How can you effectively treat acne scars and discoloration. What are the best professional and at-home treatments for acne scarring. Which acne scar treatments provide the most noticeable results. How long does it take to see improvements in acne scars with various treatments.

Understanding Acne Scars and Their Impact

Acne scars can be a frustrating reminder of past breakouts, often causing emotional distress and affecting self-confidence. These scars form when severe acne damages the skin and underlying tissue, leading to various types of scarring. Understanding the nature of acne scars is crucial for choosing the most effective treatment.

Types of Acne Scars

• Atrophic scars (depressed scars)
• Hypertrophic scars (raised scars)
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (discoloration)

Each type of scar requires a specific approach for optimal treatment. Atrophic scars, for instance, may benefit from treatments that stimulate collagen production, while hyperpigmentation often responds well to targeted lightening agents.

Professional Treatments for Acne Scars

Dermatologists offer a range of professional treatments that can significantly improve the appearance of acne scars. These treatments often provide more dramatic results than at-home options but may require multiple sessions and come with a higher cost.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are a popular choice for treating acne scars and discoloration. They work by removing the top layers of skin, promoting cell turnover, and stimulating collagen production. Different types of chemical peels are available, varying in strength and depth of penetration.

• Illuminize Peel
• Glycolic/Salicylic/AFA Peel
• Vitalize Peel
• Rejuvenize Peel
• Gentleman’s Peel

The choice of peel depends on the severity of scarring and skin type. Lighter peels may be suitable for mild scarring, while deeper peels can address more significant texture issues.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser treatments have revolutionized acne scar treatment. They work by removing thin layers of skin and stimulating collagen and elastin production. The CO2 laser is particularly effective for various types of scarring, wrinkles, and discoloration.

How does laser skin resurfacing work? The laser precisely targets damaged skin cells, vaporizing them and allowing new, healthier skin to form. This process not only improves the appearance of scars but also enhances overall skin texture and tone.

Dermal Fillers

For deep, indented acne scars, dermal fillers can provide significant improvement. These injectable treatments work by literally filling in the depressed areas, creating a smoother skin surface.

Are dermal fillers effective for all types of acne scars? While excellent for atrophic scars, fillers are not typically used for raised scars or discoloration. They’re particularly useful for ice pick and boxcar scars that create noticeable depressions in the skin.

Topical Treatments for Acne Scars

Topical treatments play a crucial role in managing acne scars, especially for milder cases or as maintenance between professional treatments.

Retinoids

Retinoids, such as Retin-A, Differin, and Tazorac, are powerhouse ingredients in the fight against acne scars. These vitamin A derivatives work by accelerating skin cell turnover and boosting collagen production.

How do retinoids improve acne scars? By increasing cell turnover, retinoids help to fade discoloration and smooth out uneven skin texture. They also stimulate collagen production, which can help fill in shallow scars over time.

Vitamin C Serums

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that can help fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and protect the skin from further damage. It also plays a role in collagen synthesis, contributing to overall skin health and texture improvement.

At-Home Devices for Acne Scar Treatment

The rise of at-home skincare devices has made certain treatments more accessible. While not as powerful as professional treatments, these devices can be effective for mild to moderate scarring when used consistently.

Microneedling Devices

At-home microneedling devices, also known as derma rollers, create tiny punctures in the skin to stimulate collagen production. This can help improve the appearance of shallow scars and overall skin texture.

Is at-home microneedling safe? When used correctly and with proper hygiene, at-home microneedling can be safe. However, it’s crucial to follow instructions carefully and not overuse the device, as this can lead to skin irritation or damage.

LED Light Therapy

LED light therapy devices use different wavelengths of light to target various skin concerns. Red light, in particular, can help stimulate collagen production and improve skin healing, potentially benefiting acne scars.

Combination Therapies for Enhanced Results

Often, the most effective approach to treating acne scars involves combining different treatments. This multi-pronged strategy can address various aspects of scarring simultaneously, leading to more comprehensive improvement.

Why are combination therapies often more effective? Different treatments target different aspects of scarring. For example, combining chemical peels with topical retinoids can enhance overall skin renewal, while pairing laser treatments with dermal fillers can address both texture and volume loss.

Lifestyle Factors in Acne Scar Management

While treatments are crucial, certain lifestyle factors can significantly impact the healing and appearance of acne scars.

Sun Protection

Sun exposure can worsen the appearance of acne scars and hyperpigmentation. Consistent use of broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential for protecting healing skin and preventing further discoloration.

Nutrition and Hydration

A balanced diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants can support skin health and healing. Adequate hydration is also crucial for maintaining skin elasticity and promoting cellular turnover.

Emotional Aspects of Acne Scar Treatment

Dealing with acne scars can have significant emotional impacts. It’s important to address not only the physical aspects but also the psychological effects of scarring.

How can one cope with the emotional impact of acne scars? Seeking support from friends, family, or professionals can be helpful. Remember that treatment is a journey, and improvements, even if gradual, can significantly boost self-esteem and confidence.

