Defensive Skincare: 10 Best Acne Scar Treatments to Prevent Acne Scarring

Discover the top 10 best acne scar treatments to prevent scarring, including serums, creams, and sunscreen. Treat acne scars with the best products available.

Acne scars can be stubborn and challenging to deal with, but with the right skincare regimen, you can effectively prevent them from forming.

From serums to acids and treatments recommended by dermatologists, we've compiled a list of the top 10 acne scar treatments to help you maintain clear, smooth skin in 2024 and beyond.

A Deeper Dive into Dermatologist's Treatment for Acne Scarring

Scars leave their mark not only on the skin but also on the sufferers psyche. With rapid developments in dermatology, treating blemishes is becoming easier.

Please consult your dermatologist about the best treatment for your blemishes.

The choice will depend upon your medical history, the type of scar and the kinds of treatments available for that type of scarring. Some treatments are cheaper than others but may not give perfect results. The choice therefore also depends upon your budget and the kind of results you desire.

According to recent research ¹ findings, the improper selection of treatment or the existence of severe acne vulgaris may result in the development of atrophic scars. This review aims to consolidate the current understanding of acne scars and the approaches to enhance them. Atrophic scars are categorized into three types: icepick, rolling, and boxcar. These scars vary in depth, width, and cross-sectional features.

Let's look at the kinds of treatments available for lesions:

Cleansing

Cleansing your skin twice a day is key to keeping your skin healthy and clear, and finding the right face wash for your individual skin type is essential.

Dermabrasion

This is considered one of the most effective treatments for acne scars. In this procedure the doctor uses a local anesthetic or freezes the skin and then uses a high-speed rotary abrader to remove unwanted surface skin. As the skin heals, it shows a brighter appearance. This procedure may remove superficial scars altogether and reduces deeper scars. 

Chemical Peeling

Depending on the scar, your doctor will apply a mild chemical peel on the affected skin. This slowly peels away the old skin and brings in fresh skin. Mild scars can be treated with chemical peels.

Laser Therapy

Lasers of different types are used by the doctor to give a new shape to the scarred skin by recontouring the scars. The high burst of laser may leave the skin red for sometime.

Soft Tissue Filling

Collagen that may be bovine in source or patients own may be injected below the scar to lift the skin and give a smooth appearance. As the injected collagen gets absorbed in the body over a period, further treatments may be needed after about six months. Bellafill® is the only long-term filler that's FDA approved to treat distensible acne scars for up to one year. Similarly fat may be injected below deep scars for giving a lift to the skin. Similar to collagen filling, fat injections may need to be repeated after some months. Your doctor will advise you about that.

Skin surgery

Skin may have to be surgically corrected with grafting or other procedures to remove some scars. 

Microdermabrasion

 In this procedure very tiny aluminum oxide crystals are passed through a vacuum tube to scrape the surface of the skin. This procedure may have to be repeated many times, and gives a fresh look to the skin by scraping. Very mild scarring can be treated with microdermabrasion.

Glycolic acid, a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA)

Glycolic acid is renowned for its exfoliating properties and its ability to penetrate the skin deeply. In acne treatment, it works wonders by effectively removing dead skin cells that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. By gently exfoliating the skin's surface,it also helps to unclog pores, prevent new blemishes from forming, and fade existing acne scars.

Its small molecular size allows it to penetrate deeply into the skin, promoting cellular turnover and revealing a smoother, more radiant complexion. Incorporating glycolic acid into your skincare routine can significantly improve acne-prone skin by promoting skin renewal and preventing future breakouts. Whether in the form of cleansers, toners, or serums, glycolic acid is a powerful ally in the fight against acne and the removal of dead skin cells.

Steroid injections may be used to treat keloids

For people who have the tendency to form keloids with a  severity of acne, no surgical method can be used. If one can develop keloid with acne injury, more keloids will be formed by further surgery. steroid injections may be used to treat keloids. In some cases topical retinoic acid is applied directly on the keloids.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns.

Our team searched for the best products and our carefully curated selection of skincare products are designed to prevent scarring and unveil smoother, healthier-looking skin.

Let's dive into the key features, benefits, and why we love each product on our list.

1. **Paula's Choice BOOST 10% Azelaic Acid Booster**

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Key Features

• Contains 10% azelaic acid to target  scars and hyperpigmentation.

Benefits:

• Helps fade  scars, even out skin tone, and reduce inflammation.

Why we love it

• Its gentle yet effective formula, ideal for sensitive skin types.

2. **The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum**

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Key Features

• Formulated with niacinamide and zinc to regulate sebum production and promote skin barrier function.

Benefits:

• Diminishes post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, reduces acne inflammation, and improves skin texture.

Why we love it

• Fades  scars and control breakouts without causing irritation.

