Acne scars

[KameronO]

I have had bad acne for a while now, and was wondering a way to get rid of acne scars. A while back, before I knew what to do with my acne, I would pop it, and it caused acne scars. Are there any products that can get rid of or just lessen the intensity of them, or any methods that help get rid of them?

[Elorabird]

Retired medi-esthetician here!

Acne scars are a pain — I have them, too! Depending on what types of scarring you have, there are product formulations you can try to help improve the look of scarring. If your scarring is flat but reddish and light brownish marks, serums containing 10-20% niacinamide can help fade them over time. I personally like the Paula's Choice two Niacinamide Boosters (10% and 20%). Still, I see that Glossier offers one as well Glossier Super Pure Clarifying Face Serum with Niacinamide + Zinc 1 oz / 30 mL which may be worth trying. 

For fading discolouration, I've also been super impressed with Biossance 10% Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum + Squalane 1.0 oz/ 30 mL 

If your scarring is hyper-pigmented and a bit textured, products containing Azaelic acid can help, along with a gentle glycolic toner. Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Glycolic Essence 5.0 oz/ 150 mL and OLEHENRIKSEN Glow2OH 7% AHA Exfoliating Dark Spot Toner are two favourites! Again, Paula's Choice offers an Azaelic booster worth trying. You can also get Azaelic Acid cream via a prescription.

If your scarring is "ice pick scarring" and textured, prescription Retin-A (tretinoin) and non-prescription Retinol products may be your champion. I always recommend starting with a Retinol/retinoid product first because they have fewer side effects than the stronger, prescription tretinoins do (peeling and purging). 

Also, keep your skin hydrated! Barrier support is key. I like Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench® Hyaluronic Acid Cloud Cream Hydrating Refillable Moisturizer for All Skin Types. And never skip on a good physical sunblock (mineral) to prevent scarring from becoming worse — especially when you are using glycolic, Vit C, retinol etc. #Paula's Choice Super Light Wrinkle Defence SPF is an excellent BB-like sunblock that doesn't clog pores, and I hear pretty good things about Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 1.7 oz/ 50 mL.

Either way, it's going to take time. Oh, and good nutrition! 💋

[LaGara]

Dr.Dray a dermatologist on YouTube has really good recommendations with products sold at Sephora. 

[deee360]

have you tried a niacinamide serum? i’m currently using Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide serum 1 fl oz / 30 ml. within 2 weeks of consistent use, my hyperpigmentation, texture, pore size, oiliness, and acne has improved! i’ve also tried Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster 0.67 oz/ 20 mL and the results were amazing as well. the price points are high lol but it is justifiable 

however if you want to try a cheaper yet effective niacinamide, you can’t go wrong with The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum for Oily Skin. i used to use this one and it was pretty good

there are other products/ingredients that can help with acne scars but just start off with one product and see 🙂 good luck

[danielledanielle]

@KameronO 

Oof, yeah that immediate gratification can get you.  Try not to touch/pop.

You want to kind of decipher your skin's needs, usually by knowing your skin type and addressing what might cause the breakout.  Acne has a lot of different causes, so I don't wanna make an assumption.  Definitely check with a dermatologist.

To help with scars, usually retinoids and peels can be helpful.  I would start gently and then get a consultation.  The Hyper serum I listed also helps, but it's a much more gradual process.  When I started using the cleanser, I saw better results.

Hyperpigmentation post acne scaring usually can be helped with exfoliating (start off slow) and acids that can brighten.  I like First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads with Glycolic + Lactic Acids Refillable 60 Pads / pack for gently exfoliating.  belif Aqua Bomb PHA Exfoliating Toner Pads 5.0 fl oz / 150 ml are also great .

I like the following products:

Hyper Skin Gentle Brightening Gel Cleanser with Mandelic Acid 5 oz / 150 mL 

Hyper Skin Mini Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum 0.5 oz/ 15 mL 

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% Cream for Redness and Blemish-Prone Skin 

The Ordinary Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution for Post-Acne Marks 1 oz / 30 ml 

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum for Oily Skin 

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare The Holiday Peel Vault / Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads 

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% High-Strength Peeling Solution for Brightening 1 oz/ 30 mL 

The last two are peels, so depending on your son, you might need to start with them slowly and work your way up. 

I listed a lot of The Ordinary products.  The direct site has a great promo for this month.  Other brands like the inkey list also offset similar products, I've just not tried most of them personally, but they are well liked here on the boards.