Future Innovations in Acne Scar Treatment

The field of dermatology is continually evolving, with new treatments and technologies emerging. Ongoing research into stem cell therapies, advanced laser technologies, and novel topical formulations promises even more effective solutions for acne scarring in the future.

What upcoming treatments show promise for acne scar management? Stem cell-based therapies and advanced growth factor treatments are areas of active research that may offer new hope for more effective scar remodeling and skin regeneration.

In conclusion, while acne scars can be challenging to treat, a wide range of effective options is available. From professional treatments like chemical peels and laser resurfacing to at-home care with retinoids and specialized devices, there’s a solution for every type of acne scar. The key is to consult with a dermatologist to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific concerns and skin type. With patience and the right approach, significant improvements in skin texture and appearance are achievable, leading to renewed confidence and clearer, smoother skin.

How to Best Treat Acne Scars and Discoloration for Smooth, Clear Skin

Are you someone who struggles with post-acne scarring and skin discoloration? No doubt, this skin condition can be frustrating, especially after battling active acne breakouts, pesky pimples, or, even worse, deep cystic acne that’s painful and distressing. 

At the Center for Surgical Dermatology, we understand that scarring and discoloration caused by acne can be almost as challenging to deal with as the acne itself. 

Fortunately, we’ve come to discover some essential treatments that work well in addressing and smoothing out acne scars, as well as improving the look of discoloration from acne! Learn more about these treatments by reading our short guide below. 

Best Acne Scars and Discoloration Treatments 

Retin-A 

If you’ve battled moderate to severe acne, you are likely already familiar with Retin-A or the similar topical retinoid brands of Differin and Tazorac. This is a common medication prescribed for acne, though it’s also effective at addressing scars and discoloration caused by acne. 

Topical retinoids, such as Retin-A, work to clear up post-acne scarring and discoloration by regulating and speeding up skin cell turnover. This increase in cell turnover helps to boost collagen production, which minimizes the look of acne scars and improves skin discoloration. 

Chemical Peels 

Another effective treatment for post-acne scars and discoloration is a chemical peel. This type of cosmetic treatment is a form of deep exfoliation, which brightens the skin, smoothes out skin texture, improves active acne lesions, alleviates post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (aka skin discoloration), and renews the skin for an overall healthier appearance. 

At the Center for Surgical Dermatology, we offer a range of different chemical peels that will help treat post-acne scarring and discoloration: 

• Illuminize Peel 
• Glycolic/Salicylic/AFA Peel
• Vitalize Peel 
• Rejuvenize Peel 
• Gentleman’s Peel 

Laser Skin Resurfacing 

At the Center for Surgical Dermatology, we offer laser skin resurfacing with the remarkable CO2 laser, which is proven to effectively treat various types of scarring, as well as wrinkles, fine lines, and skin discoloration.  

But what exactly is laser skin resurfacing? This innovative treatment involves removing very thin layers of skin to stimulate new collagen and elastin production, which results in smoother, firmer, more even-toned skin. 

Dermal Fillers 

Did you know dermal fillers are rather exceptional at filling out and improving the look of deep acne scars? 

Dermal fillers are a safe, non-surgical cosmetic treatment that use an injectable gel or solution to address specific skin issues. Dermal fillers are typically associated with anti-aging benefits, such as smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles, enhancing natural features for a more youthful appearance, and rejuvenating the face for a revitalized look. 

But those aren’t the only benefits – it’s been discovered that dermal fillers are also effective at addressing post-acne scarring. 

Dermal fillers for acne scars work by lifting the indented, depressed scars and deep contours with a filler substance, which results in smoother, softer skin. However, this type of cosmetic treatment is not effective at improving the look of post-acne hyperpigmentation and skin discoloration. 

Clear, Smooth Skin with Effective Post-Acne Scarring and Discoloration Treatments at the Center for Surgical Dermatology 

If you’re ready to achieve a softer, smoother, and clearer complexion, we recommend getting in touch with our exceptional team to learn more about our effective cosmetic treatments for post-acne scarring and discoloration! 

Whether it’s getting more information regarding chemical peels, topicals, dermal fillers, or laser treatments, we’re happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Give us a call at (614) 847-4100 today or send us a message online. We can’t wait to help you achieve the skin of your dreams!

Center for Surgical Dermatology is passionate about healthy, beautiful skin! If you’d like to visit with a dermatologist to find out what the best way to treat acne scars and discoloration are for smooth, clear skin, call (614) 847-4100 to schedule an appointment.  

