Teen Acne Scarred My Face, *These* At-Home Treatments Smoothed My Skin (2024)

I’m obsessed with this easy-to-use resurfacing skin treatment that’s filled with a slew of acne-fighting MVPs. Not only does this treat old marks, but it also works to prevent new breakouts from happening in the first place. The ingredients in question? The gold standard in acne treatment, salicylic acid, which is an anti-inflammatory and exfoliates your skin to keep your pores clear. This BHA combo’d with dark-spot-lightening antioxidants, hydroxytyrosol, and vitamin C results in cellular turnover—i.e., the key to smooth, even, glowing skin. I apply this in the morning and evening post-cleansing to decrease my acne scar size, depth, and coloring.

• Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, hydroxytyrosol, vitamin C
• Usage: Morning and/or evening

Glowing customer review: “I’m shocked by the way I hadn’t ever used this sooner! The results in my acne scars have been minimized so much that it’s almost scary. My skin looks so much better than before and my acne scars are very faded now.”

Rx retinol treatments are typically my go-to, but this over-the-retinol holds its own, respectively earning it one of this year's Cosmo Acne Awards. The secret is the serum's retinaldehyde—a potent, fast-acting form of retinol that only requires one conversion to retinoic acid, the active form of vitamin A—to help improve overall skin tone and texture and reduce the look of acne scars, says dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD. "The double-encapsulation system and incorporation of glycerin and hyaluronic acid makes it gentle on the skin and helps to minimize irritation too."

• Key ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid, glycerin
• Usage: Evening

Glowing Customer Review: "Did a lot of research before pulling the trigger on this product. I have super sensitive skin so have been cautious about starting a retinol but I'm very pleased with the product— absolutely no drying or negative side effects."

This at-home LED mask incorporates red and blue light and near-infrared light which penetrates deep into the dermis (deeper than topical skincare can get) to stimulate fibroblasts and smooth the look of acne scars, says dermatologist Dan Belkin, MD. For best results, use the mask on clean skin five times a week for 10 minutes, and in four weeks you'll see a visible difference in your skin texture and acne scars. FYI, Currentbody's sister mask, the Anti-Acne LED Light Therapy Face Mask earned a 2024 Cosmo Acne Award for treating active acne.

• Usage: 10 minutes daily

Glowing customer review: "I wanted this mask for its anti-aging properties but I was pleasantly surprised to find that it almost immediately reduced the severity of adult hormonal chin acne that I’ve been dealing with for AGES. It seems to strengthen my skin the more I use it—if I do get a blemish it stays small and extracts almost on its own - no more giant, sore red hormonal cysts that time of the month. It has also significantly improved my complexion overall. Wish I’d got it sooner!!"

As someone who has tested almost every popular pimple patch on the beauty market, the Peace Out Acne Dots have improved my acne and acne scars the most and thus secured its spot as a Cosmo 2024 Acne Award winner. Our editors agree: "They really do what they say: bring an angry pimple to the surface so it doesn't fester under the skin for weeks," says editor Olivia Truffaut-Wong.

And yes, pimple patches are most commonly known to treat your active breakouts, but your acne scars can see a ton of benefits from them as well. These genius patches are designed with teeny tiny micro darts that infuse spots and marks with a concentrated blend of niacinamide and salicylic acid to help fade dark spots and exfoliate for smoother, more even skin.

• Key ingredients: Niacinamide, salicylic acid
• Usage: Evening

Glowing customer review: "I've tried every acne patch under the sun, and the Peace Out Early Stage Acne Dots work faster and better than any of the others. They have all the right ingredients like Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide & Peptides but the microneedles are the true powerhouses behind these patches. They deliver these powerful ingredients deep into my blemishes and quickly attack the acne, allowing it to heal faster and minimize scarring."

I swear by these treatment pads for fading the v annoying dark, purplish marks along my cheeks and jawline (the result of an ongoing battle with hormonal acne). Each pad is pre-soaked with a blend of glycolic acid, tranexamic acid, and niacinamide to shed dead, discolored skin cells and regulate pigment production.

I really love how convenient and easy to use these pads are too. Just swipe one on after cleansing, wait a minute or two for it to dry down, and then follow with the rest of your skincare routine. In my testing experience, they never cause whatever product you apply on top to pill, ball up, or feel greasy.

• Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, tranexamic acid, niacinamide
• Usage: Morning and/or evening

Glowing customer review: “This is one of my favorites from SkinMedica, my skin looks so bright and after using one of these pads—they are the BEST.”