3. **Seoul Ceuticals C E Ferulic Serum**

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Key Features

• 20% Vitamin C Hyaluronic Acid Serum with CE Ferulic Acid  is a potent blend to shrink pores, clear up acne, prevent breakouts, and minimize the appearance of acne scars

Benefits:

• Diminishes post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, reduces acne inflammation, and improves skin texture.

Why we love it

• Helps to fade sun spots and is guaranteed to provide you with a brighter more smooth complexion.

4. **Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum**

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Key Features

• Features a blend of glycolic, lactic, tartaric, citric, and salicylic acids to exfoliate and clarify the skin.

Benefits:

• Smooths skin texture, unclogs pores, and fades  scars and hyperpigmentation.

Why we love it

• Its ability to transform skin overnight, leaving it clearer and more radiant.

5. **Murad InvisiScar Resurfacing Treatment**

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Key Features

• Formulated with salicylic acid, hydroxy acids, and vitamin C to fade  scars and improve skin texture.

Benefits

• Minimizes the appearance of scars, reduces inflammation, and evens out skin tone.

Why we love it

• Lightweight texture and visible results in reducing acne scarring.

6. **Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength Niacinamide Discoloration Treatment**

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Key Features

• Contains Gluconolactone (PHA) 10%, a gentle yet potent polyhydroxy acid, this formula offers advanced exfoliation to clarify acne-prone skin and diminish the appearance of uneven texture and tone.
• Glycolic Acid (AHA) 5%, it enhances radiance, evens out skin tone, and promotes smoothness.
• Salicylic Acid (BHA) 0.5% effectively combats acne by clearing pores, preventing breakouts, and reducing excess surface oil.

Benefits:

• Diminishes post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, reduces acne inflammation, and improves skin texture.

Why we love it

• Visible improvements in  scars and overall skin clarity.

7. **La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Spot Treatment Cream Treatment**

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Key Features

• Innovative formula targets acne, pimples, and blemishes while maintaining skin hydration, making it a go-to solution for clearer, healthier-looking skin.

Benefits:

• Unique formulation targets existing blemishes but also helps prevent new breakouts, leaving your skin looking smoother and more radiant. Reduces acne inflammation, prevents new  scars, and improves skin texture.

Why we love it

• It's non-drying formula makes it suitable for all skin types and its effectiveness in clearing acne and preventing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
   

8. **COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner**

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Key Features

• Contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) to exfoliate and unclog pores.

Benefits

• Korean skincare is gentle yet effective formula, suitable for acne-prone and sensitive skin.

Why we love it

• Fades  scars and control breakouts without causing irritation.

9. **PCA SKIN Intensive Brightening Treatment: 0.5% Pure Retinol Night**

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Key Features

• Formulated with 0.5% pure retinol to promote cell turnover and fade  scars.

Benefits:

• Smooths skin texture, reduces hyperpigmentation, and enhances skin radiance.

Why we love it

• Visible improvements in  scars and overall skin tone with consistent use.

10. **Kate Somerville EradiKate Daily Foaming Cleanser Acne Treatment**

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Key Features

•  Medicated daily foaming face wash contains 3% Sulfur to delivers clinical strength cleansing without irritation. See visibly clearer skin with continued use.

Benefits:

• Clinically formulated face cleanser for acne-prone skin works to prevent blemishes and balance oily skin as it unclogs and minimizes the appearance of pores.

Why we love it

• See visibly clearer skin with continued use without irritation.

There are several topical medications that can help improve the appearance of acne scarring, including:

1. Retinoids:

These medications can help increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen production, which can improve the appearance of acne scars over time.

2. Vitamin C:

This antioxidant can help brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation caused by acne scars.

3. Hydroquinone:

This skin-lightening agent can help reduce the appearance of dark acne scars.

4. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs):

These exfoliating acids can help improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of acne scars.

5. Silicone gel or sheets:

These products can help flatten raised scars and improve their appearance over time.

It's always best to consult with a dermatologist before starting any new topical medications for acne scarring, as they can recommend the best treatment plan for your specific skin type and concerns.

Last Thoughts

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1. Can acne scars be permanently removed?

Permanently removing acne scars is challenging but there are various treatments like laser therapy, chemical peels, and microneedling that can significantly reduce the appearance of scars.

2. What are the best products for acne scars removal?

When it comes to acne scar treatments, serums containing retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C are often recommended by dermatologists to help fade lesions as it can take away dead skin cells.

3. How does exfoliation help in reducing acne scars?

Exfoliating the skin helps remove dead skin cells on the surface, promoting cell turnover and improving the texture of the uneven skin, which can contribute to fading acne marks over time.

4. Is it possible to reduce the appearance of acne scars with skin care?

Using targeted treatments such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and niacinamide can help reduce lesions and improve skin texture when incorporated into a consistent skin care routine.

5. Can hyperpigmentation caused by acne be treated effectively?

Yes, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation resulting from acne can be treated with ingredients like hydroxy acids and vitamin C, which help fade dark spots and even out skin tone.