17 Best Acne Scar Treatments of 2023 According to Dermatologists

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Best At-Home Laser Acne Scar Treatment

Tria SmoothBeauty Laser

Best At-Home Laser Acne Scar Treatment

Tria SmoothBeauty Laser

$529 at triabeauty.com

Credit: Courtesy Image

Pros

• Great alternative for those who don’t want to do an in-office laser treatment

Cons

• Expensive as far as at-home devices go

This laser from Tria is non-ablative, meaning it doesn’t damage the top layer of your skin, says dermatologist Karan Lal, MD. Instead, it gently heats your skin to improve its texture and tone with continued use. “While it is not FDA-approved for acne scars, I think it’s a great at-home device for patients who cannot afford in-office laser treatments to address their scarring,” says Dr. Lal. “It’s also safe for all skin types too. “

THE REVIEW: “I have had laser treatments at a dermatologist’s office that were expensive, $350-ish per treatment, and I needed at least four treatments to see any result,” says a tester, adding that “after using this just a couple of weeks I’m seeing amazing results and have saved a ton of money in the long run too.”

Best Acne Scar Treatment with Glycolic Acid

U Beauty The Resurfacing Compound Skin Care Treatment

Best Acne Scar Treatment with Glycolic Acid

U Beauty The Resurfacing Compound Skin Care Treatment

$228 at Nordstrom$70 at Walmart$228 at Skinstore

Credit: Courtesy Image

Pros

• Multitasking formula has anti-aging benefits in addition to fading acne scars

Cons

• Expensive compared to most face serums

Smooth and brighten your skin with this top-rated serum from U Beauty. “The formula’s main ingredient is glycolic acid,” says dermatologist Dan Belkin, MD. The fruit-derived acid has been shown not only to exfoliate but also to stimulate dermal collagen production—two key things for reducing the appearance of acne scars and uneven texture.

THE REVIEW: “I was dealing with some spots and they just wouldn’t go away. This morning when I woke up I looked in the mirror and felt truly happy with my skin. This product is amazing—and took the place of three different products in my routine. Seems pricey but it’s worth it if you ask me.”

Best Acne Scar Treatment with Adapalene

Differin Gel Acne Treatment

Best Acne Scar Treatment with Adapalene

Differin Gel Acne Treatment

Now 36% Off

$23 at Amazon

Credit: Courtesy Image

Pros

• Contains Rx-strength adapalene to treat acne *and* acne scars

Cons

• Can make skin red and flaky during the few weeks of use

The hero ingredient in this topical treatment is adapalene, a type of retinoid for acne that was previously available via prescription but is now for sale at the drugstore, says Dr. Belkin. Adapalene is not only proven to clear up acne (including whiteheads, blackheads, and cysts), but proven to help fade the dark marks they leave behind. And since adapalene can help stimulate collagen production, the ingredient can smooth rough, uneven texture from old breakouts too.

THE REVIEW: “I’ve struggled with acne and skin bumps my whole life and nothing helped until I tried this. It’s completely changed my skin. Not only has it improved the blemishes, but it’s getting rid of fine lines and acne scars as well. I want to constantly touch my face now because it’s so smooth. Give it a shot. I don’t think you’ll regret it.”

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Best Acne Scar Treatment with Vitamin C

Hyper Skin Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum

Best Acne Scar Treatment with Vitamin C

Hyper Skin Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum

$58 at Sephora

Credit: Courtesy Image

Pros

• Suitable for all skin tones and tones

Cons

• Takes weeks of consistent use to see a visible reduction in scarring

Another fantastic ingredient for helping fade the look of acne scars and marks? Vitamin C. The ingredient, which happens to be the hero in this serum, inhibits excess melanin production in the skin to reduce discoloration and spots. It can even help boost collagen production to improve skin texture too.

THE REVIEW: “At first, I wasn’t sure if this product was doing anything but then I looked back on photos and WOW,” says one tester. “It completely accelerates the process of fading those acne scars and other random dark spots—highly recommend!”

Best Acne Scar Treatment with Retinol

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 Serum

Best Acne Scar Treatment with Retinol

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 Serum

$53 at Dermstore$53 at Skinstore

Credit: Courtesy Image

Pros

• Contains retinol, one of the best OTC ingredients for reducing acne scars

Cons

• Needs to be use sparingly at first to avoid irritation

This serum uses retinaldehyde—a potent, fast-acting form of retinol that only requires one conversion to retinoic acid, the active form of vitamin A—to help to improve overall skin tone and texture and reduce the look of acne scars, says dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD. “The double-encapsulation system and incorporation of glycerin and hyaluronic acid makes it gentle on the skin and helps to minimize irritation too.”

THE REVIEW: “Did a lot of research before pulling the trigger on this product,” says a tester. “I have super sensitive skin so have been cautious about starting a retinol but I’m very pleased with product— absolutely no drying or negative side effects.”

Best Acne Scar Treatment for Sensitive Skin

Topicals Faded Serum for Dark Spots & Discoloration

Best Acne Scar Treatment for Sensitive Skin

Topicals Faded Serum for Dark Spots & Discoloration

$38 at Sephora

Credit: Courtesy Image

Pros

• Safe for all skin types and tones

Cons

• Some reviewers complain it has a weird smell

Designed with all skin types and skin tones in mind, this gentle, yet effective, acne scar treatment helps brighten skin with three key ingredients—tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and azelaic acid. Together, they reduce discoloration and inflammation and give skin a healthy glow.

