And of course, SPF will be key to preventing further damage to the skin. “I must stress the importance of SPF for daily use, as acne scars get darker and settle in more over time, especially with exposure to sun and indoor blue light,” adds Dr. Kobets.
Below are dermatologists-recommend products you can add to your acne scar treatment roster.
Dermatologist-Recommended Products for Acne Scars
Babor Power Serum Ampoules: Retinol
Dr. Del Campo recommends these serum ampoules from Doctor Babor, not because ampoules feel like an extra-fancy way to deliver skin care (they are) but because the retinol and peptides can help to increase collagen production, which will improve skin healing and lessen the appearance of scars.
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
For those whose skin can’t tolerate prescription-strength retinol, Dr. Kobets recommends CeraVe Retinol Serum which has a 0.3% concentration of retinol, plus ceramides for extra skin barrier support.
SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream
Board-certified dermatologist Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce, MD, recommends this overnight cream that combines some heavy hitters: retinol, lactic acid, and glycolic acid, all of which can help improve collagen production. “It’s a winning combo of ingredients that really combats uneven texture,” she says.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Board-certified dermatologist Brooke Jeffy, MD, recommends this potent vitamin C serum, which can “improve texture associated with depressed scars,” aka atrophic scars. (Allure editors recommend it too: It’s won a Best of Beauty award five times.) Vitamin C also has the added benefit of fading hyperpigmentation, making this product a perfect solution if you have both.
Dr. Dennis Gross Vitamin C Lactic 15% Firm & Bright Serum
While it’s not necessarily a budget alternative, this serum, which has also made our Best of Beauty list, is quite a bit cheaper than SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic. In addition to vitamin C, the formula features licorice, which is also known to help hyperpigmentation.
Andalou Naturals Dark Spot Corrector
Board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD recommends using this vitamin C serum twice a day to lighten discoloration. “It also features a spot-targeting complex, incorporating pomegranate stem cells and caffeine which are rich in antioxidants.”
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Oil Control Serum
“Niacinamide has been shown to decrease redness and can help address the red marks left behind after an acne papule resolves,” says Dr. Geddes-Bruce, who recommends The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum, a super accessible and simple serum that is also formulated with zinc to control excess sebum production.
La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Corrector Serum with Niacinamide
The La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Corrector Serum with Niacinamide can “help fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or dark marks that may be left behind after acne lesions have resolved,” says Dr. Marcus. “It features a novel pigment-fighting molecule (melasyl) that has demonstrated promising results in clinical studies.”
Face Reality 8% Mandelic Serum
Dr. Jeffy likes the Face Reality 8% Mandelic Serum, which contains AHA and a high level of mandelic acid to brighten and help reduce skin damage such as pigmentation, acne scarring, sun damage, and yes, scarred textures.
RescueMD DNA Repair Complex
“The multitasking RescueMD DNA Repair Complex uses a blend of lapachol, antioxidants, peptides, and anti-inflammatory ingredients to support the skin’s natural healing process,” says Dr. Garshick, who adds that she loves how gentle it is on your complexion.
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Dr. Kobets recommends the EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 to prevent further damage to the skin from UV rays. “While collagen is being remodeled in the scar, it is super sensitive to ultraviolet radiation,” she says. “This is why you need to wear an SPF every day—even if indoors.”
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50
If you prefer a little coverage, this mineral sunscreen feels lightweight and is non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic, making it a great option for sensitive skin.
