Every time our skin experiences injury or trauma, we’re left to deal with the aftermath in the form of a scar. This is no different when experiencing acne, an inflammatory skin condition affecting millions of people worldwide. Be it dark spots, red spots, or indentations in the skin, acne scars can be quite a pain to deal with, and they usually remain on the skin for far longer than the pimple itself.

Luckily, you're not without options. In fact, it's options that often make getting rid of acne scars even worse because desperation can lead to hasty decisions in the form of expensive skincare routines that consist of many products whose actions we don't exactly understand.

But there is another way, and I'm here to tell you that you can address your skin concerns and achieve your skin goals without breaking the bank or damaging your skin barrier in the process. Here are a few simple things you can do to actually get rid of your acne scars:

Irritation is the foundation of all skin ailments, including acne and its aftermath on the skin – scarring. The most important thing you need to know about irritation is that it creates inflammation, which then triggers the body's healing response. However, the problem is that the healing process doesn't go as you would expect it to when it comes to the skin. Instead of simply healing the issue and moving on, the body produces pro-inflammatory cytokines to fight what it considers an injury. These cytokines are then responsible for causing what we see on the skin as redness, swelling, and eventually scarring.

So, if you want to get rid of your acne scars, the first step is to stop using products that are irritating your skin and leading to inflammation. Instead, you need to carefully examine the ingredients in every cosmetic and skincare product you use to make sure they don't contain known skin irritants, such as harsh surfactants, fragrances, and drying alcohol. A great way to do this is to check websites like INCIDecoder and EWG.org, as they will give you a good idea of what ingredients are known to be irritating and should therefore be avoided.

Product To Try: Caudalie – Vinoperfect Dark Spot Brightening Solution Set, $67

Your skin barrier is the first line of defense against various environmental aggressors, including bacteria, pollution, and UV rays. Composed of lipids or fats such as ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids, it keeps moisture in and pathogens out.

However, when your skin barrier is damaged, be it through harsh skincare products, certain medications, or unhealthy lifestyle habits, it becomes compromised and can no longer do its job properly. The lipid ratio is thrown off balance, and the skin becomes dry, irritated, and more susceptible to breakouts and scarring.

So, in order to get rid of your acne scars, you need to focus on repairing and strengthening your skin barrier. A few ways to do this is by using gentle skincare products and products that contain ingredients that help replenish the skin's lipids, such as ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol. Additionally, subscribing to a healthier lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, enough water intake, and regular exercise will also support your skin barrier and naturally improve the overall health of your skin.

Product To Try: CeraVe – Barrier Restoring Kit for Acne Prone Skin, $44

Active ingredients in skincare products are components that perform the bio function of the product. In other words, they’re the components that actually deliver the results. Active ingredients are usually targeted components that help address particular or multiple skin concerns. Therefore, some of these can make all the difference when it comes to getting rid of acne scars.

Focus on active ingredients that help with collagen production, like retinoids, peptides, and vitamin C. 

So, if you’re dealing with atrophic acne scarring, which are changes in skin texture that look like indentations in the skin, you need to focus on ingredients that help with collagen production. Common collagen-stimulating actives include retinoids, peptides, and vitamin C. Retinoids are derived from vitamin A, and, when applied topically, they increase cellular turnover, which in turn stimulates the production of collagen and elastin – proteins responsible for skin firmness and elasticity. Peptides are short chains of amino acids that also stimulate collagen production, while vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps repair damage and promote collagen synthesis. When used in a skincare routine, these ingredients can help improve the appearance of atrophic scars and make the skin look and feel smoother and firmer.

Product To Try: Paula's Choice – 1% Retinol Treatment, $62

Certain targeted actives can also be helpful if you’re dealing with another type of acne scars, such as pigmentary imbalances that manifest on the skin as dark or red spots or patches of discoloration. Gentle actives such as niacinamide, azelaic acid, and kojic acid are known to be effective in fading hyperpigmentation while also being gentle enough not to irritate the skin. They work by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, which is responsible for excess melanin production and is essentially the culprit that leads to pigmentary imbalances in the first place. Furthermore, using gentle exfoliating acids like lactic acid or glycolic acid will help shed away dead skin cells from the skin surface and make way for new, even-toned skin to take its place.

Product To Try: SUNDAY RILEY AHA + Vitamin C Serum Duo, $30

Protecting your skin from the sun is always important, but it becomes crucial for removing acne scars, particularly hyperpigmented spots. This is because the sun's UV rays induce immediate pigment darkening by chemical modification of the brown pigment melanin, leading to the formation of sun spots and worsening existing hyperpigmentation. In other words, sun exposure can cause your scars to become darker and more pronounced, contrary to the seemingly popular belief that tanning your skin can help camouflage scars.

So, be sure to use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, and reapply every few hours if you’re going to be spending extended periods of time outdoors.

Product To Try: La Roche-Posay – Ultra Light Face Sunscreen SPF60, $32

Getting rid of acne scars is definitely a process that requires patience, consistency, and doing the right things for your skin. But with the right skincare routine, you can see a significant improvement in the appearance of your scars and finally feel confident in your skin.

And while nourishing your skin barrier, protecting it from the sun, and using targeted actives are all important steps in getting rid of acne scars, remember that the most important thing is to be gentle with your skin and give it time to heal. After all, skin damage doesn't occur overnight, and it definitely won't be fixed that way either.

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