THE REVIEW: “I’ve been using this for around a week and I already see a difference in multiple areas where I have serious hyperpigmentation,” reads one review. “I was hesitant at first because I have super sensitive skin and I am very susceptible to acne/breakouts but I have had zero problems with this.”

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Best Acne Scar Treatment for Red Marks

Renee Rouleau Post-Breakout Fading Gel

Best Acne Scar Treatment for Red Marks

Renee Rouleau Post-Breakout Fading Gel

$38 at Renee Rouleau

Credit: Courtesy Image

Pros

• Great for fading reddish, purple marks that appear post-breakout

Cons

• Needs to be used consistently to produce a visible result

If you’re like me and prone to reddish, purple marks (a type of acne scarring called post-inflammatory erythema), then you’ll love this gel from Renee Rouleau. It uses lactic and glycolic acids to gently increase cell turnover, green and white tea extracts to reduce inflammation, and sea whip extract to soothe skin and minimize redness. I use it on my red acne marks nightly and in a few weeks the spot is almost gone.

THE REVIEW: “Breakouts are so frustrating because it can take the skin so long to heal once the blemish is gone,” says a tester, adding that “this product really accelerates that healing/fading process.” “Just be sure to wait until the pimple has popped and there’s no more scabbing/flaking before you start using this.”

Best Face Mask for Treating Acne Scars

Charlotte Tilbury Super Radiance Resurfacing Facial Treatment

Best Face Mask for Treating Acne Scars

Charlotte Tilbury Super Radiance Resurfacing Facial Treatment

$70 at Sephora

Credit: Courtesy Image

Pros

• Gives skin an instant glow

Cons

• Contains fragrance that may potentially irritate skin

Dr. Garshick recommends this weekly face mask for anyone dealing with acne scars and marks. “Using a blend of AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs, this resurfacing treatment helps to exfoliate to get rid of dead skin cells, improving the appearance of acne scars and blemishes,” says Dr. Garshick. “It also contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate and nourish the skin so it won’t be left feeling dry or irritated.”

THE REVIEW: “This product did everything it said it would do and more,” writes one tester, adding “after the first use my skin was so soft and glowing so now I am using twice a week.” “Yes, it is pricey but it’s definitely worth it,” says another reviewer.

Best Nourishing Acne Scar Treatment

Hero Cosmetics Rescue Balm Post-Blemish Recovery Cream

Best Nourishing Acne Scar Treatment

Hero Cosmetics Rescue Balm Post-Blemish Recovery Cream

$13 at Ulta Beauty$13 at Walmart$13 at Skinstore

Credit: Courtesy Image

Pros

• Ideal for treating red, scaly spots and acne marks

Cons

• Won’t fade super-dark areas of hyperpigmentation

This nourishing balm is another great option for treating that post-inflammation hyperpigmentation and redness that lingers after your breakout has healed, says dermatologist Ranella Hirsch, MD. It reduces redness, inflammation, and scaly texture with a blend of moisturizing panthenol, softening and strengthening peptides, and vitamin E to improve tone and texture. It’s also great for layering under makeup if you decide to cover up your acne scars with concealer or foundation.

THE REVIEW: “I had a very big scar after picking a pimple that looked like a hole on my forehead,” reads a review. “Normally these scars take up to two weeks to heal for me, but I used this product three three days and wow! The scar is basically gone!”

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Best Acne Scar Treatment Tool

RadBizz DermaRoller for Face and Skin 0.25 mm

Best Acne Scar Treatment Tool

RadBizz DermaRoller for Face and Skin 0.25 mm

Now 11% Off

$8 at Amazon$10 at Walmart

Credit: Courtesy Image

Pros

• Helps stimulate collagen production and improve the efficacy of topical ingredients

Cons

• Can damage skin if used incorrectly

“I love dermarollers for at home use,” says Dr. Lal, adding that “some may find it controversial, but if you get one that is 0.25mm it is safe to use at home.” The safety lies not in the roller but in the prep, says Dr. Lal. “You have to use 70 percent alcohol to clean your roller before and after use and also be sure you throw it out after one month of consistent use.” Dermarollers are great at stimulating collagen (again, this is a must for reducing acne scars), minimizing pore size, and helping the active ingredients in your skincare products better penetrate your skin too.

THE REVIEW: “I am 23 years old and have struggled with large pores, dull skin, hormonal acne, and acne scars for years. I started using this nightly for about three weeks and ITS MAGIC. My skin is dewy and my scarring had faded significantly. I wish I discovered this sooner.”

