25 Best Derm-Approved Products for Treating Acne Scars

Stubborn marks call for a powerful cleanser. “If you have acne, consider using a cleanser that contains salicylic acid,” says Dr. Zeichner. “Aveeno’s Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser delivers salicylic acid the skin without causing excessive dryness and helps remove excess oil and exfoliate dead cells from the surface of the skin to keep the pores clear.”

Dr. Y. Claire Chang, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at NYC’s Union Square Laser Dermatology, recommends SkinCeuticals’ Purifying Cleanser, which ”encourages cell turnover without drying out the skin.” Plus, it’s formulated with glycolic acid “to wash away dead skin cells on the top layer of the skin, leaving a very clean feel and improving acne blemishing.” 

Salicylic acid and glycolic acid are the essential ingredients in these exfoliating pads. ” Salicylic acid works to treat current pimples and existing scars, by increasing skin-cell turnover and declogging pores,” says Dr. Change. ” Glycolic acid chemically exfoliates the skin to even skin tone and decrease blemishes.”

Dermalogica’s Age Bright Spot Fader is a multi-purpose treatment for acne. “Ideal for adults that are concerned about post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from breakouts, this two-in-one brightening spot treatment reduces the appearance of active breakouts and post-breakout marks,” explains Heather Hickman, the Senior Director of Education at Dermalogica. 

Dermalogica’s Microexfoliant is a best-seller for a reason. Hickman explains that it’s cult status is due to its “unique rice-based powder with papain and salicylic acid that exfoliates dull skin, and a botanical brightening complex with licorice and grapefruit that instantly leaves skin noticeably smoother and brighter.”

Don’t let the word “intense” listed on the front scare you away. While Chantecaille’s serum is formulated with a good amount of retinol, it also comes packed with vitamin C and green decaffeinated coffee to tackle hyperpigmentation head-on.

“Topical treatments that contain retinoids, hydroquinone, and azelaic acid have all been proven to dramatically lighten dark marks,” says Dr. Chang. ”The Murad Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum pairs hydroquinone with vitamin C and glycolic acid, two dark mark-fighting ingredients. Glycolic acid helps improve existing brown spots by increasing skin-cell turnover and chemically exfoliating the skin; vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can brighten the skin.”

To help fade dark spots faster, Dr. Z suggests reaching for Ghost Democracy’s Lightbulb Vitamin C serum that provides a strong dose of vitamin C to bring you one step closer to clear skin. 

Packed with a high concentration of vitamin C and retinol, this dark spot corrector aims to instantly penetrate into the skin to brighten and fade dark marks. 

“Wearing SPF every day will not only help prevent new discoloration, but keep your current scars from worsening over time,” says Dr. Anne Chapas. 

Too much sun exposure can darken the spots even more, so sunscreen will be your best friend. “Scarring and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation can darken with sun exposure and linger on the skin longer than needed,” Dr. Idriss adds. ”Therefore, a broad spectrum sunscreen, most preferably a physical blocker, is strongly advised.”

What’s not to love about this Neutrogena classic? It has SPF 60 (more protection for your skin), leaves no residue, works wonders for sensitive skin, and costs as much as a fresh-pressed green juice. 

Stop premature aging right in its tracks with the proper sun protection. SkinCeuticals Protect Ultra Facial Defense sunscreen is a lightweight, moisturizing cream perfect for the sweltering summer heat and brisk winter air. 

This daily moisturizer delivers soft, supple skin for a more vibrant glow. It’s also packed with SPF 30 to prevent further discoloration from occurring. 

Spot-treating is a great preventative method for acne but Dr.  Zeichner suggests treating the entire face to avoid any future breakouts with Neutrogena’s Rapid Benzoyl Peroxide Leave-On Mask. 

When scouring the aisles for acne treatments, Dr. Idriss suggests looking for ”brightening agents such as kojic acid, niacin, vitamin C, licorice root extract that help reduce the effects of pigmentation.”

Perfect for those melasma, Nia 24’s serum helps to diminish the appearance of brown marks and stimulates collagen production.

Murad’s Post-Acne treatment is powered with hydoquinone, “a powerful skin-lightening ingredient used to reduce post-acne discoloration and dark spots,” explains Dr. Sperling . The gel also mixes in tea tree oil, which is known for treating everything from cuts and bites to soothing irritated skin. 

“While a bit on the pricier side, SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is a combination of  vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid,” Dr. Sperling explains. “This powerful blend of antioxidants is great for brightening the skin’s complexion and for treating dark spots and scarring.”

My morning beauty routine begins with Dr. Dennis Gross’ Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel. Despite its name, your skin doesn’t actually peel but both pads work hard to even out skin tone, smooth the skin’s texture, brighten, and reverse damage without, well, damaging the skin.

This at-home microneedling treatment comes with a range of attachment heads that treat your face, lips, under eyes and body. Wrinkle, who? 

Turn your bathroom into your own personal spa with Foreo’s Blue Light acne treatment. The blue light zap acne directly at the root and gets deep beneath the skin’s surface to prevent future breakouts.

The price might cause you to turn away but it’s worth coughing up a few pennies. This mask kills bacteria that causes acne by using red and blue LED lights. The red light encourages natural production of collagen to target wrinkles and sun damage, while the blue light zaps bacteria to stop future breakouts.