A No-Fuss Skincare Routine for Acne Scars That’ll Improve Your Skin Over Time

Acne scars can take a toll on your confidence and oftentimes be painful. Worst of all? They can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that lingers long after an acne breakout has healed. But the good news is that there are ways to reduce the appearance of acne scars, like by having a skincare routine specifically for acne scars. By following the right skincare routine and incorporating effective skincare products, you can support your skin’s natural healing process and work toward a clearer complexion. This is true regardless of your skin type.

However, it’s important to remember that acne scars don’t make you any less beautiful. Learning to love yourself—scars and all—is one of the most powerful things you can do. For some, though, acne scars may be reminders of difficult times in their life, or they may simply prefer to have clear skin. If that’s the case, the skincare routine below can help treat acne scars and improve overall skin tone and texture.

Keep reading to learn the best skincare routine for acne scars as well as what ingredients are best for diminishing them.

Skincare Routine for Acne Scars

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a skincare routine designed to help reduce the appearance of acne scars. We’ll also answer common questions about whether acne scars are permanent. By the end of this post, you’ll have a roadmap for addressing post-acne marks while protecting your skin and improving its overall health.

Are Acne Scars Permanent?

The permanence of acne scars depends on the type of acne scar and how you treat it. For example, some scars—such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation a.k.a. post-acne marks—are not true scars and can fade over time with proper care and sun protection. On the other hand, deeper scars—like ice pick scars or rolling scars—may require professional treatments to fully diminish their appearance. Fortunately, a consistent skincare routine and targeted acne treatment can help soften scars and improve skin texture over time.

What Helps With Acne Scars?

1. Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a powerhouse ingredient for oily or acne-prone skin. It works by gently exfoliating the skin, unclogging pores, and reducing excess oil. Regular use can help fade post-acne marks and even out skin tone over time. Some of our favorite salicylic acid products are the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution, and the CeraVe Renewing Salicylic Acid Cleanser.

2. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

Alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, are chemical exfoliants that help improve skin texture and fade dark spots. They promote cell turnover, which can aid in treating acne scars and revealing fresher, more even-toned skin.

3. Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is known for its incredible hydration benefits. While it won’t directly fade acne scars, it helps improve skin elasticity and supports collagen and elastin production, which can enhance the healing process. (Learn more about whether hyaluronic acid is good for acne.) The standout from hyaluronic acid serums we’ve tried is undoubtedly the Sofie Pavitt Mandelic Serum.

4. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects your skin from environmental stressors while brightening dark spots caused by post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It also boosts collagen production, making it a great ingredient for reducing the appearance of acne scars. As you might know, we at The Daley Dose are big fans of Paula’s Choice. It might be unsurprising, then, that our favorite vitamin C serum is the brand’s BOOST C15 Super Booster.

5. Retinoids

Retinoids, such as retinol and prescription-strength tretinoin, encourage skin renewal and help fade post-acne marks. They work by stimulating collagen and elastin production, which can help smooth out skin texture and improve overall skin tone. One very important note: If you use retinol or retinoids in your skincare, make sure it’s only at night. And another thing: You must wear sunscreen all the time, but especially if you use a retinoid.

What Is A Good Skincare Routine for Acne Scars?

Step 1: Cleanse with a gentle face wash.

Start your skincare routine with a gentle cleanser that removes dirt, excess oil, and impurities without stripping your skin. Look for a cleanser with salicylic acid if you have oily or acne-prone skin, as it can help prevent future acne breakouts.

Step 2: Exfoliate with AHAs or BHAs.

Exfoliation is key when treating acne scars. That’s because it helps encourage new, unscarred skin to form. Using an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) like glycolic acid or a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) like salicylic acid a few times a week can help speed up skin renewal and reduce the appearance of acne scars.

Step 3: Apply a brightening serum.

A brightening serum with vitamin C or niacinamide can help fade dark spots and even out skin tone. These ingredients work by targeting post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and enhancing your skin’s natural glow. (Check out the best skincare for sensitive acne-prone skin if you need gentle yet effective options.)

Step 4: Moisturize and hydrate.

Even if you have oily or acne-prone skin, moisturizing is essential. A lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer with hyaluronic acid can keep your skin hydrated and support healing without clogging pores. This will be especially important for oily or acne-prone skin, as it will prevent an excess amount of sebum. (In case you were wondering, non-comedogenic is a fancy way of saying that a product won’t clog your pore.)

Step 5: Protect with SPF.

Sunscreen is one of the most important steps in any skincare routine. First of all, it’s the best way to protect your skin from sun rays—which can cause cancer.Sun exposure can also worsen post-acne marks and lead to further discoloration. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and apply it daily to protect your skin. Our favorites include Bask SPF 30 Sunscreen and Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen.

By following the above skincare routine for acne scars and using effective skincare products, you can help reduce the appearance of acne scars and achieve a more even complexion. As usual, patience is key. Consistent care will lead to gradual (but noticeable!) improvements in your skin’s texture and tone.