Best Acne Scar Treatment with Salicylic Acid

Kate Somerville EradiKate Acne Mark Fading Gel Salicylic Acid

Best Acne Scar Treatment with Salicylic Acid

Kate Somerville EradiKate Acne Mark Fading Gel Salicylic Acid

$68 at Sephora$48 at Nordstrom$68 at Dermstore

Credit: Courtesy Image

Pros

• Lightweight gel texture absorbs quickly into skin and layers well under makeup

Cons

• Some reviewers say it has a weird odor

If you’re dealing with a mix of whiteheads, blackheads, and acne scars from old breakouts all at once, this lightweight gel can definitely help. It uses salicylic acid to unclog pores and clear up breakouts, a prebiotic complex to strengthen your skin’s protective barrier, and niacinamide to visibly fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and uneven skin texture.

THE REVIEW: “Oh my god my skin has never been better after using this morning and night for a couple weeks. My skin texture is the best it’s ever been. You need this if you have post-acne marks.”

Best Drugstore Acne Scar Treatment

Neutrogena Stubborn Marks PM Treatment

Best Drugstore Acne Scar Treatment

Neutrogena Stubborn Marks PM Treatment

Now 38% Off

$17 at Amazon$13 at Walmart$26 at Ulta Beauty

Credit: Courtesy Image

Pros

• Made without fragrances, dyes, parabens, or phthalates

Cons

• Can cause irritation if too much product is applied

Proof that you don’t need to spend a ton of $$ on retinol treatment for your acne scars? This top-rated option from drugstore skincare brand Neutrogena. It contains a stable, time-released form of the ingredient to gently fade acne marks and scars without causing irritation or drying out your skin like some other retinol products have a tendency to do.

THE REVIEW: “A friend recommended this product to me (I have a lot of acne scarring from hormonal breakouts) and I can really see a difference! I just finished my first bottle and I’m honestly impressed.”

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Best LED Mask for Acne Scars

CurrentBody Skin LED Mask

Best LED Mask for Acne Scars

CurrentBody Skin LED Mask

Now 47% Off

$380 at CurrentBody

Pros

• Pro-grade LED mask is safe and effective for all skin types and tones

Cons

• One of the more expensive options on the list

This at-home LED mask incorporates red and near-infrared light which penetrates deep into the dermis (deeper than topical skincare can get) to stimulate fibroblasts and smooth the look of acne scars, says Dr. Belkin. For best results, use the mask on clean skin five times a week for 10 minutes and in four weeks you’ll see a visible difference in your skin texture and acne scars.

THE REVIEW: “I’ve been using this mask for six weeks now and I can see nice results,” writes one tester, adding that “my complexion is more even, my skin looks brighter, and my dark spots and marks are lighter too.”

Best Acne Scar Treatment Patches

ZitSticka Hyperfade Dark Spot Microdart Patch

Best Acne Scar Treatment Patches

ZitSticka Hyperfade Dark Spot Microdart Patch

Now 59% Off

$14 at Ulta Beauty

Credit: Courtesy Image

Pros

• Ideal for quickly fading single spots and scars

Cons

• May be too strong for sensitive skin types

Chances are you’ve tried pimple patches to treat your active breakouts, but what about your acne scars? These genius patches are designed to do just that, thanks to teeny tiny micro darts that infuse spots and marks with a concentrated blend of licorice root, tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C to help fade their appearance in just a few weeks.

THE REVIEW: “Everyone’s skin is different, but this was the best purchase ever I’ve made for my skin. I used one patch and after two days I saw a noticeably difference in my acne scar.”

Best Multitasking Acne Scar Treatment

Peter Thomas Roth Goodbye Acne Complete Acne Treatment Gel

Best Multitasking Acne Scar Treatment

Peter Thomas Roth Goodbye Acne Complete Acne Treatment Gel

$44 at Sephora$30 at Walmart$44 at Nordstrom

Credit: Courtesy Image

Pros

• 3-in-1 formula clears up acne, fades acne scars, and reduces inflammation

Cons

• Some reviewers said there was an initial purging period while using this product

This 3-in-1 treatment is a godsend for acne prone skin. It helps clear active acne with 2 percent salicylic acid, improves the appearance of acne scars and marks with a combo of retinol, peptides, and vitamin C, and helps calm inflammation with a dose of aloe vera extract too. A genuine multitasker.

THE REVIEW: “I have hormonal acne along my jawline and neck, usually bad when it’s that time of the month, as well as some acne along my forehead,” reads one review. “I started using this two months ago, morning and night, and I have had maybe three zits total in that amount of time, where as I normally have about 20. It’s a game changer.”

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Best Peel Pads for Treating Acne Scars

Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads

Best Peel Pads for Treating Acne Scars

Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads

$115 at Skinbetter

Credit: Courtesy Image

Pros

• Derm-loved formula exfoliates and boosts collagen production in one step

Cons

• Individually-wrapped peels contribute to excess packaging

Each of these at-home chemical peel pads are pre-soaked with retinol and blend of lactic, glycolic, and salicylic acids. Dr. Belkin likes them for their ability to stimulate dermal rejuvenation and improve the appearance of acne scars, and I personally love them for the convenience. Just swipe one of the pads on clean skin and go—it’s super easy.

THE REVIEW: “These are an all-time favorite of mine,” says a tester, adding “I can really feel and see the difference in my skin the day after using this product compared to when I don’t! My skin feels awake, glowy, firm, just overall refreshed.”

