Acne scars and dark spots can be a frustrating aftermath of a breakout, but the good news is that with the right skincare routine and ingredients, you can fade them away and reveal clear, even-toned skin. Whether you’re dealing with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) or stubborn scars, there are plenty of products and treatments that can help. Let’s dive into how to treat acne scars and dark spots effectively with skincare tips and product recommendations from trusted brands like CeraVe, Skintific, Beauty of Joseon, and La Roche-Posay.
What Causes Acne Scars and Dark Spots?
Before we get into the solutions, it’s important to understand why acne scars and dark spots happen in the first place.
Acne Scars: These are usually the result of deep, inflamed acne lesions (like cysts or nodules) that cause tissue damage, leaving behind raised or depressed marks.
Dark Spots (Hyperpigmentation): These occur when the skin produces excess melanin in response to acne inflammation, leaving behind dark spots after the pimple has healed.
Though both acne scars and dark spots take time to fade, the right treatment can help speed up the process.
Skincare Routine to Fade Acne Scars and Dark Spots
1. Start with a Gentle Cleanser
Cleansing is essential to remove dirt, excess oils, and makeup that may clog pores and cause breakouts. Make sure to use a gentle, hydrating cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin of moisture.
Try:
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser—gentle and non-foaming, perfect for acne-prone skin.
COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser—non-stripping and soothing, helps keep skin balanced.
2. Exfoliate to Reveal Fresh Skin
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, speeding up the skin’s natural cell turnover, which helps fade dark spots and smoothen scars. Look for exfoliants with AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids), BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids), or PHA (Polyhydroxy Acids) that are gentle on your skin.
Try:
MediPeel AHA/BHA Peeling Gel—gently exfoliates while soothing the skin
Skintific Hydrating Exfoliating Toner—contains mild exfoliants that brighten skin.
3. Use a Brightening Serum
Brightening serums target hyperpigmentation by reducing melanin production and helping fade dark spots. Look for ingredients like Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Alpha Arbutin, and Licorice Extract.
Try:
Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide—niacinamide helps to even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots.
Skintific Radiance Serum—a blend of ingredients that brightens and improves skin texture.
4. Incorporate a Healing Treatment for Scars
Scars can take longer to fade, but certain ingredients can speed up healing and improve the appearance of scars over time. Centella Asiatica and Madecassoside are great for soothing skin, while Retinoids (like Retinol) can stimulate collagen production and reduce scar depth.
Try:
COSRX Centella Blemish Cream—soothes and calms the skin while helping to reduce redness from scars.
MediPeel Super Cica Ampoule—centella helps with healing and scar reduction.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (+)—contains benzoyl peroxide and niacinamide, which helps with both acne prevention and fading scars.
5. Hydrate Your Skin
Hydration is key for skin repair. Moisturizing regularly helps maintain the skin’s barrier and ensures that your skin is healing properly. A good moisturizer also prevents your skin from producing excess oil, which can lead to more breakouts.
Try:
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion—hydrates and restores the skin’s natural protective barrier
Skintific Hydrating Cream—lightweight but hydrating, perfect for acne-prone skin.
6. Use Sunscreen Every Day
Sun exposure can darken acne scars and hyperpigmentation, making them take longer to fade. Apply sunscreen every day to prevent further discoloration and protect your skin.
Try:
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin SPF 60—oil-free, high SPF protection for acne-prone skin.
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun—mattifying sunscreen that also helps with pigmentation.
Extra Tips for Fading Acne Scars and Dark Spots
Be Patient: Acne scars and dark spots take time to fade. Don’t expect immediate results, but with consistent use of the right products, you’ll start seeing improvement within a few weeks.
Avoid Picking at Pimples: Picking or squeezing acne can worsen scarring. Let your blemishes heal naturally.
Use a Retinol at Night: Retinol is an excellent ingredient for promoting skin turnover, improving texture, and helping to fade scars. If you’re new to retinol, start slow and use it only a few times a week to avoid irritation.
Try: Skintific Retinol Serum—helpful for skin renewal and reducing the appearance of scars.
Brands That Can Help Fade Acne Scars and Dark Spots
CeraVe
Offers affordable, dermatologist-tested products that promote skin healing, hydration, and brightening.COSRX
Known for its acne-focused products like the Centella Blemish Cream and AHA/BHA exfoliating products that target hyperpigmentation.Skintific
A great choice for those looking for hydration and brightening serums that help with pigmentation and scarring.Beauty of Joseon
Offers nourishing, brightening serums with ingredients like niacinamide and propolis that target dark spots.MediPeel
Their Cica and collagen-based products help soothe irritation and improve skin texture.La Roche-Posay
Their products are perfect for acne-prone skin, combining gentle formulations with acne-fighting ingredients to reduce dark spots and prevent future breakouts.Some By Mi
Known for their Miracle line, which helps with both acne healing and brightening dark spots.
Getting rid of acne scars and dark spots takes time, but with the right products, you can make the process faster and more effective. Hydrate, exfoliate, and treat your skin to ingredients that target hyperpigmentation and promote healing, like niacinamide, retinol, and centella. With products from CeraVe, COSRX, Skintific, Beauty of Joseon, MediPeel, and La Roche-Posay, you can work towards clear, even-toned skin and fade those acne scars and dark spots away.
