Acne Scar Creams
Few things in life are as tempting as popping a zit. You know you shouldn’t and yet, you can’t help it. Be that as it may, when you squeeze a pimple, you’re interfering with your body’s natural healing process. You could even aggravate an infection. Worst of all, you could be left with an acne scar that takes ages to fade away. Luckily, there are many ways to get rid of the evidence of an acne breakout. For a treatment that you can do in the comfort of your own home, you can use an acne scar cream or ointment.
An acne scar is a dark spot that’s a remnant of an acne lesion. As your skin battles inflammation, it promotes increased pigment production. Patches of skin become darker than the normal-colored surrounding skin. To remove these discolorations, you need a product that can brighten skin and make the tone more even.
7 Best Acne Scar Creams for Fast and Safe Healing
The most effective acne scar treatments contain active ingredients that exfoliate the uppermost layer of the epidermis to reveal fresh, even-toned skin. Vitamin A derivatives such as retinol and glycolic acid do that job particularly well and are safe to use at home. These products also have antioxidants such as vitamins B and C make the skin look brighter.
| Product | Fragrance | Ingredients | Size | Price | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Aveeno Positively Radiant Targeted Tone Corrector | Scented | Active Naturals Total Soy Complex, Vitamin A | 1.1 fl oz | $26.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
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Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Dark Spot Corrector | Scented | Accelerated Retinol SA, Vitamin C | 1.0 oz | $16.13 | Buy on Amazon | |
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Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer | Fragrance-free | Retinoid Complex, Vitamin B3, Amino Peptide | 1.7 oz | $46.99 for full size + travel size package | Buy on Amazon | |
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Dermalogica AGE Bright Spot Fader | Scented | Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Hexylresorcinol, AGE Bright Complex | 0.5 fl oz | $45.00 | Buy on Amazon | |
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Murad Environmental Shield Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum | Scented | Hydroquinone, Glycolic Acid, Hexapeptide-2 | 0.33 fl oz, 1.0 fl oz | $72.00 for 1.0 fl oz | Buy on Amazon | |
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CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum | Fragrance-free | Encapsulated Retinol, Licorice Root Extract, Ceramides | 1.0 fl oz | $16.97 | Buy on Amazon | |
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Keeva Organics Tea Tree Oil Acne Treatment Cream | No added fragrance | Tea Tree Oil, Shea Butter, Argan Oil | 1.0 oz | $19.9 | Buy on Amazon |
1. Aveeno Positively Radiant Targeted Tone Corrector
- Retail Price: $26.99 (Click here to check the latest promotion)
- Available Size: 1.1 fl oz
- Key Ingredients: Active Naturals Total Soy Complex, Vitamin A
- Fragrance: Scented
Aveeno Positively Radiant Targeted Tone Corrector promises to fade the appearance of dark patches and uneven skin tone in just two weeks. It’s meant to be used as a spot treatment twice a day, after cleansing and before moisturizing. With its oil-free and non-comedogenic formula, it’s safe for all skin types.
It contains Aveeno’s Active Naturals Total Soy Complex which is derived from soybeans. Soy has been used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its skin-brightening and long-term benefits. To improve skin tone, this product also has vitamin A in the form of retinol. Moisture-locking hyaluronic acid is added to prevent dryness.
2. Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Dark Spot Corrector
- Retail Price: $16.13 (Click here to save up to 16%)
- Available Size: 1.0 oz
- Key Ingredients: Accelerated Retinol SA, Vitamin C
- Fragrance: Scented
For improved skin clarity and radiance, Neutrogena Rapid Tone Dark Spot Corrector is a popular choice among the drugstore brands. Consumers reported a 60% reduction in stubborn hyperpigmentation in just a few days. This brightening serum is gentle enough to be used on the entire face, not just on dark spots and acne scars. It can even be worn under makeup as a primer.
Neutrogena’s unique Accelerated Retinol SA is a breakthrough in skin technology that combines the highest concentration of retinol with glucose complex and hyaluronic acid. Your skin will be continuously moisturized as this product works on fading discoloration and wrinkles. In addition, Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant, repairs damaged skin cells and evens out skin tone.
3. Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer
- Retail Price: $46.99 for full size + travel size package (Click here to check the latest promotion)
- Available Size: 1.7 oz
- Key Ingredients: Retinoid Complex, Vitamin B3, Amino Peptide
- Fragrance: Fragrance-free
Olay was the first skincare company to make anti-aging products available to the masses. Their Regenerist 24 Night Moisturizer is just one in their vast wrinkle- and spot-fighting arsenal. Nevertheless, we love it because it just feels so refreshing on the skin. It works overnight to give you a well-rested, perfectly moisturized look every day.