Best Sunscreen for Acne Scars

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

Best Sunscreen for Acne Scars

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

$41 at Amazon$12 at Walmart$39 at Dermstore

Credit: Courtesy Image

Pros

• Lightweight, oil-free formula absorbs into skin quickly

Cons

• Contains chemical UV sunscreen filters which may irritate certain skin types

Sunscreen isn’t a traditional acne scar treatment, but it’s an absolute must in your routine if you want your acne scars to fade quickly. If you haven’t found a sunscreen you love, I highly recommend this one from EltaMD. It uses SPF 46 to protect your skin and prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from darkening, along with brightening niacinamide to even out your skin tone.

THE REVIEW: “This is the best sunscreen I’ve ever use on my face! It rubs on very smoothly and makeup blends flawlessly underneath it. It’s so thin and moisturizing—plus I have deep brown skin and the formula left no white cast either.”

Best Acne Scar Treatment for Stubborn Scars

Murad InvisiScar Post-Acne Resurfacing Treatment

Best Acne Scar Treatment for Stubborn Scars

Murad InvisiScar Post-Acne Resurfacing Treatment

$36 at Sephora$65 at Walmart$38 at Dermstore

Credit: Courtesy Image

Pros

• Helps smooth and fade stubborn, old acne scars

Cons

• Some reviewers say the pump is temperamental

This resurfacing treatment reduces the size, depth, and darkness of stubborn acne scars with three key ingredients: salicylic acid, centella asiatica (aka cica), and vitamin C. The salicylic acid gently exfoliates to create a smoother surface, cica restores your skin barrier for a faster healing process, and vitamin C works to brighten up hyperpigmentation.

THE REVIEW: “I have been using this consistently over the past few months and I have noticed huge changes in the evenness of my skin tone,” says one tester. “My dark marks left behind by acne have faded—plus it’s easy to use and the formula doesn’t irritate my skin, even with daily use.”

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What is the most effective treatment for acne scars?

As a I mentioned earlier, the most effective treatments for acne scars are professional treatments—including lasers (like Fraxel and IPL), radiofrequency microneedling, and chemical peels. All of these options will give you a noticeable difference in your acne scars and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation quickly.

That said, these treatments are usually pricey (in New York City, one Fraxel session can cost $1,000) and they’re not always easily accessible, which is where over-the-counter products, tools, and devices (like the ones above) come in handy. These at-home options *do* work, but they need to be used consistently (usually for months) to see a real, noticeable change in skin.

How to choose an acne scar treatment:

First, identify the type of acne scars you have

Most acne scars appear as are either categorized as atrophic scars or as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) or post-inflammatory erythema (PIE). Atrophic acne scars (or pockmarks) appear as hollow indents or divot in the skin from a sudden loss of collagen, which is a result of inflammation that occurred at the time the acne lesion was active.

In general, atrophic scars are a result of angry, cystic acne. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation looks like flat purple or brown marks (and usually present on deeper marks), while post-inflammatory erythema looks like flat red marks (and usually present on lighter skin).

These types of acne scars are also caused by inflammation from your breakout, but instead of your skin losing collagen (which would result in pockmarks), it produces excess pigment and discoloration where your breakout was instead.

Choose a product with ingredients best suited to your specific type of acne scarring

If you’re dealing with atrophic acne scars, you’ll need to choose an acne scar treatment that has ingredients that stimulate collagen (like retinol or peptides) and/or have resurfacing properties, like glycolic and lactic acids.

If you’re mostly dealing with flat dark marks or red spots, an acne scar treatment with brightening ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, or tranexamic acid will be your best option.

Lauren Balsamo

Deputy Beauty Director

Lauren Balsamo is deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for nine years at Cosmopolitan and has contributed to Women’s Health and Seventeen magazines as well. Follow her on Instagram.  

Self-treatment of acne

Acne or Acne is a chronic disease of the sebaceous glands, which are located on almost the entire surface of the body, except for the palms and feet. Most often affected by acne and seborrhea. areas of skin on the face in the forehead, nasolabial triangle and chin, on the scalp, in the auricles, on the anterior surface of the chest and in the interscapular zone.

Long-term inflammation leads to a decrease in the regenerative capacity of the skin. Therefore, with acne that has existed for years, the skin is poorly restored and small atrophic scars, uneven pigmentation and skin texture appear.

Causes of occurrence :

Heredity: each person has a genetically based type of skin, the level of sensitivity of sebaceous gland cells to the effects of sex hormones, and features of local immunity. The combination of all these parameters is very individual, so the course of the disease and the response to treatment in different people can be very different.

Imbalance of sex hormones in the body : androgens and estrogens. During puberty, both sexes experience an overabundance of male hormones; in adulthood, acne can be a sign of endocrine disorders.

