Dealing with pimples and acne can be frustrating long after the blemishes disappear. Even after they clear up, there may be lingering post-acne marks and dark spots. While you can’t necessarily snap your fingers and instantly get rid of post-acne marks, there are multiple options to help reduce the appearance of post-acne marks. Ahead, learn more about post-acne marks and discover some products and lifestyle habits that can help make a difference. 

An unfortunate side effect of acne can be the appearance of post-acne marks, even after the initial blemishes have visibly cleared. There are different types of marks that may occur: raised keloids; atrophic (AKA depressed or pitted), like icepick or boxcar scars; or dark spots, which are known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. For people looking to learn how to improve the appearance of post-acne marks, it’s important to understand these different types and how fading them can differ. In this guide, we’ll be breaking down some possible causes of post-acne marks in addition to sharing our product recommendations for improving the appearance of post-acne marks.

• Fact #1: Post-acne marks are the result of blemishes that don’t heal properly.
• Fact #2: There are multiple types of post-acne marks, including dark spots, atrophic (pitted) scars, and raised acne scars (like hypertrophic scars and keloid scars).
• Fact #3: It will take time to fade post-acne marks, and some types of marks may still be visible or may not be addressed by topical cosmetics. However, depending on the type, using the right skincare products while remaining patient may help reduce their appearance.
• Fact #4: Products with retinol can help improve the appearance of dark spots, while minimizing sun exposure can help prevent post-acne marks from darkening.

What Are Post-Acne Marks?

At their core, post-acne marks are exactly what they sound like—marks that are left on your skin after a breakout visibly clears. These acne marks can come in different forms, which we’ll break down below. 

Dark spots

Dark spots are flat, pigmented spots left behind after a breakout goes away. Other types of injury to the skin, like cuts and burns, can also result in dark spots. 

These spots are considered a type of post-acne mark but are often not actual scars. Anyone can experience dark spots, but they’re especially common on darker skin tones. 

Atrophic scars

If you’ve noticed pitting in your skin, this type of acne scar is called atrophic scarring. It’s also known as depressed scarring. 

Atrophic scars occur very frequently; in fact, according to one study, they’re seen in as many as 80 to 90% of acne patients.1 There are actually three different types of atrophic scars:

• Ice pick scars: This type of acne scar is a small, narrow, column-like scar that’s deep within the skin. They’re the most common type of acne scar and can also be one of the most challenging to reduce the appearance of. 
• Rolling scars: These wave-like acne scars are wider and more shallow. They tend to appear on areas where skin is thicker, like the jaw.
• Boxcar scars: If you notice depressed acne scars with more well-defined edges, you have boxcar scars. They are typically round or oval in shape and often appear on the lower cheeks and jawline.

These types of scars typically cannot be addressed by topical skincare products.

Raised acne scars

In contrast to the pitted appearance of atrophic scars, there are also raised post-acne marks. These are also known as hypertrophic scars or keloid scars. They occur when your skin produces too much collagen during the healing process.

• Hypertrophic scars: This type of acne scar feels firm to the touch, and usually appears within one to two months after your breakout goes away. 
• Keloid scars: These raised acne scars can actually spread beyond the initial borders of the blemish. This can happen anywhere from three to 12 months after your initial breakout. 

Like atrophic scars, these types of post-acne marks typically cannot be addressed by topical skincare products. 

What Causes Post-Acne Marks?

Post-acne marks are the result of acne, like papules, pustules, and cysts. One major cause of post-acne marks is picking or popping pimples. We know that can be tempting, especially when you see a whitehead forming, but please, please, please, resist the temptation and don’t do it. 

How to Manage Post-Acne Marks

If you’re trying to figure out how to get rid of post-acne marks, the answer is that you may not be able to get rid of them entirely. You can, however, take measures to reduce their appearance. 

Because different types of post-acne marks require different care, here, we’re focusing primarily on dark spots. For atrophic and raised scars,, we recommend visiting your dermatologist for personalized advice. Often, these types of scars require a more individualized plan. 

