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How To Get Rid Of Acne Scars: Treatments That Work And At-Home Lotion Options

Acne scars can now be treated thanks to beauty industry advancements. Whether you opt for laser treatments or at-home creams and facials, this post will help you determine what is best for your budget and level of commitment.

If you’ve suffered from acne your whole life, I am sure that you are wondering how to get rid of acne scars. There’s no shame in this.

How To Get Rid Of Acne Scars: Treatments That Work And At-Home Lotion Options

Acne is a plague. I’ve lived with it. I’m still living with it. And these battle wounds are not something that I am proud of. So, whenever I am in need of a beauty rescue, there’s one thing that I turn to and that’s research!

I spent some time researching what has worked on people who share my same struggles and came across several facial treatments that work and promise real results. These procedures require you to head to either your local dermatologist or spa facility, but the trip will be worth it.

Believe me, I understand the plague that is acne. It rules my life.

How To Get Rid Of Acne Scars:

I have problematic skin and it is something that I constantly have to balance. Whether I’m watching my diet, perfecting my skincare regime, or steering clear of certain skincare line ingredients, I know I have to work harder than others in order to keep a clearer face. Notice how I say clearer and not clear.

In between my rosacea and adult acne, there’s always something popping up. Thankfully, I’ve finally come to a place where everything is manageable and easily covered up with the right kind of makeup.

I’ve always been envious of women with naturally clear skin. It’s just not that simple for me.

So, if you are interested in working on your acne scars, I have some techniques and treatments for you to check out. Here are some options to research locally. Hopefully one of them will make sense for you and your budget.

Acne Scar Treatments That Work

Acne scars treatments that work:

Laser Acne Scar Treatments

Laser acne treatments are the newest weapon for post-blemish control. People who get laser acne treatments using the picosecond laser see a 25%-75% reduction on average according to recent studies (link). Make no mistake! You need several sessions and the process can be costly, but the results speak for themselves.

You will absolutely get greater results using professional services as compared to the at-home options listed below. Brace yourself, though!

For a single picosecond-laser treatment for the face, the cost is between $600 and $1,500. Ask your local dermatologist if this option is available.

There’s also the Sublative Laser Resurfacing procedure. I am saying procedure, but truly there is little to no downtime with each of these options. It’s more of a facial experience than anything else.

The Sublative Laser Resurfacing uses radio frequency device that stimulates healthy collagen and elastin production in the skin and is among the most effective resurfacing laser treatments available to date.

After your treatment, your face will be very red and your skin will feel hot. So, don’t expect to go to a wedding right after leaving the office. Plan to head home for a quick makeup application. The results are definitely promising with this one.

As scary as it sounds, Dermapen micro-needling also has promising results. The Dermapen treatment triggers collagen production through a micro-needling technique.

It can be used to improve scarring (acne scarring & keloid scars), hyperpigmentation and stretch marks.

It’s basically a way to retexturize the skin. I read countless forums online and quotes from a dermatologist and while this technique isn’t the newest, I did find a multitude of people who were happy with their acne scars post-treatment.

Don’t Forget The Chemical Peel

I’ve done a few chemical peels in my life and they feel CRAZY. Like completely insane. Not going to lie. I never can make it the full 30 seconds that they need me to (or whatever the exact time is).

But there is a real benefit to doing one, especially if you suffer from acne and have acne scars in particular. Not only will you boast smoother / more radiant skin, but after a peel, all of your skincare products will be able to perform to the best of their abilities.

Your top layer of dead cells will be gone which means that your beauty products can now fully penetrate deep into your skin – which means maximum benefit!!

The right peel can end acne and soften the scars that come with it. Adding salicylic acid peels to your regime will help you fade away post-pimple marks. So, before you look at the below section and start ordering online, think about getting a peel first!!!!

The below acne scars treatments at home are options for people who don’t want to take a big leap into the laser world. And you know what? I completely understand that! There is a huge entry fee into that arena.

If you want to check out some of the lotions and serums below first and see if you are satisfied with those results before making your first appointment with your dermatologist, go for it!  Check out some of my affiliates to learn about their top products:

At Home Lotion Treatments for Acne Scars

This section contains affiliate links.

Skin Medica Scar Recovery Gel with Centelline

A method that most people turn to when trying to figure out how to get rid of acne scars is lotions and potions. Here are some of my top picks.

Out of all the products I researched, I found the Skin Medica Scar Recovery Gel with Centelline to be the most promising. Skin Medical scar recovery gel with centerline is clinically tested to improve the appearance of scars, including those from a C-section. If it can help a c section scar… it can help an acne scar, right?!

One of my favorite brands – SkinCeuticals – has the Advanced Pigment Corrector on the market. Specifically made to help get rid of the most stubborn marks on your face.

The formula contains salicylic acid to exfoliate the skin, hydroxyphenoxy propionic acid to slow down melanin production and prevent further hyperpigmentation, and ellagic acid to help reduce discoloration.

Do you have dark spots along with your acne scars? Try Murad’s Post-Acne Spot Lightening Gel. This powerful skin-lightening gel treatment (featuring Hydroquinone) fades post-acne skin discoloration and acne dark spots that linger after breakouts have healed.

Plant-derived extracts help keep skin clear and restore clarity and tone.

Proactiv Advanced Dark Spot Correcting Serum


If you just have dark spots on your face, another brand that I use personally is Proactiv. The Proactiv Advanced Dark Spot Correcting Serum gradually fades dark brownish discoloration, pigment, spots, and blotches and helps lighten post acne marks. The serum can also be used for the gradual fading of freckles and age and liver spots.

Then we have Kiehl’s Since 1851 Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution. This fast-acting serum evens skin tone and diminishes dark spots to impart overall radiance and luminosity to the skin. With continued daily usage, Clearly Corrective helps to prevent the formation of future dark spots and other skin discolorations.

Thank goodness we live in a day and age where we have solutions for acne scars! Twenty years ago… we just would have had to DEAL WITH IT. Well, no longer! Which option and course are you considering to manage your adult acne and scarring?

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