The only thing worse than having a major pimple (or acne) is the long-term scarring that follows. Even if you care for your skin like a newborn infant, spots and red marks can linger for weeks or months. But there are expert ways to fade them fast—or prevent the scarring from even forming in the first place. We spoke with Dr. DiAnne Davis, a dermatologist at North Dallas Dermatology Associates; Yunyoung Claire Chang, a dermatologist at the Union Square Laser Dermatology; Dennis Gross, dermatologist and founder of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare and Dr. Dennis Gross Dermatology; Dr. Michele Farber of Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City; and Gilly Munavalli, medical director and founder of Dermatology, Laser, and Vein Specialists of the Carolinas, to give us the lowdown on how to prevent and get rid of acne scars—forever.

What Causes Acne Scars?

Acne scars are caused by inflammatory acne lesions, such as papules (pink raised bumps), pustules (pink bumps with white pus), or cysts. According to Chang, there are several factors that contribute to the risk of developing scars. First, it may be genetic: if you have family members who have acne scars, you’re at a higher risk of developing them too. Your skin type also affects the types of scarring. Chang says those with lighter complexions may be more prone to acne erythema (persistent redness) after inflammatory acne, while those with darker complexion patients may be more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) or brown blemishing.

It’s obvious but bears repeating: don’t even think about touching a pimple.

Davis agrees and explains that melanocytes (the cells that produce melanin) behave differently in darker skin because they are very sensitive to inflammation. She says that someone with fair skin may experience some pinkness or redness for a short period of time whereas those with darker skin will often have a brown spot or PIH that can linger on for months.

It’s obvious but bears repeating: don’t even think about touching a pimple. We tend to cause excess trauma that will worsen inflammation, resulting in scars. Chang says to avoid harsh scrubs and skincare products that can further irritate skin and to stop picking, popping, and squeezing acne as that will exacerbate inflammation. She warns that excess sun exposure can make acne blemishes darker, yet another reason to wear SPF 30 or higher every single day (no matter your skin type or tone).

What Type of Scarring Do You Have?

Gross says there are four different types of acne scars one can get: ice pick, rolling, boxcar and hypertrophic. Once you figure out what type you’re dealing with, it’s easier to choose the most effective treatment to getting rid of those scars.

What Is the Best Treatment for Acne Scars?

Start with chemical (not physical!) exfoliation. Gross says using a product that offers gentle chemical exfoliation is the first step in healing scars. We like his Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel; it has a blend of alpha and beta hydroxy acids that exfoliates dead, darkened scar skin cells while stimulating collagen production. He also says to look for anti-inflammatory and skin brightening ingredients in your serums and, such as vitamin C, a skin-brightening antioxidant, and vitamin E, which regenerates skin cells and improves the texture.

Start with chemical (not physical!) exfoliation

Farber agrees, recommending SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Serum, which has a high concentration of both antioxidants, as well as anti-aging ferulic acid. Chang says to look for topical treatments that contain retinoids, hydroquinone, and azelaic acid, which have all been proven to dramatically lighten dark marks and even melasma. Her favorite picks are the Murad Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum and Skinbetter AlphaRet Overnight Cream. A word of caution: hydroquinone, a skin-bleaching agent, should only be used under the care and supervision of a dermatologist, since it can potentially lighten healthy skin, too.

For darker skin, Davis loves using retinoids such as ProActiveMD Adapalene Gel to help fade the dark spots. She also recommends using an ingredient like tranexamic acid as it helps pigment correction, brown spots, and PIH by evening out skin tone. Her favorite picks include SkinMedica Lytera 2.0 or SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense.

For ice pick, rolling, and boxcar scars, Gross says to seek a collagen-boosting treatment, like the in-office laser Smooth Beam. When collagen production is boosted, the scar will eventually raise to match the rest of your skin’s surface. Other pro treatments to discuss with your dermatologist are the laser Picoway Resolve, microneedling like Profound, subcision, and hyaluronic acid filler treatments.

With hypertrophic scars, the reduction of collagen is key. Chang suggests treatment options that include silicone gel, steroid injections, and lasers. Gross agrees, saying that if the acne scar is both red and raised, an in-office laser such as the Vbeam laser is “an exceptional way” to reduce its appearance.

What About Lasers For Dark Skin?

While lasers are a great option for treating acne scars, it’s important you do your research and ask the right questions—especially if you have darker skin. “When considering laser treatments I always recommend having a consultation first,” says Davis. “See if the right laser for your skin type is available, who will be the operator behind the laser, how much experience they have in [doing laser on] skin of color, and request to see before and after images.”

How Do You Prevent Acne Scarring?

If you’re looking to prevent acne scars from happening in the first place (aren’t we all?), the best way is to treat acne lesions as soon as they appear. Over-the-counter treatments that contain benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are a great place to start, but if acne persists, ask your dermatologist about prescription medications like retinol, Aczone, or spironolactone.

Munavalli likes to treat acne with a topical prescription-strength retinol cream to clear clogged pores and decrease inflammation. He also recommends topical benzoyl peroxide washes at four-percent strength or higher to decrease bacterial growth.

Can Any At-Home Remedies Reduce Scarring?

You may have more luck with acne itself, but they could help in the long term. “Raw Manuka honey is anti-inflammatory and can help to calm active pimples, which can prevent future dark marks and scarring,” says Farber. “It has also been shown to have an anti-bacterial effect, but it is not clear from available evidence that it fights bacteria that causes acne.”

However, Farber stresses not to write off certain ingredients just because you wouldn’t find them in your kitchen: “Remember that some dermatologist favorites are often derived from sugar cane or fruit acids. Glycolic acid, for example, has a natural’ origin and offers great benefits for skin exfoliation to smooth the surface and reduce scarring.”

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