Dark spots – discoloration that remains after a zit has healed – are not considered scars. The purple, red, or brown spots will fade on their own in a few months.

Alpha hydroxy acids
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are commonly found in acne-fighting skincare products because they remove dead skin and help with clogged pores. AHAs also aid in the gradual disappearance of those pesky acne scars.

Ingredients to look for in skincare for getting rid of acne marks and scars:

The acid is used to help treat discoloration and rough skin by exfoliating the outer layer of the skin.

Best for: All kinds of acne scars.

Lactic acid

Lactic acid peels are commonly used by dermatologists to fade acne scarring. They use them every two weeks for three months and notice a significant improvement in the texture, appearance, and pigmentation of their skin, as well as the lightening of acne scarring.

Lactic acid is used in a variety of peels, serums, and ointments. Because it contains herbal lactic acid, you can use diluted apple cider vinegar as a toner or spot treatment.

Best for: All kinds of acne scarring.

Retinoids

Topical retinoids can fix any discoloration and make scars less visible in addition to speeding up skin cell regeneration and improving skin texture.

However, because retinoids can make your skin extremely sun sensitive, you should always wear sunscreen when using them. Look for retinol as one of the active ingredients in your products.

Best for: Atrophic or depressed scars.

Salicylic acid

When used topically, salicylic acid clears pores, reduces swelling and inflammation, and exfoliates the skin. It is regarded as one of the most effective treatments for acne scarring.

When using salicylic acid, it may take a few weeks to notice a difference in scarring.

Best for: All types of acne scars.

Sunscreen
It’s critical to apply sunscreen to acne scars every day. Scars can darken and become more visible when exposed to the sun.

Best for: All types of acne scarring.

Want so read more tips? See the Ultimate Guide to Glass Skin.