Choosing an effective cream for fading scars from acne is an individual task that depends on your skin type and acne cicatrix type. We have prepared this article to guide you through the task of picking the best treatment for your own scars.
Below you can see the acne mark treatment products with the best product features, customer reviews and ratings available on the Internet. We have carefully analyzed every single aspect of these products, so you can easily choose the right one for your skin type.
We have chosen the best creams, containing ingredients such as:
What is the best cream for removing acne scars?
All of these formulas have proven skin-bleaching properties and are widely used in the cosmetic field when dealing with hyperpigmented conditions, such as acne scars, melasma, dark spots. All these treatments work by boosting cell turnover and help fade the marks that have already formed.
Admire My Skin
This ultra-potent combination of acne treatment and skin-brightening compounds might be the most appropriate option in case you have both acne-prone and spotted facial skin. The formula provides gentle, yet deep exfoliation, removing the dead skin cells and contaminants and revealing a healthy, radiant layer. It rapidly eliminates dark marks, caused by acne breakouts.
Unlike most spot fading products, this one should be applied for no longer than 60 days – this period will be enough to uncover your healthy skin. The salicylic acid available in this dark marks solution is very potent. It will take care of all problem areas where hyperpigmentation and dark spots appeared, due to excessive skin picking and/or severe acne.
Pros
- The product provides fast results – it won’t take long until you are able to notice the positive changes
- Admire My Skin Serum is an affordable option, compared to similar products
- The serum will prevent acne and fade dark spots during the application period. Meanwhile, it will also reduce the size of the acne marks and make them less noticeable
Cons
- Some of the ingredients in the formula (such as hydroquinone) may irritate the skin. This is why we highly recommend performing a patch test before the initial application of the serum
- Not recommended for people with very sensitive skin, due to the salicylic acid in it
ScarAway
- Dermatologist and surgeons-recommended formula
- Eliminates hypertrophic and keloid formations, and pigment spots
- Contains 100% Medical-Grade Silicone Gel
- The best results for fading the appearance of scars
ScarAway, being one of the most popular scar gels, currently available on the market, promises to erase the scarring, thanks to the silicone-based compounds in the formula. Silicone is one of the very few ingredients with a clinical background, proving its’ positive effect on the reduction of the newer and older cicatrix.
Another positive aspect is the positive reactions and reviews of hundreds of people, who successfully managed to erase severe scarring, including deep hypertrophic formations, following acne breakouts.
Pros
- The formula is silicone-based, which is why it is often recommended by dermatologists
- Patients, who used ScarAway on a regular basis are indeed satisfied with their results
- The gel is invisible, flexible, breathable, and water-proof, which makes it a perfect solution for facial cicatrix
- This high-quality anti-scar formula costs less than $15
- ScarAway comes with a roller applicator, making it very easy and convenient to use
Cons
- Visible improvements can take more than 4 weeks. Complete recovery may require a couple of months of application
BioCorneum Plus SPF30
- Protects from harmful UV rays
- Helps reduce the appearance of raised formations
- Reduces redness and discoloration
- Invisible, flexible, and fragrance-free cream
- Promotes a healthier skin tone
This patented silicone gel is specially formulated for the facial and body areas that are often uncovered and unprotected from the harmful sun rays. This is why BioCorneum Plus SPF30 is one of the best options when it comes to facial imperfections.
It will quickly eliminate the discoloration and redness, alleviating the discomfort, associated with scarring. The SPF provided plays a major role, as it will stop the further hyperpigmentation and dark spots’ appearance. One of the most important features of BioCorneum Plus SPF30 is that the product is absolutely safe for those with very sensitive skin, and the facial skin is always more sensitive, delicate and fragile than the other body skin. It contains no vitamin E, which is available in formulas for face scar fading but does irritate the skin. Recommended for evening out skin tone.
Pros
- BioCorneum is the only FDA-cleared SiliShield formula, providing a combination of medical-grade silicone and sun protection factor
- According to multiple acne sufferers, the formula is effective for newly formed and very old acne formations
- Dries out quickly, adheres to the skin for 12 to 24 hours
- Beneficial results for flattening deep cicatrix
- Comfortable to wear and 100% invisible
Cons
- The price is comparatively higher than other creams
- The formula is not specially developed for marks, resulting from acne
You can find additional information about the formation, causes, types, and prevention of acne marks in the article below!
