Even after getting breakouts under control, many people are unfortunately left to deal with acne scars. Thankfully, CeraVe has products that can help fade and even fully diminish these post-acne marks.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of the absolute best CeraVe products for acne scars.
The Best CeraVe Products for Acne Scars
Before we dive in, it is important to note that topical, over-the-counter products work best at treating post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). PIH refers to scars that are flat but have discoloration.
Raised or indented scars, on the other hand, often require professional treatment. If you’d like to learn more about the different types of acne scars and the appropriate treatments, you can read this comprehensive article.
Best Treatment
Best CeraVe Serum for Smoothing Texture and Fading Marks
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
This retinol serum is one of the best CeraVe products for acne scars. It’s particularly beneficial for fading discolored acne scars. However, it also smooths out texture for an even, clear complexion.
This CeraVe serum doesn’t only help fade acne scars and smooth out the skin’s texture. Retinol also helps prevent new breakouts, putting an end to the cycle of blemishes causing more acne scars[1].
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Retinol can be irritating and drying
While the retinol helps resurface the texture of the skin, ceramides and niacinamide work to calm and restore the skin while maintaining its barrier. Additionally, this formula contains licorice root extract, which gives a brightening boost. That extra benefit may further help lighten discolored scars.
Best Brightening Serum
Best CeraVe Serum for Fading Marks and Brightening Skin Tone
CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum
This serum is one of the best CeraVe products for acne scars, because it brightens and treats uneven skin tone. It contains a potent 10% concentration of vitamin C, which is beneficial for treating post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation[2].
Vitamin C is a powerful ingredient for brightening and fading post-acne marks. This serum also contains additional ingredients that protect the skin’s barrier and hydrate.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Allergy-tested
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- May irritate more sensitive skin
In addition to the vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), this serum contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin B5. These ingredients soothe, hydrate, and restore the skin’s barrier. Additionally, this is a great product to alternate with the Resurfacing Retinol Serum. However, they should not be applied at the same time, as this may irritate the skin.
Best Prevention
Best CeraVe SPF Face Lotion to Prevent Darkening Acne Scars
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen
This lightweight, non-comedogenic daytime face lotion moisturizes while protecting the skin from UVA and UVB rays.
This SPF 30 moisturizer is one of the best CeraVe products for acne scars. Sunscreen is a crucial part of any skincare routine, but it is particularly important for those trying to fade acne scars. This is because SPF prevents post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from getting darker, and increases its likelihood to fade[3].
Pros
- UVA and UVB protection
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Contains chemical sunscreen, which may irritate more sensitive skin types[4]
In addition to the sunscreen, this product has hydrating hyaluronic acid and ceramides, as well as calming niacinamide. Since it is non-comedogenic, it is appropriate for those with acne-prone skin.
Best Cleanser
Best CeraVe Face Wash for Preventing New Breakouts and Scars
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
Benzoyl peroxide – the key ingredient in this cleanser – works to clear current breakouts and prevent new acne from forming. The cleanser is also formulated with ingredients that calm and soothe irritated skin.
The above products work together to diminish acne scars, but you’ll also want to stop new breakouts (that lead to more scars) from occurring. This face wash contains a 4% concentration of benzoyl peroxide, a powerful ingredient that has been shown to reduce acne[5].
Pros
- Effective concentration of benzoyl peroxide
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Benzoyl peroxide can be drying and irritating
The benzoyl peroxide in this cleanser works by killing acne-causing bacteria and removing excess dirt and sebum. This cleanser also contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. These three ingredients help retain the skin’s natural moisture and soothe the skin. In turn, those effects may help counteract the potential drying or irritating effects of the benzoyl peroxide.
The Bottom Line
Fighting acne scars takes time and patience. However, with some of the best CeraVe products for acne scars, you’ll be on your way towards more even skin.
It is important to note that everyone reacts differently to certain products. With that in mind, you should add only one new skincare product to your routine at a time. This will help you avoid skin irritation, and will also give you insight into whether a single product actually works with your skin. Once you see how your skin reacts to a product, you can bring in the next product, and then build from there.
Sources
[1] Leyden, J., Stein-Gold, L., & Weiss, J. (2017, September). Why Topical Retinoids Are Mainstay of Therapy for Acne. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5574737/
[2] Davis, E., & Callender, V. (2010, July). Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation: A review of the epidemiology, clinical features, and treatment options in skin of color. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2921758/
[3] Fatima, S., Braunberger, T., Mohammad, T., Kohli, I., & Hamzavi, I. (2020). The Role of Sunscreen in Melasma and Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6986132/
[4] Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin. (2017, July 20). from https://www.pihhealth.org/wellness/blog/sunscreen-for-sensitive-skin/ [5] Matin, T. (2020, March 16). Benzoyl Peroxide. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537220/