Olay’s proprietary Retinoid Complex transforms your skin as you sleep. You’ll notice lighter spots, fewer wrinkles, and smaller pores with regular use. They included niacinamide (vitamin B3) that can boost cell regeneration while removing the dull, discolored top layer of the skin. Amino peptides, the building blocks of cells, round this cream off by helping your skin to look tighter and firmer.
4. Dermalogica AGE Bright Spot Fader
- Retail Price: $45.00 (Click here to check the latest promotion)
- Available Size: 0.5 fl oz
- Key Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Hexylresorcinol, AGE Bright Complex
- Fragrance: Scented
Who doesn’t like a multi-tasking skin product? Dermalogica AGE Bright Spot Fader is a two-in-one treatment that has salicylic acid to stop acne in its tracks. At the same time, you can use it to fade post-breakout scars because it has hexylresorcinol—a substance that is proven to inhibit melanin production.
Moreover, this product is packed with skin-friendly ingredients. It contains witch hazel and aloe vera to soothe inflammation and redness. To prevent breakouts from recurring, it uses the antimicrobial and antibacterial properties of lavender and rosemary oil. There’s also some lecithin and vitamin E in there to soften the skin. Finally, it contains Dermalogica’s AGE Bright Complex to reduce skin-aging and discoloration.
5. Murad Environmental Shield Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum
- Retail Price: $72.00 for 1.0 fl oz (Click here to check the latest promotion)
- Available Sizes: 0.33 fl oz, 1.0 fl oz
- Active Ingredients: Hydroquinone, Glycolic Acid, Hexapeptide-2
- Fragrance: Scented
Named as the number one brightening specialist product in the U.S. in 2019, Murad Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum uses hydroquinone as its chief ingredient. Dr. Howard Murad, dermatologist and founder of the company, prescribes hydroquinone because it can lighten everything from freckles to acne scars. His serum offers the highest concentration (2%) of this skin-lightener without needing a prescription.
Suitable for any skin type, this product helps skin shed its dull and uneven outer layer via glycolic acid—an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). That mild exfoliation allows hydroquinone to penetrate deeper for even better results. Hexapeptide-2 contributes to overall color and texture. Just a few drops day and night after washing will make your skin look healthier and smoother.
2.0% Hydroquinone
Clinically proven to fade dark spots, age spots and sun spots. Highest percentage available without a prescription.
Hexapeptide-2
Skin brightening peptide improves overall tone and helps diminish the appearance of excess pigmentation.
Formulated Without
Parabens, Phthalates, Gluten, Mineral Oil, Formaldehyde, Oxybenzone, Petrolatum/Petroleum
6. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
- Retail Price: $16.97 (Click here to save up to 6%)
- Available Size: 1.0 fl oz
- Key Ingredients: Encapsulated Retinol, Licorice Root Extract, Ceramides
- Fragrance: Fragrance-free
To reduce the appearance of post-acne marks, CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is the top choice for people who have sensitive skin. It was developed with dermatologists to refine the skin’s surface gently but effectively. Encapsulated retinol, a more stable form of retinol, penetrates the skin more deeply while mitigating potential side effects. Licorice extract helps remove melanin (the dark pigment in your skin) and calms inflammation.
Additionally, every CeraVe product contains a blend of three essential ceramides: ceramides 1, 3, and 6-II. These are lipids that amplify the skin’s natural barrier to prevent moisture loss. They can also protect you from irritants present in the environment such as pollution.
7. Keeva Organics Tea Tree Oil Acne Treatment Cream
- Retail Price: $19.9 (Click here to save up to 20%)
- Available Size: 1.0 oz
- Key Ingredients: Tea Tree Oil, Shea Butter, Argan Oil
- Fragrance: No added fragrance
Keeva Organics presents a professional-strength, all-in-one acne solution with their Tea Tree Oil Acne Treatment Cream. Tea tree oil (which comes from the Australian tea tree and not the tea we drink) has been used by Aborigines as a traditional remedy for centuries. Besides treating bacterial and fungal skin conditions, it’s also a powerful weapon against acne. Studies show that applying tea tree gel to acne lesions is as effective as using benzoyl peroxide, the most common anti-acne medication.
Not only that, but this cream is also full of pollution-fighting antioxidants like olive oil, burdock extract, and squalene. Argan oil, in particular, can remove damaged skin cells while promoting new cell growth. This action can help your scars fade faster.
Understanding Acne: Truth vs. Myth
According to the Mayo Clinic, acne is a skin condition that occurs when the tiny openings in your skin become plugged with dead skin cells and oil. It can take the form of a whitehead, a blackhead, or a pimple. It’s most common during the teenage years but can happen to anyone at any age.
