In this post we will recommend products that are proven to fade acne scars and marks fast, based on medical recommendations.
So you have overcome your acne after painfully trying and testing new products. You have spent a small fortune on skin care products that were promised to work. You thought the worst was over and that you can feel confident in your own skin again only to be reminded of the past by your acne scars. Knowing how to fade acne scars can be challenging and is dependent on the type of scars.
Sometimes prescription treatments and laser treatments may be most appropriate to fade acne scars but luckily there are some amazing products that can be tried before you choose to speak to a dermatologist that can work wonders.
Acne scars can present as hyperpigmentation-this is caused by the injury that your skin endured and tried to heal.
The focus for these is brightening and resurfacing ingredients.
What to look for in products to fade acne scars
The aim is to use ingredients that brighten and resurface.
When looking at the ingredients the main ingredients to look for include
Vitamin C– This is a wonder for overall skin brightening and scars.
Retinol – Boosts skin cell turnover meaning new skin cells that are not blemished.
Azealic Acid- Inteferes with the way melanin is produced in skin, Acne scars have more melanin than needed hence appear dark.
Tranexemic Acid– This works in a similar way to azealic acid, it also inhibits the production of melanin which causes dark marks.
AHA’s /BHA’s– Ingredients like glycolic acid, salicylic acid also help to brighten removing dead skin cells and they help to prevent new breakouts.
Other ingredients include niacinamide, kojic acid and licorice extract.
We have handpicked products below that contain ingredients that target acne marks. The products below are scientifically designed to work and many contain ingredients that I would recommend myself in medical practice as a dermatology pharmacist ( and all of them have been tried and tested).
1. SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense Corrective Serum £85.00
The SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense Serum contains Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid and Kojic Acid. This high-potency serum targets visible skin discolouration by using all of these ingredients brightening properties. It also works well for sensitive skin.
2. La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 Serum £38
This bottle of magic contains a perfect mix of a potent Vitamin-C, hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid. It provides an anti-blemish effect whilst boosting collagen production. The salicylic acid will help future breakouts of acne by killing bacteria on the skin that lead to acne making it the perfect serum for acne prone skin.
Check out the post on 4 WAYS THAT VITAMIN C CAN TRANSFORM YOUR SKIN
3. Allies Of Skin Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum £89
This serum is absoloutely packed with active ingredients that target pigmentation. It does come with a heavier price tag but when used consistently will fade acne scars and marks effortlessly. It contains a powerful blend of AHA’s including mandelic acid and lactic acid. In addition to the acne fighting ingredient salicylic acid which prevents new breakouts and clears away dead skin cells, it also contains niacinamide, rosehip (which is a natural treatment for pigmentation) and tamanu oil, all held together with a nice dose of hyaluronic acid to ensure none of these ingredients lead to dryness.
4. DRUNK ELEPHANT A-Passioni Retinol Cream £24
This retinol formulation means business. Retinol works by increasing the turn over of cells which essentially means forming new skin quicker. Combine this some with peptides that firm the skin and fatty acids that boost radiance and you have the perfect retinol product. If you are new to retinol then it’s recommended to incorporate it into your routine slowly as it can cause dryness and irritation. I wouldn’t let that put you off from trying it however as after a few uses your skin will get used to it and you can start reaping the benefits of the miracle ingredient.
5. The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA £7.00
Alpha Arbutin works by preventing the production of melanin, this formulation is combined with hyaluronic acid. It has had some amazing results and at £7.00 definantely worth a go!
6. The Inkey List Retinol Serum £9.99
The Inkey List Retinol Serum is perfect for anyone who wants to try a retinol product without investing too much. Retinols ability to increase the turn over of skin cells will dimish dark marks and leave a brighter complexion.
7. NIOD RE: Pigment
The actives in this forumulation are targeted at skin brightening and hyper-pigmentation. They include diglucosyl gallic acid (which has shown to be more effective than kojic acid), azelaic acid which has clear hyper-pigmentation fighting properties and glycine.
8. ALPHA-H Beauty Sleep Power Peel with 14% Glycolic Acid and 0.5% Retinol £59.95
Alpha-H is designed to repair and renew while you sleep. With a potent amount of glycolic acid combined with retinol 0.5% it is designed to win. The glycolic acid loosens the dead skin cells and the retinol promotes turnover to give u an overnight facial with reduced acne marks by morning.
It should be noted that ingredients are listed in order of potency in the ingredients list, with glycolic acid being second it shows that it is full of the active ingredient and therefore more likely to deliver results.
9. Paula’s Choice 10% Azealic Acid Booster £37.00
Paula’s Choice 10% Azealic Acid booster contains a powerful strength of Azealic acid which is used routinely for dark marks and even melasma. Combined with salicylic acid and licorice it is the perfect multi-tasker that targets dark marks with different mechanisms and prevents further breakouts.
10. The Inkey List Tranexemic Acid Night Treatment £14.99
This night serum contains 2% Tranexemic acid, which works amazingly to lighten dark marks left by acne. It is also supported by vitamin-C and Acai berry to further boost the brightening effect. It slides on skin and you can see a noticeable difference by morning!
11. SUNDAY RILEYGood Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment £85.00
The Glycolic Acid Treatment by Sunday Riley Good Genes has formulated this treatment to perfection. The potent glycolic acid particles deepy purify and exfoliate, the lactic acid fades dark marks and further exfoliates and the prickly pear extract reduces irritation and dryness. It leaves skin soothed, silky soft and visibly brighter.
