Skip to Content

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

The 20 Most Effective Acne Scar Treatments Dermatologists Swear By

Dark spots, be gone.

By Margaux Anbouba, Nerisha Penrose and Emily Burns
presley ann
Presley Ann

If the first rule of skincare is to wear sunscreen daily, the second should absolutely be to stop picking your pimples. Consider the consequences: You pop it, it leaves a scar you frequently pick at, and boom—now you have a dark spot. The more you repeat this cycle, the more damage you cause to your skin. Then, you’re left searching for the best acne scar products in a desperate attempt to minimize the evidence of your poor choice.

Before you begin your search, it’s important to understand the different scarring that can occur. “Acne scars are the result of inflammation from acne blemishes,” says Alabama-based board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Corey L. Hartman. “Acne scarring may be rolling (superficial, longer depression in the skin), ice pick (very small but deep), atrophic (very superficial but very thin), or hypertrophic (thick scars raised above the skin),” adds NY-based board-certified derm, Dr. Elyse Love.

  • 1
    InvisiScar Resurfacing Treatment

    Best Overall

    Murad InvisiScar Resurfacing Treatment

    $38 at Ulta Beauty
    Read more
  • 2
    Advanced Skincare Wand with Red Light Therapy

    Best LED Device

    Solawave Advanced Skincare Wand with Red Light Therapy

    Read more
  • 3
    Faded Brightening & Clearing Mist

    Best for Body Scars

    Topicals Faded Brightening & Clearing Mist

    Read more
  • 4
    Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel

    Best At-Home Peel

    Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel

    Read more
  • 5
    Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

    Best Affordable Treatment

    The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

    Read more

Now, I am not one to judge. I have picked my fair share of blemishes and have suffered the consequences. Actually, I’m still dealing with the consequences. Thankfully, acne-fighting cleansers and targeted serums with ingredients like retinol, lactic acid, and kojic acid, in addition to using LED devices, can help to brighten the area, while evening the texture of the skin to diminish the overall appearance of the pesky dark spots. Don’t take my word for it. Ahead, we scoured the internet and consulted several dermatologists to find 20 of the best products for treating acne scars, according to dermatologists.

1
Best Overall

Murad InvisiScar Resurfacing Treatment

InvisiScar Resurfacing Treatment
1
Best Overall

Murad InvisiScar Resurfacing Treatment

$38 at Ulta Beauty$75 at Walmart$38 at Dermstore
Credit: Courtesy
Pros
  • Great for cell turnover
Cons
  • Can be strong for sensitive skin

“Murad Invisiscar Resurfacing Treatment contains beta hydroxy acid, salicylic acid, and exfoliates to help clear old marks as well as prevent 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.” — Dr. Blair Murphy

Ulta star rating: 3.9/5 stars

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
2
Best LED Device

Solawave Advanced Skincare Wand with Red Light Therapy

Editor’s Choice
Advanced Skincare Wand with Red Light Therapy
2
Best LED Device

Solawave Advanced Skincare Wand with Red Light Therapy

Pros
  • Warms up when applied to skin
Cons
  • Must charge often

Slather on your favorite serum and glide the tool across your face to kill bacteria under the skin using this red light therapy treatment. Plus, the device warms up and vibrates, acting as a little facial massage.

Solawave star rating: 4.9/5 stars

An ELLE Beauty Editor says: “I swear by this little red light device for reducing the appearance of breakouts. Whenever I feel a breakout forming, I glide my Solawave along the inflamed area, as the red light emitting from this little device kills bacteria and reduces inflammation. I especially love how slim the wand is, which makes it easy to maneuver around my face and neck.” — Nerisha Penrose, ELLE Beauty Commerce Editor

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3
Best for Body Scars

Topicals Faded Brightening & Clearing Mist

Faded Brightening & Clearing Mist
3
Best for Body Scars

Topicals Faded Brightening & Clearing Mist

Pros
  • Enhances skin tone
Cons
  • Can feel greasy

If you’ve experienced any body acne or scarring, this product is for you. Like its cream counterpart, the Faded mist is formulated with niacinamide and kojic acid to brighten dark spots in those hard-to-reach areas.

Sephora star rating: 3.9/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer said: “I absolutely love this, I have eczema flare-ups and it left horrible marks and I have been using this for about a month now and the results are amazing!!”

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
4
Best At-Home Peel

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel

Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel
4
Best At-Home Peel

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel

Credit: Courtesy
Pros
  • Gentle for daily use
Cons
  • Tingling sensation

“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

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5
Best Affordable Treatment

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
5
Best Affordable Treatment

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

Credit: Courtesy
Pros
  • Prevents redness
Cons
  • Takes a while to massage in

“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

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
6
Best Drugstore Treatment

Differin Acne Treatment Gel

Acne Treatment Gel
6
Best Drugstore Treatment

Differin Acne Treatment Gel

Credit: Courtesy
Pros
  • Easy to find
Cons
  • Can be too strong for sensitive skin

“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

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7
Best Preventative Cleanser

CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser

Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
7
Best Preventative Cleanser

CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser

Credit: Courtesy
Pros
  • Affordable
Cons
  • May be drying

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.”