Acne factors :

• puberty,
• pregnancy and lactation,
• inflammatory diseases of the genital organs,
• taking, replacing or stopping oral contraceptives and other hormonal drugs,
• certain tumors of the adrenal glands,
• Polycystic ovary syndrome,
• – violation of the acid-base balance in the body, serious injuries,
• allergic reactions, stress, sun, and so on.

Drugs that may cause or aggravate acne:

• steroid hormones,
• topical corticosteroids,
• systemic corticosteroids,
• anabolic steroids,
• gestagens,
• testosterone,
• halogens,
• iodides,
• bromides,
• Halogenated hydrocarbons,
• antidepressants,
• lithium salts,
• aminoptine,
• anti-tuberculosis drugs,
• isoniazid,
• antiepileptics,
• phenytoin,
• trimethadione,
• photosensitizers,
• thiourea,
• thiouracil.

Improper skin care , the use of alcohol lotions and scrubs, frequent washing of the face with soap, lead to drying of the skin and irritation of the sebaceous glands, which stimulates the production of even more sebum and acne.

Acne treatment

Attention!!! There is no quick cure for acne . You won’t be able to heal instantly. The victory belongs to those who from the very beginning chose a treatment strategy that can be followed for many years without harming the skin. You must know that NOBODY except you can defeat this disease. But, if acne is not treated, the disease will be extremely difficult, and physical discomfort will be added to the aesthetic discomfort.

Tune in! Acne treatment is long term. In the first days, weeks and even months of treatment, exacerbations of the disease, deterioration of the aesthetic condition of the skin are possible, which is associated both with the course of the process itself and with the mechanism of action and side effects of the drugs.

The choice of treatment tactics for acne depends on the severity of acne:

• I degree (mild) — there are white (milia) and black (comedones) acne on the skin, papules and pustules — single;
• II degree (medium) – there are papules and pustules, most of all on the face;
• III degree (moderately severe) – there are many papules and pustules, single deep-seated nodes – subcutaneous acne, acne spreads to the chest and back;
• Grade IV (severe) – there are many large painful pustules, subcutaneous nodules and cysts.

The main goal of anti-acne treatment is to get out of this disease with the least cosmetic consequences (residual atrophic or hypertrophic scars, age spots).

Acne control should include :

• sebum regulation
• – normalization of keratinization processes (formation of the stratum corneum) in the sebaceous gland,
• – creation of conditions for the free outflow of sebum from the ducts,
• Anti-inflammatory.

Do not forget about the restoration of the barrier function of the skin, which will put an obstacle in the way of bacteria seeking to settle in the sebaceous gland. It is necessary to prevent the development of post-acne phenomena and eliminate the already existing consequences of acne.

Let’s start with the normalization of sebum secretion.

Since skin irritation plays an important role in increasing the oiliness of the skin, it is necessary to clean it properly. Therefore, both degreasing lotions and soaps for acne should be used very carefully. With acne, ethyl alcohol is categorically contraindicated – it tans the skin, making the rough surface even rougher; can finally clog the excretory ducts and thereby increase the inflammatory reaction.

Do not use cosmetic procedures with scrubs and use cosmetics containing irritating substances. Itching and inflammation occur, and acne worsens.

To cleanse the skin at home, non-alcoholic or low-alcohol lotions containing antiseptic and tonic substances, in particular camphor, horse chestnut extract, and plant extracts with anti-inflammatory action, are recommended.

In case of a large number of acne and severe inflammation, steam baths should not be done – they will only worsen the skin condition.

Squeezing blackheads is especially harmful. Careless pressure on the inflamed sebaceous gland can cause a rupture of its walls, which ultimately leads to the formation of an even deeper abscess. Therefore, it is better to remove comedones in a beauty salon.

The next stage is the fight against hyperkeratosis (thickening of the stratum corneum of the epidermis) in the ducts of the sebaceous gland. For this, exfoliating agents are used in the form of lotions, alcohol solutions and pastes, as well as gels and creams containing salicylic acid, resorcinol, alpha and beta hydroxy acids (ANA and BHA) – they exfoliate the top layer of scales, reduce the overall thickness of the stratum corneum, normalize keratinization.

Protect the skin from the sun during treatment, as the use of acids increases the sensitivity of the skin to ultraviolet radiation, which can lead to the appearance of age spots.

Color cosmetics must not be abused. A number of ingredients used in cosmetics have a comedogenic effect, that is, they contribute to blockage of pores and the formation of comedones. Sometimes one ingredient is enough to make cosmetics comedogenic.

A number of pigments used in color cosmetics are comedogenic, especially in blush and lipstick. Under no circumstances should you leave color cosmetics on overnight.

Avoid all nourishing creams. Instead of creams, periodically apply pure oils containing essential fatty acids to the skin – blackcurrant, borage, evening primrose, wheat germ, avocado, linseed oil, fish oil, etc. In addition, the skin should be protected daily with a good (very high quality) day cream with the inscription oil-free, that is, “without fat.” With acne, the skin needs cosmetics that are not free of fats, but contain the right fats in the right ratio.

