Product Acne

Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — By Giselle Castro and Breanna Mona — Updated on September 29, 2022

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Acne can affect teens and adults alike, thanks to a variety of causes: hormonal changes, medications, diet, and genetics, to name a few.

While some scars fade over time, others may be permanent. However, with some dermatologist-recommended products that help treat acne scars, you can lessen the damage caused by breakouts.

There are several types of acne scars. According to Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, a dermatologist in New York City, acne scarring usually presents as:

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“Severe acne has a greater chance of leaving permanent scars while it heals, ” Garshick adds. She also notes that topical treatments can only take you so far. Chemical peels and microneedling are also beneficial in diminishing acne scarring.

Joshua Zeichner, MD, the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital’s Department of Dermatology, adds, “Unfortunately, topical treatments have limited use in treating acne scars, and physical modalities, like lasers, are often needed.”

Zeichner says depressed scars usually benefit more from lasers, thick and raised scars are treated with cortisone injections, and ice pick scars are usually removed with a minor surgical procedure.

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The hyperpigmentation that remains isn’t permanent, but it can be uncomfortable for some people. It can also present differently, depending on your complexion.

“[Hyperpigmentation] is more common in patients with darker skin tones, ” he adds. “Whereas, [lighter-skinned] patients are often left with pink or red spots in areas where there used to be pimples. This post-inflammatory erythema heals on its own over several weeks.”

Although most superficial breakouts heal on their own without leaving a significant mark, there are others that leave a more noticeable scar behind.

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“This is why it’s advised to avoid picking pimples. It can lead to more injury to the skin, which can lead to a greater chance of a scar, ” Garshick says.

Keep in mind that some scarring can be treated at home, but it’s best to talk with a dermatologist about severe scarring. Aside from over-the-counter (OTC) products that you can pick up at major retailers, there are other ways to help fade acne scars. It’s a good idea to talk with your dermatologist about these alternatives during your appointment.

Skin care products can range as low as $10 or as high as $100. Our experts suggested both cost-effective and splurge-worthy products.

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Differin gel is an OTC retinoid treatment that has been on the market for some time. The active ingredient is adapalene, which helps decrease swelling and inflammation, prevent breakouts, and treat scarring.

According to Garshick, “it can help discoloration and textural changes that go along with acne scars by evening out the skin tone and boosting collagen production.”

She adds that it’s safe to use once daily, but it’s best to start just a few times per week and increase the frequency as tolerated.

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Reviewers say the product gently helped clear up all kinds of acne (including cystic acne), and they saw improvement with their skin in about 12 weeks.

Toning is a key part of your skin care routine that’s done after cleansing. While there are many types of toners, Neutrogena Rapid Clear 2-in-1 Fight & Fade toner is a fan favorite for fighting acne.

Garshick says the glycolic acid in the toner also helps get rid of dead skin cells, and the Glyctone Enhance Brightening Complex combined with azelaic acid aids in brightening the skin.

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“Because both azelaic acid and glycolic acid may be considered pregnancy-safe, this may be an option for pregnant or nursing moms dealing with acne and hyperpigmentation, ” Garshick suggests.

Reviewers on the Neutrogena website say this toner is rapid-acting. Some saw results overnight, while others say they saw improvement in a matter of weeks.

This product falls on the pricier side of this list (a pack runs you about $100), but you only need to use them one or two times per week.

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The pads contain hydroxy acids, including lactic acid, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid, in combination with AlphaRet, a retinoid that helps boost collagen.

“It’s easy to use and a great option for those looking for an exfoliant to help brighten the skin and improve the skin tone and texture associated with acne scars, ” Garshick says.

Reviewers enjoy how well this product exfoliates their skin in between dermatologist visits and how convenient it is to carry, even while traveling.

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This cleanser exfoliates and cleanses all at once. The ingredients include a mix of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), including lactic acid, glycolic acid, citric acid, and malic acid. These help to improve skin tone and texture and prevent breakouts.

“This combination makes the cleanser a great option for those with acne scars and blemishes, as it helps to improve skin tone, ” Garshick explains.

Reviews show that, even as an exfoliant, it’s still gentle enough to use on a regular basis. Those with sensitive skin should be mindful of temporary redness after exfoliating.

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Those with scarring from body acne will appreciate the results from this budget-friendly cleanser. It’s made with sensitive skin in mind, gently exfoliating the skin and leaving it smooth and moisturized.

“This gentle exfoliating wash helps to get rid of dead skin cells, improving the appearance of dark spots, blemishes, and acne scars, ” she says.

This CeraVe retinol serum is great for all types of acne scars, especially if you’re new to retinol. Retinol helps resurface skin texture, while licorice root extract brightens the skin and improves its overall appearance.

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Customer reviews show that this retinol leaves their skin smooth, and it’s even gentle enough for sensitive skin. Unlike other forms of retinol, reviewers say this one is moisturizing and doesn’t leave dry patches.

Sunscreen is a must no matter what your skin care routine is. But when it comes to dealing with acne, sunscreen also plays a key role in preventing scars from becoming darker.

“I especially love this sunscreen for those with acne-prone skin or discoloration. It’s a lightweight, oil-free sunscreen that won’t leave the skin feeling greasy.” Garshick says.

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Reviewers love that this sunscreen is good for sensitive skin and wears well under makeup. Even though some customers say it’s on the pricier side, they believe it’s worth every penny because of how effective it is.

It combines 2% dioic acid with salicylic acid and glycolic acid. The dioic acid reduces sebum. The salicylic and glycolic acids help reduce breakouts, as well as post-acne marks, by brightening the skin and improving the skin’s texture.

According to Garshick, “this can be used for all acne scars and can be especially helpful for someone who’s also looking to improve signs of aging.“

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Reviewers say this product does a good job at keeping all types of acne at bay and has helped prevent maskne. Some even say they saw results in a matter of a week.

Note that, if you have dry or sensitive skin, it’s important to use a good moisturizer after this product. Some customers experience peeling and say it can be a little drying.

RoC’s retinol is especially good, because it contains stabilized retinol in a single-use capsule. It can also benefit those who have depressed or rolling scars, and it must be used regularly (several weeks to months) to really work.

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Glycolic acid is a key ingredient when it comes to acne scarring. Zeichner explains that, “exfoliating ingredients, like salicylic acid and glycolic acid, are useful by helping the skin to shed darkly pigmented cells.”

He says this specific glycolic acid is potent, but in a good way, because it helps brighten, strengthen, and even skin tone.

If you have sensitive skin, you may want to slowly introduce this product into your routine and limit the number of days you use it. Some customers with sensitive skin say it’s too harsh for them to use on a daily basis.

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This affordable topical acid contains a combination of tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, and licorice root. These ingredients help brighten the skin and improve discoloration and dark marks.

Zeichner recommends this product because of its effectiveness with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It’s gentle enough for any skin type and can be applied underneath a moisturizer.

Reviewers say the tranexamic acid helps with lightening melasma and hyperpigmentation. Some claim this product works better than other ones they tried with the same active ingredients.

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One reviewer says she had bad acne marks before using this product, and, after one use, she saw the redness disappear and the marks fade significantly.

This acne scar treatment contains vitamin C, a skin care ingredient popular for smoothing, hydrating, and for improving skin’s surface. It also contains exfoliating salicylic acid to help with scar texture.

Reviewers highly rate this pick for its help fading scars, but many mention that the bottle sizes are small for the price points. Plus, some point to issues with the bottle, saying it clogs with the product.

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This budget-friendly serum is designed for blemish-prone