually none of the irritation. It is a great option for those who have had difficulty tolerating other retinol [since it] exfoliates gently,” says Dr. Hartman

Skinbetter star rating: None

“The pads provide daily, gentle exfoliation. They also keep the pores clear, help reverse past damage, and prevent new scarring, too,” says Dr. Paul Nassif.

Nassif MD Skincare star rating: 4.8/5 stars

“This is an exfoliating scrub formulated with salicylic acid to help increase cell turnover, resulting in reduced acne, scarring, and preventing future breakouts. I recommend using this two to three times a week and increasing usage as necessary,” says Dr. Nassif.

Walmart star rating: 4.2/5 star rating

“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,” says Dr. Shereene Idriss.

Ulta star rating: 3.9/5 stars

“I like skin brightening agents like glycolic acid cleanser, vitamin C, retinoids, and retinol 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 helps smooth the skin texture. This combination is safe for all skin types,” says Dr. Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand.

Skinceuticals star rating: 4.6/5 stars

“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 four percent hydroquinone. It works best for hyperpigmentation in all skin types and genders, and those that are still currently breaking out,” says Dr. Purvisha Patel.

Amazon star rating: 4/5 stars

“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 blemishes,” says Dr. Claire Chang.

Bluemercury star rating: 3.9/5 stars