Finally getting your acne under control should be a reason to celebrate. However, if you have been left with scarring or marks, it can cause just as much frustration as the acne itself.
Improving the look of acne scarring isn’t easy. You’ll find lots of products out there claiming to help, so it pays to choose carefully, and gentle, well-formulated products tend to suit scarred, reactive skin best. Here, you’ll discover how skin-friendly ingredients can help improve the look of acne scars and post-acne marks.
What is the best ingredient for acne scars?
There are a lot of ingredients that can help improve the look of acne marks. One of the most popular is vitamin C. This antioxidant helps neutralise free radicals, supports the skin’s natural collagen, and helps brighten the look of post-acne marks and uneven tone.
It’s important to note that vitamin C is not suited to every type of scar. If you have raised scars (keloid or hypertrophic scars), speak to your doctor or a dermatologist before trying new products on them.
There are some great vitamin C serums available that combine other skin-friendly ingredients to help even the look of marks. So, what other ingredients should you look out for?
What other ingredients help improve the look of acne scars?
As well as vitamin C, there are other ingredients worth looking out for when you want to improve the look of acne marks. They include:
- Vitamin E
- Salicylic acid
- Turmeric
- Azelaic acid
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps condition and soften the skin, and it is often found in products for marks and scarring. Used consistently, it can help skin look smoother over time.
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), widely used to exfoliate and clear pores, which can help keep breakouts and new marks in check. It is found naturally in willow bark. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor before using it.
Turmeric is a popular botanical in brightening and calming formulas, and it is often combined with other ingredients that help even the look of post-acne marks.
Azelaic acid helps even the look of post-acne marks and uneven tone. It is found naturally in barley, rye and other grains, and it supports healthy-looking cell turnover.
Will these ingredients fade acne scars completely?
How much improvement you see depends on the type of scarring you have. Deeper, more severe scars are much tougher to fade, although their appearance can still be improved. Mild marks and post-inflammatory pigmentation tend to respond best to topical products used consistently.
Skincare products that include these ingredients are more likely to help than taking vitamin supplements. It’s important to have realistic expectations, and results vary from person to person. For deeper or persistent scarring, speak to a dermatologist about your options.
Acne Scar FAQs
What is the difference between acne scars and post-acne marks?
Post-acne marks are flat red, pink or brown spots left after a breakout, and they often fade over time. Scars change the texture of the skin, such as dips or raised areas, and are harder to improve with skincare alone.
What ingredients help with the look of acne marks?
Vitamin C, azelaic acid, salicylic acid, niacinamide and vitamin E are commonly used to help brighten and even the look of post-acne marks and support smoother-looking skin.
How long does it take to see results?
Skincare works gradually. Most people need to use a product consistently for at least four to twelve weeks, and results vary from person to person.
Can I use acne scar products if I am pregnant?
Some ingredients, including salicylic acid and retinoids, are usually avoided or discussed with a doctor during pregnancy. Check labels and speak to your doctor or midwife first.
When should I see a dermatologist about acne scarring?
See a dermatologist if your scars are deep, raised, painful or not improving, as professional treatments may be more suitable than skincare.