The hero ingredient in this topical treatment is adapalene, a type of retinoid for acne that was previously available via prescription but is now for sale at the drugstore, Dr. Belkin. In my testing experience, adapalene is not only great for clearing up active acne (including whiteheads, blackheads, and cysts), but for fading the dark marks and scars they leave behind too. And since adapalene can help stimulate collagen production, the ingredient can smooth rough, uneven texture from old breakouts too.

• Key ingredient: Adapalene
• Usage: Evening

Glowing customer review: “I have always struggled with really bad acne and was starting to give up on over-the-counter facial products…until I was recommended Differin. This product has changed my life. I no longer feel embarrassed to walk around make-up-free. Differin has cleared up my acne, leaving a soft and hydrated finish.”

Proof that you don’t need to spend a ton of $$ on retinol treatment for your acne scars? This top-rated option from drugstore skincare brand Neutrogena. It contains a stable, time-released form of the ingredient to gently fade acne marks and scars without causing irritation or drying out your skin like some other retinol products have a tendency to do.

• Key ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid
• Usage: Evening

Glowing customer review: “I had a red mark from a cyst that wouldn’t go away after eight months. I tried all the treatments including lasers and nothing worked. Then I purchased this and it's working remarkably well! I use it consistently at night and my spot is definitely fading.”

Designed with all skin tones and skin types (even those with reactive, sensitive skin) in mind, this gentle, yet effective, serum from The Ordinary helps to minimize the look of uneven texture and acne scars while helping to soothe and calm skin. During the testing process, I was impressed by the lightweight, fast-absorbing texture and how my skin looked calmer and clearer after just a few weeks of use.

• Key ingredients: Aloe leaf powder, pentapeptide-4, N-acetyl glucosamine
• Usage: Morning and evening

Glowing customer review: “This is a really great solution for acne scarring. It’s affordable and it feels lightweight on the face. I used it to target post-acne scarring and felt like I noticed a difference in my skin.”

This nourishing balm is another great option for treating that post-inflammation hyperpigmentation and redness that lingers after your breakout has healed, says dermatologist Ranella Hirsch, MD. It reduces redness, inflammation, and scaly texture with a blend of moisturizing panthenol, softening and strengthening peptides, and vitamin E to improve tone and texture. It’s also great for layering under makeup if you decide to cover up your acne scars with concealer or foundation.

• Key ingredients: Peptides, panthenol, beta glucan
• Usage: Daily as needed

Glowing customer review: “I had a very big scar after picking a pimple that looked like a hole on my forehead. Normally these scars take up to two weeks to heal for me, but I used this product three three days, and wow! The scar is basically gone!”

“I love dermarollers for at home use,” says dermatologist Karan Lal, MD, adding that “some may find it controversial, but if you get one that is 0.25mm it is safe to use at home.” The safety lies not in the roller but in the prep, says Dr. Lal. “You have to use 70 percent alcohol to clean your roller before and after use and also be sure you throw it out after one month of consistent use.” Dermarollers are great at stimulating collagen (again, this is a must for reducing acne scars), minimizing pore size, and helping the active ingredients in your skincare products better penetrate your skin too.

• Usage: Once or twice a week

Glowing customer review: “I am 23 years old and have struggled with large pores, dull skin, hormonal acne, and acne scars for years. I started using this nightly for about three weeks and IT’S MAGIC. My skin is dewy and my scarring has faded significantly. I wish I discovered this sooner.”

Dr. Garshick recommends this weekly face mask for anyone dealing with acne scars and marks. “Using a blend of AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs, this resurfacing treatment helps to exfoliate to get rid of dead skin cells, improving the appearance of acne scars and blemishes,” says Dr. Garshick. “It also contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate and nourish the skin so it won’t be left feeling dry or irritated.”

• Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, polyglutamic acid
• Usage: Once a week

Glowing customer review: “This product did everything it said it would do and more. After the first use my skin was so soft and glowing so now I am using twice a week,” writes a tester. “Yes, it is pricey, but it’s definitely worth it,” says another reviewer.

Smooth and brighten your skin with this top-rated serum from U Beauty. “The formula’s main ingredient is glycolic acid,” says Dr. Belkin. The fruit-derived acid has been shown not only to exfoliate but also to stimulate dermal collagen production—two key things for reducing the appearance of acne scars and uneven texture.

• Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, mandelic acid, hyaluronic acid, retinol
• Usage: Morning and evening

Glowing customer review: “I was dealing with some spots and they just wouldn’t go away. This morning when I woke up I looked in the mirror and felt truly happy with my skin. This product is amazing—and took the place of three different products in my routine. Seems pricey, but it’s worth it if you ask me.”

