Acne scars are common if you had major breakouts when you were a teen. Or maybe you had a cystic acne problem as a young adult. Perhaps even pregnancy hormones wreak havoc on your once-clear complexion. Whatever the case, acne scars can be a major killjoy, and they can be really tough to get rid of. Luckily, you don’t have to deal with them indefinitely. Here are some ways to get rid of acne scars and the best products for acne scars that will actually work.
What Are Acne Scars?
Acne scarring is the unfortunate result of inflammation during the acne-healing process. Acne scars range from small imperfections on the skin’s surface to entire regions of the face having an uneven surface.
What Causes Acne Scars?
The body produces collagen during the blemish-healing process. Acne scarring is caused by too little or too much collagen being produced. This is why the skin under a scar may feel harder than surrounding areas.
Acne scars come from cystic, inflamed acne lesions that don’t heal quite as well as the original skin. This can cause a ton of different kinds of scars, including atrophic, icepick, boxcar, and rolling scars.
The kind of scar produced will depend on how much collagen is produced during the healing process.
Types of Acne Scars
In order to heal acne scars and prevent future ones, you’ll want to understand how your skin is creating them. Too much collagen results in raised (hypertrophic) scars. Too little collagen results in depressed (atrophic) scars. Hyperpigmentation, dark or red acne scars, are caused by excess melanin and sun damage to the freshly healed skin.
Do Acne Scars Go Away?
The key thing to keep in mind here, though, is that these surface irregularities won’t heal on their own (unlike acne-related discoloration or red acne scars, which generally will resolve itself with time). Instead, they usually require some kind of resurfacing and collagen to correct the structural deformities and marks in the skin.
Faint pimple scars may fade on their own over the course of a year or two, but there’s no guarantee. Those extra or missing won’t just appear out of nowhere. Because scars are a deep-rooted, structural problem, most are considered permanent acne scars. This is why prevention is so important!
How to Get Rid of Acne Scars
There are a few measures to take that will prove beneficial in your acne scar removal journey. We’re going to cover the best products for acne scars to use at home and the professional treatments needed for more severe scarring.
Keep in mind, though, that acne scarring treatment at home isn’t going to completely erase deep-set acne scars. It’s not that kind of solution. Instead, it’s simply a worthwhile addition to your skincare regimen that will help support your larger scar-reducing efforts (and help maintain healthy skin overall).
How to Remove Acne Scars Naturally At Home
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant powerhouse ingredient that’s known for its ability to reduce signs of aging, repair damaged skin, accelerate collagen synthesis, and correct hyperpigmentation. It’s also an amazing acne-fighter, meaning that it can actually preemptively combat the bacteria that ultimately leads to acne scars.
Vitamin C is one of Eight Saint’s 8 holy grail ingredients because of its multipurpose application to skincare.
People of all ages and skin concerns have something to gain from its natural abilities. Meet The Eight Saints super ingredients and learn how Vitamin C can fix so much more than pimple scars.
Cloud Whip Face Cream
As part of your skincare regimen, an effective vitamin C moisturizer will help:
- Fight and prevent acne
- Reduce common signs of aging, such as hyperpigmentation
- Repair oxidative photo-damage
- Pigment reduction
Seeking C Face Serum
The Seeking C Face Serum is another essential organic treatment for acne scars and dark spots. It’s lightweight for use after washing and before moisturizing. We’ve added Vitamin E and dandelion for extra natural support.
Down To Earth Gel Cleanser
When asking what helps with acne scars, it's important to know that appropriate cleaning is key to overall facial health. Our Down To Earth Gel Cleanser gently cleans the skin without stripping it of its natural oils.
Does Glycolic Acid Help With Acne Scars?
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), in general, are mild acids that can help get rid of dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores. That’s why doctors may often recommend AHAs for treating acne and a go-to option for how to treat acne scars.
Our favorite AHA is glycolic acid. It’s generally considered to be the most effective because it’s the smallest molecule of the bunch and therefore the most easily absorbed. It loosens the intracellular glue that holds your skin together and speeds along the skin shedding process that slows down with age.
Soulmate Brightening Treatment
Does exfoliating help with scars? Yes, if you use a great AHA exfoliator regularly as part of your skincare routine, it will:
- Reveal a fresh new layer of healthy, glowing skin
- Begin to chip away at those stubborn acne scars
- Fade dark spots
- Clean out pores
- Allow for better penetration of other skincare products
It will also provide a slew of more common skin benefits, including:
- Improved skin texture
- Even skin tone
- Increased hydration
- Diminished lines and wrinkles
- Reduced signs of sun damage
Bright Side Cream Cleanser
There’s no reason your face wash shouldn’t have restorative nutrients. The Bright Side Cream Cleanser is a well-balanced moisturizer that provides the strong foundation required for the skin to repair its flaws.
Jojoba Oil for Acne Scars
If you look at all the components the skin uses to stay clear and firm, jojoba oil has a significant amount of them. Of the many jojoba oil benefits, it is mainly used as a dark spot and acne scar treatment mainly for its high concentration of Vitamin E. It also has a similar composition to sebum, the component that keeps skin moisturized throughout the day.
High Society Face Oil
Want to know how to get rid of pimple scars naturally? High Society Face Oil is a strong contender. We've incorporated Jojoba oil to facilitate scar reduction and calendula. Benefits include brightening up dark patches caused by sun damage.
Cloud Whip Face Cream
Our Cloud Whip Face Cream feels exactly like its name - light, dewy, and soft. Jojoba oil is included in the acne scar treatment recipe to soften skin texture and reduce the appearance of dark spots.
Island Time Spray Lotion
If you’re wondering how to heal acne scars on the back or other body parts, a natural body lotion with jojoba oil is a great place to start. The Island Time Spray Lotion is pro-sebum and fights free radicals to promote positively clear skin.
