Acne Scar Treatment 101: How to Heal Acne Scars + Marks

As if dealing with blemishes weren’t bad enough, they can also leave behind red marks and acne scars that linger for weeks, even months. While there are no shortcuts to the healing process, there are quite a few at-home products that do an amazing job at fading and healing, to get you back to a glowing, more even-toned complexion.

In addition to daily use of sunscreen, gentle exfoliation, and staying hydrated by drinking water, below are the everyday heroes of acne scar treatment.

For red/purple marks (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) . . .

Topicals

Look for serums, creams or exfoliants that contain BHA (beta hydroxy acid, active ingredient salicylic acid) or AHA (alpha hydroxy acids, like glycolic acid or lactic). My skin has always favored AHA’s for blemishes and red marks. One of my favorites being the Alpha Hydrox 12% AHA Souffle — always works like a charm.

You also want to look for serums or lotions containing Vitamin C or retinol. Both are incredibly effective in the fight to fade your post-acne annoyance.

For indented acne scars + red/purple marks . . .

At-home Tools

There are a number of tools on the market aimed to reduce the appearance of scars. One that I’ve come across is the dermarolling (microneedling) system by Banish Acne Scars. I’ve used dermarolling, which works by building collagen, in the past to treat stretch marks and it reduced them significantly.

I just started using this kit from Banish on my face to help with a small scar on my cheek. Two sessions in and I’ve noticed it is filling in nicely and the area is looking much smoother. That said, it does take a series of treatments to see true results from dermarolling, but it does work!

The kit is complete with a Vitamin C, E, Ferulic Acid serum, which as we know, brightens and firms skin and aids in the healing process tremendously.

For professional help . . .

Treatments

If you need the discolorations gone sooner than consistent skincare can accomplish, there are several treatments you can have done performed by a dermatologist or esthetician. Monthly BHA or AHA peels and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments can smooth the skin’s surface and promote a more even tone.

More options include prescription strength Retin-A. For true acne scars (the indented kind), dermal fillers, Fraxel laser treatments and a series of higher strength peels can help with the appearance. It’s important to discuss options with your dermatologist and follow their advice.

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With all types of topicals and treatments available, do you have a favorite product to reduce acne scars?