This face moisturizer from board-certified dermatologist Shereene Idriss's skincare line is a regular in my skincare rotation—especially post-breakout when I’m trying to fade a dark mark or spot. The lightweight gel texture feels amazing on my skin, and the combo of brightening vitamin C and 4-butyl resorcinol helps visibly fade hyperpigmentation and give my skin a nice glow.

• Key ingredients: Vitamin C, 4-butyl resorcinol, glycerin
• Usage: Morning and evening

Glowing Customer Review: “After just a week of using this product, I noticed an improvement in my skin's brightness and texture. I’ve used all types of vitamin C products before but have never been happier than after trying this. I will be repurchasing the whole set!”

This makeup primer is a must-try for anyone dealing with atrophic (or indented) acne scarring. It helps to instantly fill in any divots or pockmarks so your foundation lays smoothly on top, and with continued use, it can help reduce the size and depth of atrophic acne scars too. While testing, I also found this primer to be *excellent* at minimizing the look of large pores and giving my skin a matte (but not overly drying) finish throughout the day.

• Key ingredients: Medical-grade silicone, peptides, retinol
• Usage: Daily as needed

Glowing Customer Review: “This is absolutely a game changer if you want to even out your texture before applying your foundation. I have indented scars and this makes my makeup look so much better—it’s so good at blurring and smoothing.”

If you’re dealing with a mix of whiteheads, blackheads, and acne scars from old breakouts all at once, this lightweight gel can definitely help. It uses salicylic acid to unclog pores and clear up breakouts, a prebiotic complex to strengthen your skin's protective barrier, and niacinamide to visibly fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and uneven skin texture.

• Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, prebiotics, niacinamide
• Usage: Morning and/or evening

Glowing customer review: “Oh my god, my skin has never been better after using this morning and night for a couple weeks. My skin texture is the best it’s ever been. You need this if you have post-acne marks.”

Sunscreen isn’t a traditional acne scar treatment, but it’s an absolute must in your routine if you want your acne scars to fade quickly. If you haven’t found a sunscreen you love, I highly recommend this one from EltaMD. It uses SPF 46 to protect your skin and prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from darkening, along with brightening niacinamide to even out your skin tone.

• Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, octinoxate, niacinamide
• Usage: Morning

Glowing customer review: “This is worth the hype. It’s lightweight, transparent, nongreasy, and doesn’t run into your eyes and is flawless under makeup. And it dries down quick, so you aren’t left with the tacky/wet feeling of so many sunscreens.”

The best most effective treatments for acne scars tend to be professional treatments—including lasers (like Fraxel and IPL), radiofrequency microneedling, and chemical peels (like a VI Peel). All of these options will give you a noticeable difference in your acne scars and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation quickly.

That said, these treatments are usually pricey (in New York City, one Fraxel session can cost $1,000) and they’re not always easily accessible, which is where over-the-counter products, tools, and devices (like the ones above) come in handy. These at-home options *do* work, but they need to be used consistently (usually for months) to see a real, noticeable change in skin.

Generally, yes, you can permanently get rid of acne scars. Unlike other forms of hyperpigmentation (like melasma), once you’ve faded your acne scars and marks, they won’t come back. The same goes for atrophic or indented acne scars, although they are much more difficult to get rid of with at-home treatments permanently.

The biggest thing to remember here is that your active acne needs to be under control before you can think about permanently fading your acne scars. My best advice is to see a board-certified derm to get your breakouts in check, then focus on fading any resulting scars and marks.

First, identify the type of acne scars you have.

Most acne scars appear as are either categorized as atrophic scars or as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) or post-inflammatory erythema (PIE). Atrophic acne scars (or pockmarks) appear as hollow indents or divot in the skin from a sudden loss of collagen, which is a result of inflammation that occurred at the time the acne lesion was active.

In general, atrophic scars are a result of angry, cystic acne. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation looks like flat purple or brown marks (and usually present on deeper marks), while post-inflammatory erythema looks like flat red marks (and usually present on lighter skin).

These types of acne scars are also caused by inflammation from your breakout, but instead of your skin losing collagen (which would result in pockmarks), it produces excess pigment and discoloration where your breakout was instead.

Look for ingredients best suited to your specific type of acne scarring.

If you’re dealing with atrophic acne scars, you’ll need to choose an acne scar treatment that has ingredients that stimulate collagen (like retinol or peptides) and/or have resurfacing properties, like glycolic and lactic acids.

If you’re mostly dealing with flat dark marks or red spots, an acne scar treatment with brightening ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, or tranexamic acid will be your best option.