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1
Best Overall
Murad InvisiScar Resurfacing Treatment
1
Best Overall
Murad InvisiScar Resurfacing Treatment
Pros
Great for cell turnover
Cons
Can be strong for sensitive skin
“Murad Invisiscar Resurfacing Treatment contains beta hydroxy acid, salicylic acid, and exfoliates to help clear old marks as well as prevent future breakouts. Centella Asiatica (cica) decreases inflammation. Hydroxytyrosol and Vitamin C are antioxidants that lighten dark spots by directly and indirectly inhibiting tyrosinase activity which reduces the production of melanin. This serum also contains light diffusers and a “blurring powder” to improve the appearance of skin immediately. Use twice daily to improve the appearance of acne scars.” — Dr. Blair Murphy
Ulta star rating: 3.9/5 stars
2
Best LED Device
Solawave Advanced Skincare Wand with Red Light Therapy
2
Best LED Device
Solawave Advanced Skincare Wand with Red Light Therapy
Pros
Warms up when applied to skin
Cons
Must charge often
Slather on your favorite serum and glide the tool across your face to kill bacteria under the skin using this red light therapy treatment. Plus, the device warms up and vibrates, acting as a little facial massage.
Solawave star rating: 4.9/5 stars
An ELLE Beauty Editor says: “I swear by this little red light device for reducing the appearance of breakouts. Whenever I feel a breakout forming, I glide my Solawave along the inflamed area, as the red light emitting from this little device kills bacteria and reduces inflammation. I especially love how slim the wand is, which makes it easy to maneuver around my face and neck.” — Nerisha Penrose, ELLE Beauty Commerce Editor
3
Best for Body Scars
Topicals Faded Brightening & Clearing Mist

3
Best for Body Scars
Topicals Faded Brightening & Clearing Mist
Pros
Enhances skin tone
Cons
Can feel greasy
If you’ve experienced any body acne or scarring, this product is for you. Like its cream counterpart, the Faded mist is formulated with niacinamide and kojic acid to brighten dark spots in those hard-to-reach areas.
Sephora star rating: 3.9/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer said: “I absolutely love this, I have eczema flare-ups and it left horrible marks and I have been using this for about a month now and the results are amazing!!”
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4
Best At-Home Peel
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel

4
Best At-Home Peel
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel
Pros
Gentle for daily use
Cons
Tingling sensation
“True acne scarring is like a bad boyfriend—it needs attention from lots of different products and just when something seems to be working, it can stop being as effective. I find that acne scarring does best with a combination of procedures and skin care products, but two easily available products that can help are Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Daily Peel Pads and Differin Gel. These glycolic and salicylic acid-containing two-step peel pads are portable and help to exfoliate the skin. They can prevent future breakouts and help to lighten the dark spots that are often left over even after you’ve kicked your acne. These are great for patients with active acne, dark spots, and dullness. Both of these can be irritating, so starting slow and building up to two to four times a week (for the pads) or every other day to every day for Differin,” says Dr. Papri Sarkar.
Sephora star rating: 4.5/5 stars
5
Best Affordable Treatment
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

5
Best Affordable Treatment
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
Pros
Prevents redness
Cons
Takes a while to massage in
“The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% targets the brown spots and redness left behind from healing acne spots while also helping to clear whiteheads and blackheads. It works best for those who already have an acne regimen as an add-on treatment. [The treatment] helps post-inflammatory redness and hyperpigmentation resolve more quickly,” says Dr. Cindy Wassef.
Ulta star rating: 4.4/5 stars
6
Best Drugstore Treatment
Differin Acne Treatment Gel

6
Best Drugstore Treatment
Differin Acne Treatment Gel
Now 10% Off
Pros
Easy to find
Cons
Can be too strong for sensitive skin
“Differin Gel an OTC retinoid, containing adapalene, is a great option as not only does it work to prevent breakouts, but it also treats acne and helps to improve scarring. It can [diminish] discoloration and textural changes that go along with acne scars by evening out the skin tone and boosting collagen production. [The gel] can be used once daily and it is often best to start just a few times per week and increase the frequency as tolerated. It can be used by all skin types and can be used while getting active breakouts and should continue to be used after breakouts subside to help reduce scarring and prevent new breakouts from forming,” says Dr. Marisa Garshick.
Amazon star rating: 4.6/5 stars
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7
Best Preventative Cleanser
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser

7
Best Preventative Cleanser
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
Pros
Affordable
Cons
May be drying
If you want prescription-grade results at an affordable drugstore price, CeraVe’s Acne Foaming Cleanser delivers. Formulated with benzoyl peroxide to attack active breakouts, this cleanser helps to control acne so you won’t risk breakouts turning into scars.
Ulta star rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer said: “I asked for a good face cleaner for sensitive skin to get rid of acne and one of the girls gave me this one. After 4 days, all my redness is gone and my acne is pretty much cleared up.”
Pros
Clear application
Cons
Has a silicone-like texture
An important step in reducing the appearance of acne scars is sun protection. Apply Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen liberally to ensure your dark marks won’t get any darker.
Ulta star rating: 4.7/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “Was worried about the texture at first, but it is smooth, not greasy, and feels great on the skin and under makeup.”
9
Best Pimple Patches
Starface Hydro-Stars Starter Pack

9
Best Pimple Patches
Starface Hydro-Stars Starter Pack
Pros
Reduces inflammation
Cons
May not stick well when using with other products
The minute you see a breakout forming, reach for your Starface pimple patches. Formulated to stop stubborn breakouts right in their tracks, the patches are made of hydrocolloid, which aids in minimizing the look of pimples.
Target star rating: 4/5 stars
A Target reviewer said: “Love this! They work really good as pimple patches, and they’re also cute enough for you to wear out of the house! It has also helped a lot with scarring!”
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10
Best Retinol
ZO Skin Health Retinol Skin Brightener 1%

10
Best Retinol
ZO Skin Health Retinol Skin Brightener 1%
Pros
Exfoliating
Cons
May not be suitable for sensitive skin
Add retinol to your routine to help slough away dead skin and lighten the appearance of dark marks breakouts can produce. ZO Skin Health offers different strengths to choose from for different skin types.
ZO Skin Health star rating: 4.4/5 stars
A ZO Skin Health reviewer said: “Love this product, have been using for many years every night. After cleansing, it prepares to skin to accept serum and night cream. Has helped immensely with skin texture!”
11
Best for All-Over Brightening
Hyper Skin Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum

11
Best for All-Over Brightening
Hyper Skin Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum
Pros
Prevents future breakouts
Cons
May take a month to see results
Vitamins C and E work together to combat hyperpigmentation. Plus, thanks to turmeric, fruit enzymes, kojic acid, and more, one pump a day helps to lighten scarring and brighten your complexion.
Sephora star rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer said: “The Hyper Even Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum is one of my new favorites. I’ve had a couple of dark spots from blemishes that I couldn’t get rid of at all. I’ve been using the Hyper Even Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C serum and it’s faded significantly. The serum absorbs well into my skin and is also pretty gentle. I have semi-sensitive skin and I’ve experienced no issues with the product. I really recommend it if you have dark spots.”
12
Best Clean Option
Ustawi Niacinamide Dark Spot Corrector
12
Best Clean Option
Ustawi Niacinamide Dark Spot Corrector
Pros
Protects from environmental pollutants
Cons
Pricey
Don’t underestimate the power of niacinamide. Formulated specifically for melanin-rich skin, this lightweight formula absorbs without leaving a sticky film and reduces the appearance of dark spots.
Amazon star rating: 4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “This works well on dark spots! I live in sunny California and have tried a few different products that did not work in the past. I like how it glides on easily and feels super hydrating overall. It almost feels cooling when you put it on your face, and I noticed the smoothness it gives to my skin. I plan on using it consistently!”
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13
Best Multi-Tasker
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Topical Retinoid Acne Treatment

13
Best Multi-Tasker
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Topical Retinoid Acne Treatment
Pros
Evens texture
Cons
May cause dryness
“For a prescription-strength retinoid in an over-the-counter gel, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% takes it up a notch. Previously only available as a prescription, this gel helps clear blackheads, whiteheads, acne blemishes, and clogged pores. Topical retinoids also help to treat textural irregularities and acne lesions that contribute to discoloration,” says Dr. Corey L. Hartman.
Ulta star rating: 4.5/5 stars
14
Best Overnight Treatment
SkinBetter AlphaRet Overnight Cream

