How to Choose the Best Products for Acne Scars

I think of acne as double trouble. First, their visit is accompanied by breakouts and even when they’re gone, they leave us scarred (pun intended). These marks can linger for months and even years. Whether you're dealing with dark spots, uneven texture, or deep pitted scars, just know that you're not alone. In this comprehensive guide to acne scars and treatments, we consulted two dermatologists to aid in tackling the concern and making informed choices. Because who doesn’t want clear, smooth and glass like skin right?

In this article

What causes acne in adults?

“Like most diseases, genetic factors like family history of acne increases the risk of developing acne”, shares Dr Anmol Bhargava, dermatologist and assistant professor in the Department of Dermatology at the Index Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Indore. Hormonal changes and stress are triggers too. Diet plays a crucial role in the health of your skin. A diet high in sugar and processed foods can spike insulin levels, leading to increased oil production and inflammation—two key players in acne development. Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta, aesthetic doctor and skin expert, shares “Antioxidant and vitamin C rich foods like orange, lemon, grapefruit are essential collagen building ingredients. Zinc, vitamin E and probiotics also help. Omega 3 fatty acids are very powerful because they reduce inflammation and can manage acne. Additionally, turmeric is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties.”

The skincare market is flooded with products promising to erase acne scars as if they never existed. But, how do you make the right choice? Fret not, we’ve broken it down for you. “Treatment of acne scars should not be started if there is active acne or active inflammation on the skin. Existing acne needs to be treated first. Once that settles down, the scars can be treated effectively”, shares Dr Bhargava. If your scars are dark spots or targeted areas of hyperpigmentation, brightening ingredients like Vitamin C and Niacinamide are your best bet, as they help to even out skin tone. When searching for the best cream for pimple scar removal, look for products containing these key ingredients. For indented scars such as ice-pick or boxcar scars, treatments containing retinoids and peptides are ideal, as they boost collagen production, helping to smooth out the skin’s texture. If you're facing raised hypertrophic scars or keloids, silicone gels and sheets are often recommended to flatten and reduce their appearance. Selecting a cream for pimple scars with these components can make a noticeable difference in your skin’s recovery.

Ingredients to look for in your acne scar removing treatments

“Retinoids are what you’re looking for”, shares Dr Gupta. Like Retinol—these Vitamin A powerhouses speed up cell turnover, which is like hitting the refresh button on your skin. They also boost collagen production, helping to fill in those pesky indented scars. Now, if brightening your complexion and evening out skin tone sounds like a dream, Vitamin C is your go-to. This antioxidant not only lightens dark spots but also blocks melanin production, giving you that coveted glow. 

And let’s not forget Niacinamide. This multitasking form of Vitamin B3 is a game-changer for reducing inflammation, shrinking pores, and fading hyperpigmentation, all while fortifying your skin’s defences. If you’re into exfoliation, AHAs like glycolic and lactic acid are your skin’s best friends—they sweep away dead cells and encourage fresh, new skin to shine through, gradually making scars less noticeable. For that instant plumping effect, hyaluronic acid is your hydration hero.

When choosing a cream for pimple scars, it's essential to focus on products with a combination of these ingredients to effectively address various types of scars. The right cream for pimple scar removal can significantly reduce the appearance of scars over time, leading to clearer and smoother skin.

There’s no cookie cutter answer to your acne. As each fingerprint is unique, so can be our acne sometimes. So, what works for one, may not work for you. It’s best to track your progress by noting changes in your scars and how your skin responds to different products, by keeping a skincare journal. This would be an interactive way to ace acne healing by recording with regular photos that mark the changes seen in acne scars. This practice will help you fine-tune your routine, making it easier to discover what works best for your unique skin needs.