In case of sudden appearance of individual pimples and comedones, the skin area can be treated with a special cream or ointment containing zinc oxide, salicylic acid, ichthyol and herbal extracts. To achieve the effect, you need to apply the cream in a thick layer several times a day.

A non-inflamed comedone can be gently squeezed out. Do it only as needed. Inflamed comedone must not be squeezed out . Usually, blackheads don’t go away on their own, even if you use a good AHA, BHA, or Retin-A product.

As for blackheads, although they can go away on their own, removing their contents will only promote faster healing of the skin and prevent further development of the inflammatory process, which can lead to scarring. Before the procedure, be sure to wash your hands and clean your face.

Dirty hands can easily infect the deeper layers of the skin and leave scars on the skin. Apply a warm wet compress, then press the sebaceous gland with a cosmetic tissue, lifting the comedone from bottom to top. Many are afraid of harming themselves with this procedure. The only way to avoid this is to NEVER use excessive force when extruding. If the blackheads don’t budge, stop and leave them alone. Moderate extrusion does not create problems on the face. It’s actually one of the best ways to clear blackheads from your pores and relieve pressure from where the pimple is. Problems appear only when you start to treat the skin roughly, press it until wounds or severe inflammation appear. If you do not trust yourself, contact a specialist who will do this procedure professionally. This cleansing will significantly improve the condition of your skin.

Treat broken blackheads with 3% hydrogen peroxide .

To achieve a good result in the treatment of problematic skin, it is important to diagnose the presence of Demodex. If some manifestations have disappeared, but others have appeared – in a new place, the period of activity falls on spring-summer, but is not associated with the menstrual cycle – beware! In addition, with demodicosis, the skin does not tolerate washing with water and soap – it turns red, itches, swells, and new rashes appear. Demodicosis is very contagious, so the whole family should be examined.

Remember, almost always the time factor is important : start treatment as early as possible and with the most optimal preparations, taking into account the form (type) of acne.

Creams with low concentrations of AHA (eg glycolic acid), salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide can be selected as maintenance therapy. It is necessary to continue to carefully choose cosmetics, both protective and decorative (non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic), pay attention to skin cleansing (special products for gentle cleaning), use high-quality day cream, regularly visit a beautician.

The final stage of the treatment program should be a set of measures aimed at restoring skin moisture, regulating epidermal cell division and the process of keratinization (formation of the stratum corneum), restoring metabolic processes in the skin, increasing skin turgor and elasticity, and improving microcirculation.

In the presence of any chronic diseases (endocrine pathology, gynecological diseases, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, the presence of foci of chronic infection), parallel examination and treatment by appropriate specialists is necessary, since these conditions can maintain or deepen the course of acne and significantly reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.

No diet required – foods (chocolate, fats, etc.) do not cause acne. But in cases where there is a deterioration in the condition of the skin after the use of any products (manifestations of individual sensitivity are possible), they should be temporarily excluded from the diet.

It is very important to normalize the body’s metabolism and increase its vitality and resistance. Try to live with peace and harmony in your soul!

Pharmacies sell various creams, lotions and gels for acne treatment. A dermatologist can give you advice on choosing a remedy for acne.

At the Ruta Medical Clinic, a dermatologist-cosmetologist
Elena Alexandrovna Garbuzenko sees her.

She has developed an effective treatment from several courses of treatment.

From December 9 to December 29, promotional acne treatment programs are held.

Problem skin, acne, skin care and treatment

There is a myth that acne, popularly known as pimples, is a problem of adolescence. However, this is not entirely true: the cause of acne can be not only hormonal changes in the process of growing up, there are many reasons for this. There are a huge number of methods for getting rid of acne – effective and not very effective, but what really matters is proper skin care for acne.

Here are some tips that might help a lot of people:

1. Cleansing of problematic skin.

Cleansing problematic skin consists of several stages:

• Washing

• Skin cleansing with lotion or tonic

• Weekly scrub use.

Wash.
Use a soap-free cleanser to wash your face. You need to wash your face in the morning and in the evening (no more than twice a day). It is best to wash in a contrasting way: first with warm water, then cold.

Skin cleansing lotion and tonic .

Use non-alcohol cleansers to cleanse your skin. There are a lot of such products: lotions, milk, gels, scrubs. You need to choose the right tool for you and use it regularly.

Weekly scrub.

Scrubs are needed, but they also need to be used correctly. Firstly, the scrub should be designed for problem skin, and secondly, scrubs are used only 1-2 times a week. The mechanical effect on the skin with inflamed acne should be minimal so that there is no additional irritation and increased inflammation. When acne is expressed by the formation of comedones (black dots), and the skin on the face is oily, a scrub with large or medium particles is suitable. In the presence of inflamed acne, you need to choose this remedy with small particles, that is, a milder effect. After washing or washing off the scrub, the skin on the face should be blotted with a towel, you can not rub it. If acne medications are prescribed, then they are applied to the skin after cleansing procedures, after 10-15 minutes.