Acne is quite an unpleasant problem to deal with. But even more unpleasant are the consequences that it often leaves on the skin – dark spots, bumps, damaged tissue.
In the beginning, acne mas are red or purple in color because of the injury to the skin tissue and the underlying blood vessels, as a part of the natural inflammation response that is due to the body’s healing process.
As time passes, the mark color changes while the skin continues to regrow and heal, and new skin cells replace the damaged ones.
The damaged tissue heals differently based on the type of wound and individual factors that determine its size and appearance. Sometimes, the process can take up to 18-24 months for the damaged tissue to heal properly and fade as much as possible.
Usually, red or reddish-purple spots will fade in color as the wound heals, which typically takes around a year.
Areas that appear white in color are called hypopigmented spots. Hypopigmented scarring is a common complication, particularly in patients who had deeper skin damage.
Unfortunately, there is no universal method, preparation or procedure to remove them and completely restore the integrity of the skin. It is important to know that getting rid of acne and getting rid of its consequences are radically different processes that do not happen simultaneously. But there are certain rules that can fasten the healing processes and improve the overall condition of the skin
Types of acne marks
Atrophic – divided into 3 main types (boxcar, icepick, or rolling), all characterized by shedding of the skin. They are skin depressions that are caused by the destruction and loss of collagen.
The atrophic formations are usually below or at the skin surface and may result from traumas, surgical interventions, inflammatory diseases (acne, varicella) and as a result of burning and frostbite.
Hypertrophic – thickened, wide, often raised areas and develop where the skin is injured. Such imperfections do not extend beyond the boundary of the original wound but may continue to thicken for up to six months. Their appearance usually improves over one or two years.
The most common are atrophic formations caused by acne, more rarely hypertrophic can be observed. During the skin healing process, as a result of a deep inflammation affecting the dermis, there may be changes in collagen synthesis and subsequent atrophy of the skin. They are represented by different sizes, depth and shape depressions (holes).
“Icepick Scars”
Appearance: deep, very narrow, stretching in the dermis. The skin looks like it has been pierced by an ice slide or a sharp tool. “Icepick” formations are able to leave deep “holes” in the skin, and some may look like a large open pore.
Development: Appear after cyst infection or other deep inflammation.
The skin tissue is destroyed and a scar remains on its surface.
“Boxcar Scars”
Appearance: These imperfections are round or oval depressions with steep vertical sides.
Development: they are the result of an inflammatory process that has led to the destruction of subcutaneous fat and collagen, resulting in depression.
The skin above this area is left without and/or with a small amount of underlying tissue. These formations may be superficial to severe, depending on the amount of tissue loss.
“Rolling Scars”
Appearance: This type of scarring has rounded, sloping edges. Unlike “icepick” and “boxcar” formations, rolling scars are wide (4-5 mm) and shallow.
Development: Rolling scars occur when fibrous tissue strips appear between the skin and the underlying tissue.
“Hypertrophic Scars”
Appearance: The hypertrophic cicatrice is raised above the skin and has a solid and dense surface. These types of cicatrice are the size of the previous injury. Hypertrophic formations caused by acne most commonly appear on the upper body, especially in men.
Development: Unlike the different types of atrophic formations (described above), hypertrophic disfigurements are not caused by tissue loss. On the contrary, they develop because of overgrowth of collagen.
Do I need to treat my dark spots?
This is a decision only you can make. Some people think that dark spots lower their quality of life, while others are not bothered by their blemishes.
Dermatologists generally recommend discussing treatment options if you experience the following concerns:
- You just want to get rid of your scars
- You think the cicatrix reduce your ability to connect with people, find a job or advance in your career/perform well at school
- You feel depressed and feel uncomfortable by the appearance of your face
- You rarely meet people because you consider yourself less attractive, due to these imperfections
It is important to know some facts about the treatment of cicatrice before deciding what to do. One of the most important facts is that health insurance as a whole does not cover the erasing of cicatrix resulting from acne, which means you have to pay for the treatment. It is advisable to be informed about the cost of the complete treatment before you start and be sure you can afford it
You should be aware that making skin imperfections fade requires time and persistence before any visible results appear.
