Dealing with annoying acne scars from previous breakouts? Below, we’ve broken down some of the best La Roche-Posay products for acne scars – but first, let’s talk about the different types of scars, and the treatments that work best for them.
Topical products that you can buy over-the-counter (like the ones mentioned below) will work best for treating post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). This type of post-acne mark is discolored, but flat and untextured. It is the result of melanin being overproduced in the spot where a blemish once existed.
In addition to PIH, many people deal with raised or indented acne scars. These types of scars typically require professional treatment from a dermatologist. If you’re dealing with acne scars and want to learn more about the best treatments, consider speaking to your dermatologist.
The Best La Roche-Posay Products for Acne Scars
Best Cleanser
Best La Roche-Posay Cleanser for Acne Scars
La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Brightening Deep Cleanser
This foaming cream cleanser contains exfoliating lipo-hydroxy acid, which works to remove impurities from the skin and brighten overall skin tone.
Lipo-hydroxy acid (which is a derivative of salicylic acid) is a gentle chemical exfoliator that is well-tolerated by most, and great for acne-prone skin and acne scars. It is exfoliating and known to stimulate collagen and elastin production (which is great for anti-aging and evening out skin tone and texture), and also has anti-acne properties[1]. While this acid will be most effective when applied as a leave-on treatment (more on that below), this cleanser can still contribute towards lightening post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Dermatologist tested
Cons
- Contains fragrance
In addition to the lipo-hydroxy acid, this cleanser contains glycerin, which helps keep the skin moisturized.
Best Serum
Best La Roche-Posay Serum for Acne Scars
La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Serum Visible Dark Spot Reducer
This dark spot corrector is one of the best La Roche-Posay products for acne scars, because it combines lipo-hydroxy acid with other brightening skincare ingredients that diminish dark spots.
This serum is packed with ingredients that help lighten acne marks, including lipo-hydroxy acid, which gently exfoliates the skin to help brighten and even out tone and texture[1]. It also contains phe-resorcinol and ferulic acid, which are both antioxidants that further brighten the skin.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Dermatologist tested
Cons
- Contains fragrance
In addition to the ingredients mentioned above, this serum also contains niacinamide, which has been shown to help lighten post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation[2].
Best Vitamin C Serum
Best La Roche-Posay Vitamin C Serum for Acne Scars
La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum
This serum contains a potent concentration of vitamin C, which is known for its ability to brighten, diminish post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and even skin tone.
Vitamin C is an incredibly effective skincare ingredient that is known to boost collagen production, which in turn minimizes the appearance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (while also providing anti-aging benefits)[3]. This serum contains a potent 10% concentration of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which will help even overall skin tone and texture.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Dermatologist tested
Cons
- Contains fragrance
In addition to ascorbic acid, this serum contains salicylic acid, which gently exfoliates, and hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate, which draw moisture to the skin.
Best Exfoliator
Best La Roche-Posay Exfoliator for Acne Scars
La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum
This exfoliating serum is one of the best La Roche-Posay products for acne scars. It combines glycolic acid with other exfoliating and soothing ingredients that help reduce the appearance of dark spots for a more even skin tone.
This serum contains a 10% concentration of exfoliating glycolic acid (an alpha hydroxy acid), which promotes the production of collagen and speeds up skin cell renewal, which is excellent for evening skin tone and texture[4]. It also contains kojic acid, lipo-hydroxy acid, and tranexamic acid to further lighten dark spots and exfoliate.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Fragrance-free
- Dermatologist tested
Cons
- May irritate sensitive skin
In addition to the acids mentioned above, this serum contains vitamin B5, which helps soothe the skin.
Best Sunscreen
Best La Roche-Posay Sunscreen for Acne Scars
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 60
This oil-free sunscreen – which was made with acne-prone skin in mind – provides protection from UVA and UVB rays, which can make post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation darker.
Everyone needs to wear sunscreen every day, but for those with acne scars, it is particularly important. Sunscreen helps prevent hyperpigmentation from getting darker, and increases its likelihood to fade[5]. This SPF 60 sunscreen contains powerful UVA/UVB filters that effectively protect the skin, as well as a perlite and silica complex, which helps absorb excess oil and cut down on shine.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Oil-free
- Dermatologist tested
- Water resistant (up to 80 minutes)
Cons
- Contains chemical sunscreen, which may irritate sensitive skin
This sunscreen also contains senna alata, a tropical leaf extract that provides antioxidant protection, defending against free radicals that can accelerate the development of signs of aging.
FAQs
Is La Roche-Posay good for acne?
Yes, La Roche-Posay has a variety of products that are great for acne-prone skin, including the Effaclar Adapalene Gel and the Effaclar Duo Acne Spot Treatment.
Does vitamin C help with acne scars?
Yes, vitamin C (which is found in the 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum) has been shown to be effective in minimizing the appearance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, because it promotes the production of collagen.
How long do acne scars take to fade?
The amount of time it takes for acne scars to fade depends on how severe they are and exactly what type of scars they are. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation tends to fade within three to six months, although certain topical products (like the ones mentioned above) can help speed up that process with consistent use. Raised or indented scars, on the other hand, typically will need a professional treatment to diminish their appearance.
How do you get rid of acne scars overnight?
Unfortunately, there is no magic treatment that fades acne scars overnight. If you’re dealing with mild to moderate post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, it is important to consistently stick to a skincare routine with products that target your dark marks (like the best La Roche-Posay products for acne scars mentioned above). For more severe post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or raised or indented scars, you may wish to meet with a dermatologist to discuss professional treatment options.
The Bottom Line
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is annoying, but with the right products, you can help speed up the healing time to achieve clear, even skin. Include some of these La Roche-Posay products in your skincare routine to get rid of these post-acne marks once and for all.
