How to Reduce the Appearance of Acne Scars: Skincare Tips for Smoother-Looking Skin
Post-acne marks and uneven texture can be frustrating, especially when they linger long after blemishes have settled. Redness, dark spots and small indentations can all make skin look less smooth or balanced.
Acne can leave visible marks behind for different reasons. Some are linked to changes in colour, while others affect the texture of the skin. Understanding the difference can help you choose the right skincare approach.
Acne Marks vs Acne Scars: What’s the Difference?
Acne marks and acne scars are often spoken about as though they are the same thing, but they are slightly different.
Acne marks are flat areas of discolouration left behind after a blemish has healed. They may look red, purple, brown or darker than your natural skin tone.
Acne scars affect the surface of the skin. They may appear as small indentations, uneven areas or raised patches, often after deeper blemishes, severe breakouts or picking at spots.
In simple terms, acne marks are usually about colour. Acne scars are about texture.
Types of Acne Scars
There are different types of scarring from acne. The two main groups are pitted scars and raised scars.
Pitted Acne Scars
Pitted scars form when the skin does not produce enough collagen while healing, leaving small dips or indentations behind.
Common types include:
Ice pick scars: narrow, deeper-looking marks that can resemble tiny pinpricks. Boxcar scars: wider indentations with more defined edges. Rolling scars: softer, uneven depressions that can make the skin look wavy.
An acne pitted scar can be stubborn because it changes the skin’s structure, not just its tone. Skincare can help improve the overall look of texture, but deeper pitted scarring may need professional advice.
Raised Acne Scars
Raised scars happen when the skin produces too much collagen during healing. Instead of leaving an indentation, the scar appears lifted from the surface of the skin.
How Long Do Acne Scars Last?
How long acne scars last depends on the type of mark or scar, how deep it is and how your skin naturally heals.
Flat post-acne marks can fade gradually over weeks or months, especially with daily SPF and ingredients that support brighter, more even-looking skin.
Textured acne scars often last longer and may not disappear completely with skincare alone. However, a consistent routine can still help improve the look of uneven tone, roughness and post-blemish marks over time.
For deeper or persistent scarring, it’s best to speak to a dermatologist or qualified skincare professional.
What Helps Acne Scars Look Less Noticeable?
The best skincare for acne scars focuses on three things: helping to prevent new breakouts, supporting skin renewal and improving the look of uneven tone and texture.
Keep Breakouts Under Control
Before focusing on leftover marks, it’s important to help minimise new blemishes. Ongoing breakouts can lead to more inflammation, more discolouration and a higher chance of scarring.
A thorough evening cleanse helps remove excess oil, impurities and dead skin cells that can contribute to blocked pores.
Our Clarifying Facial Cleanser is designed for blemish-prone skin and contains our LaB6 Skin Clearing Complex with lactic acid and mild cleansing agents. It helps clear pores, mattify shine and leave the complexion looking smoother.
Use Gentle Exfoliating Acids
Exfoliating acids can help improve the appearance of post-blemish skin by lifting away dead skin cells and encouraging a fresher-looking surface.
Lactic acid helps refine the look of skin texture while supporting gentle resurfacing.
Salicylic acid is often used in blemish-prone skincare because it can help clear excess oil and dead skin cells from pores.
Willow bark extract is also commonly used in skincare for blemish-prone skin and is often associated with a gentler-feeling exfoliating approach.
Consider Retinol for Post-Acne Texture
Retinol can be a helpful ingredient in a post-acne skincare routine because it supports skin renewal.
So, does retinol help with acne scars? It can help skin look smoother and more refined, especially where post-breakout marks and mild uneven texture are concerned.
For deeper pitted scarring, retinol may improve the overall look of the skin, although professional treatments may be needed for more visible results.
If you are new to retinol, introduce it gradually. Retinoids can also make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so daily SPF is essential.
Use Niacinamide for a More Even-Looking Complexion
Niacinamide helps support the skin barrier and can reduce the look of redness and uneven tone.
Does niacinamide help with acne scars? It is best thought of as a supportive ingredient. It will not fill deeper textural scars, but it can help post-acne skin look calmer, more balanced and more even over time.
Brighten Post-Acne Marks with Vitamin C
Vitamin C is best known for helping dull or uneven skin look brighter. It can be especially useful for post-acne marks linked to visible discolouration.
While vitamin C will not remove deeper-textured scars, it can help improve the look of uneven tone and support a more radiant-looking complexion.
Wear SPF Every Day
SPF is one of the most important steps in any routine for post-acne marks. UV exposure can make dark marks look more noticeable and may slow the visible fading process.
Apply a broad-spectrum SPF every morning, especially if you are using exfoliating acids, retinol or vitamin C.
Choosing Skincare for Acne Scars
When choosing lotions, toners, masks or targeted treatments for post-acne skin, look for ingredients that support a clearer, smoother and more even-looking complexion.
Helpful ingredients include:
Lactic acid to gently resurface the look of skin Salicylic acid or willow bark extract to help decongest blemish-prone skin Retinol or retinoids to support skin renewal and improve the look of texture Niacinamide to help calm and even the appearance of skin tone Vitamin C to brighten the look of post-acne marks SPF to help prevent marks from becoming more visible
The right routine does not need to be complicated. Focus on consistent cleansing, gentle exfoliation, hydration and daily sun protection to support post-blemish skin over time.
A Simple Routine for Post-Acne Marks and Uneven Texture
Post-acne skin often responds best to a steady, uncomplicated routine. If you’re still managing active breakouts as well as post-acne marks, our guide on How to Support Blemish-Prone Skin offers more advice on building a balanced routine for blemish-prone skin.
Morning: cleanse with our Clarifying Facial Cleanser, follow with Clarifying Facial Toner, apply Clarifying Facial Cream, then finish with SPF.
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Evening: cleanse thoroughly, use Clarifying Facial Toner, then apply Clarifying Facial Cream. You can also use the Clarifying Face & Body Mask as a targeted treatment when your skin needs extra support.
Try not to pick at blemishes, over-exfoliate or switch products too frequently. Consistency gives your skin the best chance to look calmer, clearer and more refined over time.
The Takeaway
Learning how to reduce acne scars starts with understanding whether you’re treating discolouration, texture or both.
Flat post-acne marks can fade gradually with the help of brightening, resurfacing and protective ingredients. Textured scars, including pitted scars, can take longer and may need professional support for more visible improvement.
For smoother-looking skin at home, focus on preventing new breakouts, supporting skin renewal, brightening uneven tone and protecting your complexion with daily SPF.
Josie is an Online Beauty Editor with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism. Her passions involve all things skincare and beauty and in her free time she likes to travel, read and get her beauty sleep.