Be realistic in your expectations!
It is important to have realistic expectations about the results. Different solutions can improve the appearance of your skin, but it is unlikely to completely restore it to the appearance before the onset of acne.
What helps get rid of acne scars?
The list below represents the most common methods for removing dark spots:
- Laser peeling (laser resurfacing) – is a high energy beam laser beam treatment that heats and evaporates the surface layer of the skin. Recommended for the severely affected skin.
- Microdermabrasion – a mechanical peeling method that removes the upper layer of the skin. It is suitable for very small scars. The method is not invasive and, unlike the other procedures, is significantly less uncomfortable to the patient.
- Chemical peeling – it is a bruising of the upper layer of skin with a weak acid. The new skin appears after about 2 weeks. The patient must always use high-quality sunscreen after such a procedure.
- Dermabrasion – Removes the skin’s surface layer, the patient is given local or general anesthesia, performed by a qualified medical practitioner. It uses weak exfoliants, such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid, ascorbic acid (vitamin c) and the like. Dermabrasion stimulates the formation of a new surface layer of the epidermis. The new skin is gentle and sensitive, and this feeling goes away after a few months.
- Laser and light therapy – known as PDL and IPL – lead to color fading and smoothing of the raised formations.
- Cosmetic fillers – products containing hyaluronic acid are most commonly used, which are absorbed into the skin after a particular time and do not cause any side effects.
- Gels and creams – also known as over the counter methods, some of which provide very good results (but often require longer periods of application). Such products reduce the discomfort and scarring while fixing the uneven skin texture. Products containing glycolic acid, retinol, or vitamin C help to smooth out the signs of sunburns, and silicone-containing gels are most beneficial for the treatment of raised tissue.
- Lightening creams – In case of skin discoloration (and the skin relief is not damaged), it is more appropriate to treat the skin surface with lightening creams.
Most creams for acne treatment contain vitamin c, glycolic acid, salicylic acid and other bleaching compounds. However, salicylic acid is not recommended by us for acne treatment since it can provoke irritaion and discoloration if exposed to sun light.
Again, our choice for the above-mentioned creams have proven clinical background.
Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I have an pimples marks on my face.. So can i use Mederma for the prevention. and can i expect the that it could clear marks on my face..???
Hi Satish,
The marks you mentioned usually form as a result of skin picking, this is why the best preventative measure is to avoid trying to extract your pimples. Believe me, the pimples will not heal faster and they may even get infected.
Mederma will help fade the existing marks but if you still have acne, this should be the first problem to eliminate.
Note that the treatment with Mederma requires both patience and persistence – you may need a couple of weeks before the marks start fading.
Hope I helped!
Best of luck!
HI
I had rosacea on my nose before ,and there were always many pimples on my nose before.Even though I am now recover from the rosacea ,but my nose still look covex,there may be tissue proliferated due to the rosacea,and the convex scars may be the scars of the pimples.The hypertrophic scars are not red in color but is skin color.
I know that laser treatment can help,but it takes a very long time to heal(become not red) after the treatment ,so I am now looking for other ways to treat my skin.
Do you think these cream/gel can help me to improve the skin?If yes,which one do you recommend to me?
Many thanks .
Hi LISAA,
Having your current skin condition, I’d suggest using silicone-based treatment. This is the only clinically-proven scar removal treatment, the best thing about silicone and its’ derivatives is that it does not cause skin reactions. Even if you have the most sensitive and blemish-prone skin, you can safely apply silicone gel to the areas, affected by scars.
The next thing I’d recommend is looking for a scar removal cream or gel with a simple ingredient list (containing 1-2 ingredients only) because the additives, chemicals, preservatives etc, available in most formulas can irritate the skin and may even worsen the condition.
The anti-scar product receiving super positive feedback from patients is NewGel+ (you can read detailed info about it in this article)
This is exactly what you need – a combination of silicone oil (to boost the recovery process and keep the skin hydrated) and vitamin E (to protect the area affected, keeping it soft and nourished)
Hope this information helps!
Best of luck!