How to Get Rid of Acne Scars

Learn the most effective way to fade hyperpigmentation and promote healthy skin.

If you’ve gotten past a bout of acne, you may feel that the battle is won. However, pimples often leave unsightly red scars that linger long after the pimple has subsided.

Our experts weigh in on how to get rid of this hyperpigmentation as quickly – and safely – as possible.

What Causes Red Hyperpigmentation?

Source: @acneisntugly. Individual results may vary

Inflammation occurs when the body increases blood flow to the tissue surrounding a clogged pore. It is the body’s natural response in fighting off bacterial infection.

As more blood is sent to the area, blood vessels dilate and the area becomes visibly red.

It normally takes 8 to 12 weeks for blood vessels to shrink back to its original size.

So How Do I Shrink Blood Vessels & Fade Red Acne Scars?

Most acne scar products target the melanin in brown acne marks. Such products do not work on red scars and blood vessels.

Weeding out products that target the wrong type of scar as well as ineffective products, we are only left with a couple topical products that are designed to fade the appearance of red acne marks: Clearly Basics’ Lighten Up and iS Clincal’s Pro-Heal Serum Advance+.

Both work by reducing the appearance of dilated blood vessels but they use different ingredients to do so:

Clearly Basics is a pharma-grade skincare line designed for acne prone skin and each of the items in their lineup have a specific function.

The Lighten Up uses marigold flower, chamomile flower and tea tree oil to reduce the appearance of dilated blood vessels. It is a leave-in lotion that you use as a spot treatment.

Apply the Lighten Up both morning and evening and you should see noticeable results within a month. The lotion does not clog pores and does not irritate sensitive skin.


iS Clinical is a skincare line that brings medical quality ingredients to the masses. The Pro-Heal Serum Advance+ is a light serum that uses zinc sulfate in order to reduce inflammation and arbutin to lighten the skin.

Apply the serum both morning and evening as a spot treatment and you should see noticeable results within a month. The serum does not clog pores. However, ascorbic acid in the serum may be irritating for those with sensitive skin.

Fading Stubborn Dark Spots and Brown Hyperpigmentation

When red scars are exposed to UV, they quickly collect melanin and turn into brown marks that can last up to two years.

Melanin is located in the deeper dermis layer of the skin so brown post-acne marks are more stubborn than red acne marks.

The Dark Mark Defense (DMD) was designed to target brown acne marks using potent anti-pigmenting agents. In an independent study, users have seen the Dark Mark Defense fade the appearance of brown acne marks 4x faster than adjacent and similar sized scars without the DMD.

Individual results may vary

 

How to Get Rid of Acne

To win the war against acne, you need to stop pimples from surfacing. The most effective way in doing this is by flushing out dead skin trapped inside your pores making it harder for clogs to form.

If you look at the algorithm dermatologists use¹ to treat most forms of acne, the first line of defense is a topical retinoid.

The Clear Out uses pharma-grade* retinol and AZA to flush out clogs from your pores. The AZA is also very effective in soothing skin and improving uneven skin tone.

*Pharma-grade ingredients are certified by the US Pharmacopeia. It ensures a level of purity and potency which cosmetic grade ingredients do not provide.

Pair the Lighten Up with the Clear Out in order to flush out clogs and reduce red acne scarring at the same time.

The Clear Out carries a 90-day money back guarantee so if you don’t see a noticeable improvement after using the entire bottle, you will get a full refund T&Cs apply.

 

What More Can I Do to Prevent Acne Scars?

Avoid overwashing or scrubbing which can cause irritation and make your scars linger for longer.

Also, make sure to apply sunblock SPF35 or higher whenever you are outdoors as a red scar can easily turn brown with exposure to UV light.

Once a red scar has become brown, it could last for up to two years.

Lastly, resist the urge to pick at your pimples. Picking at your pimples increases the chances of inflammation, bacterial complications and permanent damage to the tissue surrounding your pores.


What People Are Saying About Clearly Basics ...

