Acne scars come in different forms. Sometimes, they’re flat, red spots that still look like zits from afar. Then, there are instances when they appear like deep dents on the face. If you want to get rid of them, you must distinguish first which category your skin condition falls under. We discuss the difference below:
Acne scars: Redness and discoloration
Out of the two, this one is easier to get rid of because they’re mostly caused by pigmentation. You can turn to products with niacinamide, vitamin C, azelaic acid, and glycolic acid to fade the discoloration and dark spots. To prevent the marks from further getting darker, always wear sunscreen in the morning. (Yes, even if you’re staying indoors.)
READ MORE:
Why Niacinamide Is The Skincare Ingredient You Need To Brighten Acne Marks And Dark Spots
The 10 Best Vitamin C Serums To Use For Glowing Skin
These Are Best Glycolic Acid Toners For Glowing, Smooth Skin
Acne scars: Deep indentations; rough skin texture
Not gonna lie, deep acne scars or pitted scars are a bitch to get rid of, especially if you’re dealing with skin texture. These are considered to be “true scars” since they’ll just improve over time and can be treated with micro-needling procedures, lasers, and other dermatological peels and treatments. The most popular services you can ask for are TCA peels or a micro-needling treatment.
If you plan to address acne scars with topical products you may go for those with exfoliating, brightening, and hydrating formulas. Tiny scars and uneven skin texture become less pronounced when the skin is even-toned and properly hydrated.
READ MORE:
What Is Rosehip Oil And Why Is It Good For Your Acne-Prone Skin?
I Tried This Treatment To Erase My Acne Marks, And WHOA, I'm Impressed
Now that we’ve settled the difference between the two big categories, it's time to check out the products we can try at home to help even out skin tone or texture. In this case, here are some serums you can try to reduce the appearance of acne scars. Serums have a potent concentration of ingredients, making them a great addition to your skincare routine if you want faster results.
Best Serums for Acne Scars
Apotheke Niacinamide 10%
Great for: Redness and discoloration
As mentioned earlier, niacinamide is a great ingredient that can brighten dark spots and even out skin tone. This local skincare favorite has a cult following because it helps control blemishes and fade acne scars.

Apotheke Niacinamide 10%, P269/30ml, P499/60ml, Shopee
The Ordinary Niacinamide
Great for: Redness and discoloration
Welp! This serum is elusive because it flies off the (virtual) shelves every time. It has lots of glowing reviews online that show how it could ~really transform acne-prone skin.

The Ordinary Niacinamide, price unavailable, BeautyMNL
Dear Klairs Fresh Juiced Vitamin Drop
Great for: Redness and discoloration
Here's another cult-favorite! A few drops of this brightening serum will help fade and even out discoloration.

Dear Klairs Fresh Juiced Vitamin Drop, price unavailable, Watson's
A’pieu Madecassoside Ampoule
Great for: Soothing existing breakouts and skin repair
This K-beauty serum is loaded with Centella Asiatica (cica) and madecassoside—both ingredients help speed up the skin's healing process. If you have existing acne, regular will help treat them while keeping the oil-moisture levels balanced. Plus, through time, you'll notice your complexion to be smoother and plumper.

A’pieu Madecassoside Ampoule, price unavailable, BeautyMNL
Human Nature Rosehip Oil
Great for: Soothing existing breakouts and skin repair
Although this isn't technically a serum, this facial oil works as a potent skin-repairing product. Many people claim that rosehip oil helped treat their acne and fade acne scars!

Human Nature Rosehip Oil, P795, Human Nature
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Serum
Great for: Soothing existing breakouts and skin repair
This serum has got the best of both worlds: Snail secretion filtrate and cica. These powerful ingredients accelerate the skin's healing process. So, if you've got stubborn acne, massage this serum every night and be in awe as you notice the breakouts and marks disappear with regular use.

Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Serum, price unvailable, Lazada
Kiehl’s Nightly Refining Micro-Peel Concentrate
Great for: Improvement of skin texture
Here's a mini-review to convince you: I can stop raving about this serum to my friends because this helped improve my skin texture. I suffer from pitted scars and dullness, and this quinoa husk-extract enriched serum (not actives so it's perf for sensitive skin) helped even out the texture and brought out my complexion's ~glow~. It's not a sub for professional derma lasers, but I assure you—you'll see positive results!

Kiehl’s Nightly Refining Micro-Peel Concentrate, P3,375, Kiehl's
Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Serum
Great for: Improvement of texture and treatment of breakouts
In case you haven't heard, retinol is the ingredient that does it all. It treats breakouts, helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, speeds up the cell turnover, and evens out skin texture. This one from Olay will help you score the clear, glowing complexion of your dreams.

Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Serum Fragrance-Free 30 ml, P1,999, Watson's
*This story originally appeared on Cosmo.ph. Minor edits have been made by the Preview.ph editors.
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