14
Best Overnight Treatment
SkinBetter AlphaRet Overnight Cream
Pros
Absorbs quickly
Cons
Not best for sensitive skin
“A retinol alternative that also contains lactic acid, this nighttime serum is formulated in a moisturizing base that provides all of the benefits of retinol with virtually none of the irritation. It is a great option for those who have had difficulty tolerating other retinol [since it] exfoliates gently,” says Dr. Hartman
Skinbetter star rating: None
15
Best On-The-Go Option
Nassif MD Detox Pads Complexion Perfecting Pads

15
Best On-The-Go Option
Nassif MD Detox Pads Complexion Perfecting Pads
Pros
Unclogs pores
Cons
May cause dryness
“The pads provide daily, gentle exfoliation. They also keep the pores clear, help reverse past damage, and prevent new scarring, too,” says Dr. Paul Nassif.
Nassif MD Skincare star rating: 4.8/5 stars
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16
Best Exfoliator
Clean & Clear Acne Triple Clear Exfoliating Facial Scrub

16
Best Exfoliator
Clean & Clear Acne Triple Clear Exfoliating Facial Scrub
Pros
Affordable
Cons
Can be drying
“This is an exfoliating scrub formulated with salicylic acid to help increase cell turnover, resulting in reduced acne, scarring, and preventing future breakouts. I recommend using this two to three times a week and increasing usage as necessary,” says Dr. Nassif.
Walmart star rating: 4.2/5 star rating
17
Best Tinted SPF
CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Face Sheer Tint SPF 30

17
Best Tinted SPF
CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Face Sheer Tint SPF 30
Now 13% Off
Pros
Provides a glow
Cons
Takes awhile to massage in
“Scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can darken with sun exposure and linger on the skin longer than needed. Therefore, a broad-spectrum sunscreen, most preferably a physical blocker like CeraVe Sun Protection SPF 30 Sunscreen Face Lotion, is strongly advised,” says Dr. Shereene Idriss.
Ulta star rating: 3.9/5 stars
18
The Holy Grail Vitamin C
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

18
The Holy Grail Vitamin C
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Pros
Provides a glow
Cons
May not be suitable for sensitive skin
“I like skin brightening agents like glycolic acid cleanser, vitamin C, retinoids, and retinol that help target cellular turnover. For a cleanser, I like Glytone and for a serum try Skinceuticals C E Ferulic. This combination helps to lighten pigmented scars and helps smooth the skin texture. This combination is safe for all skin types,” says Dr. Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand.
Skinceuticals star rating: 4.6/5 stars
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19
Best for All Skin Types
Visha Advanced Correcting Serum

19
Best for All Skin Types
Visha Advanced Correcting Serum
Pros
Prescription dose
Cons
Pricey
“The Visha Skincare Advanced Correcting Serum, which I formulated, contains retinol, vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid, and Illuminotex—a patented natural lightening agent tested to work equivalent to four percent hydroquinone. It works best for hyperpigmentation in all skin types and genders, and those that are still currently breaking out,” says Dr. Purvisha Patel.
Amazon star rating: 4/5 stars
20
Best for a Deep Clean
SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser

20
Best for a Deep Clean
SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser
Pros
Unclogs pores
Cons
May not be suited for very dry skin
“SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser encourages cell turnover without drying out the skin. The glycolic acid washes away dead skin cells on the top layer of the skin, leaving a very clean feel and improving acne blemishes,” says Dr. Claire Chang.
Bluemercury star rating: 3.9/5 stars
Beauty Commerce Editor
Nerisha is the beauty commerce editor at ELLE.com, covering all things beauty (and fashion and music). She has a penchant for sneakers and nude lip glosses, and spends way too much time re-watching 90s sitcoms.
Assistant Beauty Editor
Emily Burns is the assistant beauty editor at ELLE Magazine. When she’s not writing, she’s probably drinking an Aperol spritz and cuddling with her cat Wednesday….or scheming how to date Pete Davidson.
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