The Active Edit

The 7 Best Products For Acne Scars

written by: Kristen - Beauty Editorpublished on 17 Jan, 2024

Correct Acne Scarring With the Best Tried and Tested Products

A marathon. It's long, it's exhausting, but oh does stepping over the finish line make it worth it. Like a marathon, treating acne scars is a journey. Don't treat it like a sprint. But unlike a marathon, the process doesn't have to be exhausting. We're giving you the 7 best products to treat acne scars, that'll have you forgetting about the run ahead. Enjoy the process, by investing in your skin to see the payoff in the long run.

What Causes Acne Scarring?

Acne. It's a skin condition a lot of us have to deal with. Although most common amongst teenagers, it affects people of all ages. And did we mention it can occur in all sorts of places like the face, neck, chest and even the back? Acne develops from a buildup of sebum (oil) on the skin creating whiteheads and blackheads. As bacteria is allowed further into the skin it becomes inflamed, ultimately leading to the dreaded… acne. This injury to your skin can cause scars and discolouration. Another common cause of acne scarring is the result of trauma to the skin from squeezing, picking and home extractions. Acne scarring occurs from inflammation, bacteria and excess oil production as the skin’s wound healing process leaves a mark. 

The best marathon runners are disciplined with their running routine. Treating your acne scarring should be the same with your skincare for acne. 3, 2, 1…We're off!

The Best Products to Help Acne Scarring

  1. The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
  2. Medik8 Blemish Control Pads
  3. Aspect Retinol Brulee
  4. Alpha-h Vitamin B Serum With 5% Niacinamide
  5. Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
  6. Vanessa Megan Super C + Bearberry Illuminating Face Serum
  7. Eminence Bright Skin Licorice Root Booster Serum

1. The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque

Salicylic Acid & BHA (beta hydroxy acid) is the secret ingredient to treating acne scars! It is oil soluble, helps to eliminate dead skin cells, promotes new skin cell production AND improves hyperpigmentation. In turn, this enhances your overall skin tone. The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque is our recommended go-to product to treat acne scars. This exfoliating treatment product from The Ordinary is gentle, yet effective enough to purify pores (thanks clay and charcoal!) and diminish redness. It expertly helps rid your skin of blackheads, acne and pimples, leaving your skin with a smooth, radiant complexion.

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2. Medik8 Blemish Control Pads

Another Salicylic Acid superhero is this pot of blemish-banishing goodness. A true must-have when it comes to treating your acne scars and active breakouts, these handy Medik8 presoaked individual wipes are perfect for treating the face, neck, and body. Even better, they are so simple to use and make an effective treatment for teenagers. The alcohol-free formulation fights blemishes and prevents future breakouts, thus minimising the risk of scarring. As your one-stop formula to even out your skin tone on all areas of acne breakout, these exfoliating and pore clearing wipes leave the skin smooth and clear.

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3. Aspect Retinol Brulee

Promoting cell turnover, retinol & vitamin A helps to even out your skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation which is why I always reach for the Aspect Retinol Brulee! This product provides antioxidant protection to your skin through a serum formulation. Moreover, brightening your complexion, the serum gently exfoliates your skin. Delivering vital nutrients deep into your face, this wonder retinol serum from Aspect smooths out your complexion to help diminish the effects of scarring.

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4. Alpha-h Vitamin B Serum With 5% Niacinamide

Niacinamide & vitamin B. The ingredient that is a bit of an all-rounder as it reduces sebum, redness and irritation whilst strengthening the skin. One of the best ways to get your dose of Niacinamide is through a serum. A repairing serum like the Alpha-H Vitamin B Serum with 5% Niacinamide offers a weightless solution to combat inflammation and brighten acne scarring. But it gets better. With Panthenol, Peptides and Hyaluronic Acid in the mix, this serum works harder to help strengthen your skin’s barrier, top up vital hydration as it also helps to boost your skin’s immunity. A highly recommended product by our skin experts.

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5. Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

Glycolic Acid & AHAs work to repair damaged skin and scarring by removing dead skin cells from the top layer of skin. BHAs work to bust away blemishes and redness. Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser combines the best of both AHA and BHA ingredients to give your skin the ultimate treatment for acne scars. Smoothing the texture of the skin, this Murad cleanser rids your face from impurities to smooth out your complexion whilst tackling those sometimes stubborn scars.

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6. Vanessa Megan Super C + Bearberry Illuminating Face Serum 

When you want to banish those acne scars but prefer to keep it nice and natural, fight skin discolourations with the advanced potent purity of the Vanessa Megan Super C + Bearberry Illuminating Face Serum. Nature’s super extracts of emu apple, Kakadu plum and bearberry naturally brighten and lighten the skin. Furthermore, this Vanessa Megan staple delivers anti-inflammatory benefits in addition to environmental protection. If that wasn’t enough, the 100% natural formulation harnesses pineapple and cranberry enzymes as a mild exfoliant, to help dissolve dead skin cells away. All whilst helping to fade dark spots and residual acne scarring.

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7. Eminence Bright Skin Licorice Root Booster Serum

Licorice extract contains antimicrobial properties reducing inflammation and promoting mark fading. Renowned for its spot-fading powers, Licorice extract is a key ingredient to reduce the appearance of acne scarring. Moreover, the Eminence Bright Skin Licorice Root Booster Serum brightens skin and rids dead skin cells. Combined with antioxidants and Vitamins A, C & E this Eminence Organic Skin Care serum smooths out skin by reducing acne scarring severity, restoring a more even complexion.

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Therefore, run the race for long term results. Invest in treatments that will work harder and reduce your acne scars the healthy way. Clear skin is just around the corner!