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
8
Best Invisible SPF

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen

Unseen Sunscreen
8
Best Invisible SPF

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen

Pros
  • Clear application
Cons
  • Has a silicone-like texture

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.”

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9
Best Pimple Patches

Starface Hydro-Stars Starter Pack

Hydro-Stars Starter Pack
9
Best Pimple Patches

Starface Hydro-Stars Starter Pack

Credit: Courtesy
Pros
  • Reduces inflammation
Cons
  • May not stick well when using with other products

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!”

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
10
Best Retinol

ZO Skin Health Retinol Skin Brightener 1%

Retinol Skin Brightener 1%
10
Best Retinol

ZO Skin Health Retinol Skin Brightener 1%

Pros
  • Exfoliating
Cons
  • May not be suitable for sensitive skin

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!”

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
11
Best for All-Over Brightening

Hyper Skin Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum

Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum
11
Best for All-Over Brightening

Hyper Skin Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum

Pros
  • Prevents future breakouts
Cons
  • May take a month to see results

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.”

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
12
Best Clean Option

Ustawi Niacinamide Dark Spot Corrector

Editor’s Choice
Niacinamide Dark Spot Corrector
12
Best Clean Option

Ustawi Niacinamide Dark Spot Corrector

Pros
  • Protects from environmental pollutants
Cons
  • Pricey

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!”

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13
Best Multi-Tasker

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Topical Retinoid Acne Treatment

Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Topical Retinoid Acne Treatment
13
Best Multi-Tasker

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Topical Retinoid Acne Treatment

Pros
  • Evens texture
Cons
  • May cause dryness

“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

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
14
Best Overnight Treatment

SkinBetter AlphaRet Overnight Cream

AlphaRet Overnight Cream
14
Best Overnight Treatment

SkinBetter AlphaRet Overnight Cream

Pros
  • Absorbs quickly
Cons
  • Not best for sensitive skin

“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

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
15
Best On-The-Go Option

Nassif MD Detox Pads Complexion Perfecting Pads

Detox Pads Complexion Perfecting Pads
15
Best On-The-Go Option

Nassif MD Detox Pads Complexion Perfecting Pads

Pros
  • Unclogs pores
Cons
  • May cause dryness

“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

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
16
Best Exfoliator

Clean & Clear Acne Triple Clear Exfoliating Facial Scrub

Acne Triple Clear Exfoliating Facial Scrub
16
Best Exfoliator

Clean & Clear Acne Triple Clear Exfoliating Facial Scrub

Pros
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Can be drying

“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

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
17
Best Tinted SPF

CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Face Sheer Tint SPF 30

CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Face Sheer Tint SPF 30
17
Best Tinted SPF

CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Face Sheer Tint SPF 30

Pros
  • Provides a glow
Cons
  • Takes awhile to massage in

“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

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
18
The Holy Grail Vitamin C

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

C E Ferulic
18
The Holy Grail Vitamin C

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

Credit: Courtesy
Pros
  • Provides a glow
Cons
  • May not be suitable for sensitive skin

“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

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
19
Best for All Skin Types

Visha Advanced Correcting Serum

Advanced Correcting Serum
19
Best for All Skin Types

Visha Advanced Correcting Serum

Pros
  • Prescription dose
Cons
  • Pricey

“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

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
20
Best for a Deep Clean

SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser

Purifying Cleanser
20
Best for a Deep Clean

SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser

Credit: Courtesy
Pros
  • Unclogs pores
Cons
  • May not be suited for very dry skin

“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

Headshot of Margaux Anbouba
Margaux Anbouba
Beauty Editor

As ELLE’s beauty editor, Margaux wants to try it all and do it all…and she does. She's not afraid to chop, slather, dye, swipe, inject, and more—and if it's worth your time and money, she’ll rave about it here.

Headshot of Nerisha Penrose
Beauty Commerce Editor

Nerisha is the beauty commerce editor at ELLE.com, covering all things beauty (and fashion and music). She has a penchant for sneakers and nude lip glosses, and spends way too much time re-watching 90s sitcoms.

Headshot of Emily Burns
Assistant Beauty Editor
Emily Burns is the assistant beauty editor at ELLE Magazine. When she’s not writing, she’s probably drinking an Aperol spritz and cuddling with her cat Wednesday….or scheming how to date Pete Davidson.
Watch Next
 
preview for Elle US Section: Beauty

Makeup & Skincare 2023

nail dip powder manicure

Are Dip Powder Nails Better Than Gel Manicures?

skincare order

The Correct Order to Apply Your Skin Care

andreadamo backstage milan fashion week womenswear fallwinter 20232024

The Safest Way to Remove Your Lash Extensions

facial cleansing

Facial Cleansing Brushes Should Be Your Skin's BFF

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Logo
twitter icon
youtube icon
facebook icon
instagram icon
pinterest icon
Hearst Fashion and Luxury Collection - A Part of Hearst Digital Media

A Part of Hearst Digital Media

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back.

©2023 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Privacy NoticeCA Notice at CollectionYour CA Privacy Rights/Shine the LightDAA Industry Opt OutTerms of UseSite Map