READ NEXT: The best salicylic acid products The best scar creams you can buy in 2022 1. Azally Advanced Scar Gel: Best scar cream to fade new and old scars For oily and combination skin, thin, water-based formulas are usually the best bet. They tend to be oil-free, so you don’t have to worry about the acne scar serum clogging your pores and causing another breakout. We do not recommend this product if you have sensitive skin or have never used Retinol before. We would recommend starting with our Retinol Serum formula instead. Dr. Rapaport credits the cream’s effectiveness to ingredients like hyaluronic acid, onion extract, and peptides, which she says have all been shown to minimize the appearance of scars and enhance the texture of the skin. Plus, she notes that allowing your skin to absorb the nutrients in the cream overnight aids in its ability to leave you with a healthier, more even complexion. Bio-Oil Multiuse Skincare Oil: This oil was super hydrating, but also kind of messy. And while it helped clear up our mild scabbing, it didn’t do much in terms of changing the appearance of our scars.

Dr. Brazzo says allantoin can hydrate the skin, soften keratin, and promote healing. You might also see hyaluronic acid in some scar treatments for the same reason. Allantoin and hyaluronic acid together stimulate collagen production, notes Dr. Brazzo, which restores the skin’s natural architecture and leads to smoother skin with normal elasticity and color. Researchers investigated the effect of adapalene as a topical acne treatment on scarring in 67 volunteers over a period of 6 months. Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3 that has a wide range of benefits for the skin. It helps promote cell turnover, which is why it can be an ideal ingredient for acne scar serums. Niacinamide is particularly effective for fading hyperpigmentation, so it works best on red marks left over from acne breakouts. Features to consider for acne scar serumsScarring occurs because of damage done to the skin as a result of the breakout. The area with acne experiences abnormal collagen production during the body’s rush to repair the skin, which gives the skin a bumpy or pitted appearance. However, caution should be exercised and scar massage is not recommended for new scars (less than six months), as Dr Fanstone explains: “If you start rubbing a scar in the early stages of healing you can actually increase the production of collagen. I would advise caution on too much aggressive treatment early on.” If your scar is older, however, try giving it a gentle massage. “Apply gentle pressure along the scar, pushing down on the skin, then releasing. Make small circular movements with the fingers without moving the scar or causing tension to the skin.” This gel is free from skin irritants such as sodium lauryl sulfates (SLS). There is evidence that SLS can increase transepidermal water loss, leading to less hydrated skin. I HAVE ACNE, CAN I STILL USE THIS?Scar, Mark and Wrinkle Solution with 1% Retinol can be used if you do have acne, however this has not been formulated to target acne concerns. We recommend using Scar, Mark & Wrinkle Solution with 1% Retinol once signs of acne/blemishes have cleared, to effectively target post-blemish marks. The most effective treatment for scars depends on the person’s scar, where it is located, and its size and depth. Some scars will be more superficial and may be located on the face, other scars may be longer and deeper and be located on parts of the body. Therefore, oils, creams, or gels may work better in some areas, whereas scar sheets may be better suited in others.

Scars are a natural part of the healing process after injury. A loss or change in your collagen structure causes scarring, which is why you can get scars without even breaking the skin (stretch marks and injury bumps, for example). Most scars, though, form after the skin has suffered an open wound. Moisturisers and emollients can really help to prevent a wound from scarring, but you must of course let the wound heal first, and this can take several weeks after surgery or serious injury. WHEN SHOULD I START USING 1% RETINOL?If you have sensitive skin or have never used Retinol before, we recommend starting with our Retinol Serum instead. Our Scar Mark and Wrinkle Solution with 1% Retinol has been formulated for people who have marks in the form of post-acne scars, dark discolouration or deep wrinkles which give the appearance of uneven texture and tone. This product should only be used if you are experiencing these concerns and have previously used a Retinol product. Active ingredients: Paying attention to the active ingredients in the cream and their strength can help a person identify what works for their skin type. Other ingredients hydrate the cells, giving them a fuller look, which may reduce the appearance of scars. We applied a thin layer of the gel, turned on the vibrating wand, and ran it over the scar area for about two minutes, then applied a scar sheet to leave on for the rest of the day or overnight. Our scar was pretty tough: a pea-sized keloid scar we’ve had for about 20 years. While we didn’t see dramatic results (that’s to be expected with keloid scars, which usually require surgery), we noticed a less dense scar at the end of testing.Dréno B, et al. (2018). Prevention and reduction of atrophic acne scars with adapalene 0.3%/benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel in subjects with moderate or severe facial acne: Results of a 6-month randomized, vehicle-controlled trial using intra-individual comparison. Scar, Mark and Wrinkle Solution with 1% Retinol is a specialised treatment that has been formulated for people who have marks in the form of post-acne scars, dark discolouration or deep wrinkles which give the appearance of uneven texture and tone. For help with fine lines, we suggest using Retinol Serum. For help with dark spots or slight discolouration we suggest using Mandelic Acid Treatment or Glycolic Acid Toner Silicone is a component often found in scar creams, due to its hydrating and healing properties. It not only allows the skin to breathe but also helps scar tissue appear softer and flatter. Some acne scar serums have a fairly strong medicinal scent, which some users find unappealing. If you have sensitive skin, it’s best to avoid formulas that use artificial fragrances because they can easily irritate the skin. For most people, a fragrance-free acne scar serum is the best option.

There are a variety of active ingredients that can help treat and fade acne scars. Most of the common ingredients in acne scar serums are designed to fade red marks and other hyperpigmentation left behind by breakouts, but they aren’t as effective at treating textured scars. In most cases, the best acne scar serums incorporate more than one active ingredient to boost their effectiveness. Research shows that aloe vera promotes wound healing by increasing the amount of collagen in wounds. Additionally, as aloe vera consists of 99% water, it can increase skin flexibility and reduce its fragility. Chamomile The main active ingredient in Mederma Advanced Scar Gel is allantoin, which helps moisturize and hydrate the skin cells to reduce the appearance of scars. While they may all look roughly the same, there are actually several different types of acne scars.Topical applications of plant oils such as jojoba oil have anti-microbial, antioxidative, and wound-healing effects. Onion bulb extract When introducing a new active to the skin, some people may experience pimples or ‘purging’. For more information around purging, please refer to our latest blog post Some acne scar serums include both AHAs and BHAs to effectively exfoliate both the surface of your skin and inside the pores, so you can fade your scars and prevent future breakouts at the same time. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are often used in acne scar serums because they are powerful chemical exfoliators that can remove dead surface cells to smooth and brighten the skin.