Niacinamide For Acne Scars
Niacinamide has been found to reduce inflammation, regulate sebum production, and improve skin texture. It’s a popular tonic for getting rid of acne scars and is widely renowned for its ability to improve skin’s overall appearance.
Up The Anti Anti Aging Cream
Say goodbye to the fine lines with our Up the Anti Anti Aging Cream. Made with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and peptides, this cream nourishes and revitalizes your skin, leaving it looking and feeling radiant.
Tamanu Oil For Acne Scars
Tamanu oil was found to have skin regenerative and healing properties in hospital setting research studies. It also has antibacterial properties that prevent certain kinds of recurring acne. Tamanu oil benefits go far beyond acne scar treatment with holistic uses for athletes' foot and sunburn.
Cloud Whip Face Cream
Our coveted Cloud Whip Face Cream also has tamanu benefits for skin because of its healthy properties. For those wondering how to fade acne scars while preparing for a professional scar-reduction treatment, this cream is a must-have.
Daydreamer Natural Face Moisturizer
In addition to tamanu oil, the Daydreamer Natural Face Moisturizer utilizes natural ingredients like aloe leaf juice, ylang-ylang, and cocoa seed butter to restore the skin to its natural equilibrium.
Other Gentle Procedures
Beyond general skincare, the next step is to incorporate some gentle in-office or in-home treatments to complement your day-to-day routine. This can include chemical peels and microdermabrasion. Both can help diminish the appearance of mild acne scarring and reveal fresh, new skin.
Alternatively, you can try an at-home derma-roller. These handheld devices have a cylindrical head embedded with tiny needles that you roll over your skin. Like micro-needling, they create small wounds in the skin that boost collagen production and allow for vitamin C and glycolic acid to sink in.
So, does microneedling help acne scars? Yes, but not immediately. Expect a few treatments before your scars disappear completely.
Micro Needle Dermaroller
As we mentioned, topical creams alone aren’t enough to remove acne scars. Because professional treatments aren’t in the cards for everyone, we offer a do-it-yourself Micro Needle Dermaroller that mimics these treatments on a smaller scale. How long does it take for acne scars to fade using the microneedle dermaroller? Roughly six months for minor scars and a year for severe scarring.
How To Get Rid of Deep Acne Scars
If you’re looking for a more intense, ultra-effective option to treat larger acne scars, consider laser treatment for acne scars.
The best two on the market for acne scar removal? Fraxel 1550 and PicoWay Resolve. Fraxel, on the one hand, creates deep wounds in the skin to stimulate the body to create more collagen and minimize the appearance of scars. It requires some significant downtime, resulting in five days of post-treatment redness, but it requires fewer treatments overall.
PicoWay, on the other hand, has minimal to no downtime but does require more sessions. Other modalities can be used in combination with laser treatments, including:
- The surgical removal of acne scars
- Subcision (breaking up the scar tissue with a needle below the scar)
- Microneedling
- TCA (a strong chemical peel solution that’s placed inside the depressed scar to elicit it to fill in with new tissue)
How to Prevent Acne Scars?
The best acne scar treatment is prevention. This means a strong, intentional skin care routine with clean ingredients that work for your skin. Put in the work to avoid acne in the first place so you don’t have to battle stubborn scars!
Don’t Ever Pick at Existing Pimples
We know it’s tempting to pop and pick acne, especially when it’s embarrassingly irritated you can’t stop looking at it. Whatever you do, resist the urge. Messing with acne disrupts the natural healing process and usually makes acne scars look worse than they would have if left alone.
Don’t Leave Aggressive Acne Untreated
Stubborn acne that lingers for more than a few days might warrant a trip to the dermatologist. Make sure to treat acne as soon as you feel it coming and avoid touching your face as much as possible. Stock up on the best products for acne scars and incorporate them into your skincare routine.
Quality Control Acne Spot Treatment
Looking for an effective acne scar treatment? Look no further than our Quality Control Acne Spot Treatment. This powerful formula targets stubborn acne, helping to diminish scarring and restore a smooth, clear complexion.
Zen Out Of Ten Face Scrub
One of the most common causes of acne is when the pores clog with dirt, oil, and dead skin cells. The Zen Out Of Ten Face Scrub is perfect for preventing this type of acne and pimple scars. With a blend of natural ingredients, this gentle scrub cleanses, promotes cell turnover, and respects the skin’s natural pH.
Make Sure That Your Skin is Properly Hydrated
The skin requires sufficient moisture to repair itself and promote scar healing. Proper hydration can help prevent dryness and itching, while also reducing the risk of acne scarring and promoting a more even skin tone.
Night Shift Hydration Gel
In order to maintain this moisture, you’ll want to use natural products that restore the skin’s protective moisture barrier after washing. Our Night Shift Hydration Gel does this and more, preventing pimples and the acne scars that follow.
Wear Sunscreen
Exposure to the sun allows UV rays to penetrate the skin’s surface, exposing cells to harmful stress. When you get sunburned on a fresh pimple wound, it’s more likely to create an acne scar, often leading to a red or dark spot.
Chase The Sun SPF 30 Face Moisturizer
Our Chase The Sun SPF 30 Face Moisturizer provides full spectrum protection from harmful UVA/UVB rays. Finished with hyaluronic acid, squalane, and aloe vera, it's the perfect product for everyday protection and acne scar prevention.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to acne scars, the best cure is prevention. Taking care of your skin will prevent acne and minimize scarring in general, but don’t think you’re alone if you get a few scars along the way. Other than professional treatments designed to heal acne scars, using high quality products that provide moisture and nutrients is the best thing you can do.
Happy healing!