Keep reading to discover CeraVe’s top tips and steps for creating a skincare routine to not only reduce the appearance of post-acne marks but also help prevent blemishes from forming in the first place.

1. Be consistent with your skincare routine

Before we get into the specific skincare products you should be using, it’s important to remember that consistency is key. Finding the right cleansers, moisturizers, and other skincare products for your skin type is imperative, but so is making sure you follow your skincare routine daily. Repetition is a good thing!

2. Use a gentle cleanser

When you have dark spots, the last thing you want to do is irritate your skin with harsh cleansing. Be sure to reach for a gentle formula that won’t strip your skin, and don’t rub too stridently. Try a cleanser like the CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser, which is made especially for those with acne-prone skin. It’s formulated with 2% salicylic acid to clear acne and reduce blackheads; meanwhile, kaolin clay helps absorb excess oil. The formula also improves the appearance of pores.

3. Be sure to hydrate and moisturize your skin

In some cases, blemishes can be caused by skin that is too dry, as your body starts producing more oil to make up the difference. That extra oil may clog your pores, leading to more breakouts, which in turn can lead to more dark spots. This is one reason it’s important to moisturize even if you have oily skin. 

Look for a lightweight moisturizer that not only hydrates and nourishes but is also gentle on the skin. You can also seek out products that are labeled non-comedogenic or say they “won’t clog pores.” 

CeraVe Oil Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream is one great option. It features oil-absorbing technology and hydrating ingredients to deliver all-day moisture and shine control. The formula with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide helps absorb excess oil and rebalance the skin, leaving it neither too oily nor too dry.

4. Apply sunscreen to reduce the risk of sun damage

We’re sure you’ve heard this before, but in case it needs repeating: Always wear sunscreen. You should apply sunscreen every single day, rain or shine, indoors or out, reapply as directed, and use other sun protection measures. 

Try a sunscreen like the CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 50, which has a blendable formula with broad-spectrum SPF 50. It simultaneously delivers all-day hydration and helps protects your skin from UV rays. If used as directed with other sun protection measures, it decreases the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun.

Don’t forget your body, either: Use the CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Body Lotion, a 100% mineral sunscreen with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. It forms a protective barrier on your skin without causing irritation. 

Beyond sunscreen, it’s also important to take other protective measures. This includes seeking out the shade when outdoors, limiting time outside during the sun’s peak hours (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), and wearing protective accessories like sunglasses. 

5. Try a retinol serum

One way to improve the look of post-acne marks is by incorporating topical retinoids into your skincare routine. Retinol can help visibly lighten dark spots. 

We suggest introducing retinol to your skin with a serum like the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum. It helps smooth skin’s texture by reducing the appearance of post-acne marks, minimizing the look of pores, and improving the skin’s surface. It also helps promote skin’s natural exfoliation process and refine the skin to improve the look of an uneven skin tone.

Keep in mind, retinoids (like retinol) can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Using sunscreen every day should always be a must but is especially important if you are using a retinoid. 

6. Pay attention to skincare ingredients

As essential as it is to include the right types of products in your skincare routine, it’s also important to pay attention to specific ingredients. These ingredients are known for their skin-brightening and dark spot-reducing benefits:

• Alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy acids 
• Vitamin C
• Niacinamide
• Azelaic acid

7. Incorporate subtle lifestyle changes

It’s true, stress can lead to pimples and breakouts. And as you know, blemishes can lead to post-acne marks. Unfortunately, these marks can also be a stressor in their own right. 

While you may not be able to lead a stress-free life, you can take steps to reduce stress as much as possible. Try to focus on self-care each day, which can be as simple as taking time for your evening skincare routine. Other things you can try to destress include yoga, breathwork, and meditation.

8. Be patient and persistent.

Change takes time. While we know that may not be exactly what you want to hear when you’re looking to improve the appearance of post-acne marks, it still rings true. It’s important to set realistic expectations for your skincare routine and don’t get discouraged. Know that it may take awhile (in some cases, even several months), but with patience and perseverance, you can reduce the look of dark spots.

For help choosing the right products for your specificskin typeand skin concerns, use ourFind My Skincare Solutiontool.