Mim (@acneisntugly), a teacher from Southampton, battled hormonal cystic acne for over 6 years before she tried the Clear Out

Individual results may vary

“Out of everything I’ve tried over the 6 years I’ve battle acne on and off it’s by far stood out as being one of the most effective with no side effects (after the initial “purge”). I’ve used nothing but Clearly Basics for 12 months now and it still exceeds my expectations!”


Or how about Toni (@xx.tonilumsden), a stylist from Hertfordshire?

She used creams and tablets that burnt off a layer of her skin!

Plus, she spent over $6500 in treatments that did nothing for her acne…

Then she discovered Clearly Basics and it changed her life…

toni

Individual results may vary

Never in my life did I imagine my skin would be this clear! Clearly Basics has completely transformed my skin!”


Alisha (@skinwithak) suffered from severe acne since she was 15 and she went on oral medications 3 times before finding Clearly…

alisha

Individual results may vary

“A lot of people always asking me what I do to maintain my skin after prescription oral medication. All I can say is Clear Out’ by @clearlybasics is a Godsend ❤️ I started using Clear Out after finishing my course of oral medication and it has helped keep acne at bay. It doesn’t leave me overly dry or flaky which most retinol creams did. I wish I had used the Clear Out before going on prescription.”


Bea (@beas.bareskin), a student from California, who has tried almost everything...

Ranging from prescription medication, chemical peels to a long list of brands (Clean & Clear, Clearasil, Proactiv, St. Ives, etc.)

...which resulted in even more breakouts, until she found Clearly.

Individual results may vary

"My skin looks so good now! I've had a few of my classmates tell me my skin texture looks so nice and even now. 😊
As an acne survivor, I'll never recommend a product if it's not effective. If any of you are wondering what products I use that have been giving me positive results, it's the Clearly Basics' full lineup."


Or Ella (@_myskinstory), an aesthetician and a makeup artist who loves using the Clear Out to keep her skin less acne-prone.

 

"The Clear Out is my favorite and most recommended product to any of my followers who suffer with mild-acne as well as post-acne suffers. The combination of ingredients are unique and work THE BEST in keeping spots at bay as well as improving acne marks & scars."


And many more reviews....

 


Say Goodbye to Clogged Pores and Acne Scars

Now, you have a good chance to get back the confidence that you've previously lost when you lost the battle against acne…

It’s time to wake up with happy, healthy, stress-free skin.

Try Us, Risk FREE!

If you finish an entire bottle and don’t see any results…

You’re entitled to a full refund within 90 days! T&Cs apply.

Get the Clear Out and give it a TRY!

 


#RealResults

See what others have to say about Clearly Basics.

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#RealResults

See what others have to say about Clearly Basics.

Based on 25 reviews
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Skin Type: Normal
Comments: Any ideas on how to get rid of brown skin damage
Skin defence

Marks of sun damage are still there they haven't faded much after using twice a day for 60 days. . I will continue until product is finished. I'm a bit disappointed

Skin Type: Combination

I am so happy that I stumbled upon clearly basics on instagram. I was skeptical at first but decided to give it a try and bought clear out clarifying lotion. It's been 2 months and my skin has improved a lot. I can see significant reduction in pores and acne.

Skin Type: Combination
Amazing

After years of medication and products, I decided to try clearly basics. In just 6 weeks my skin has calmed and I am now able to treat scarring.

So glad to have found these products!

Finding products that helped to control my acne without irritating my sensitive skin has always been a huge challenge. The clearly basics products have been my saviour, I can't recommend them enough ☺️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Excellent and actually works

I am so incredibly impressed with the TLC for pore minimising - it 💯 works and has transformed my skin.

I’m in my 50’s and always had hormonal flare ups with larger pores as I age - this is a game changer and have just reordered my 3rd bottle !

❤️❤️❤️❤️

Skin Type: Combination
This is the stuff.

So, long time sufferer of acne. Started when I was 12 and I'm 28 now still battling it. I've tried all kinds of different things to try and get it under control and besides birth control, nothing has helped long term. I never want to take birth control ever again and I just happened upon this brand and decided well, why not try? To my amazement, it has helped more than anything else I've tried, I'd say it has improved my skin to the level it was at when I took BC. Of course I still get pimples every now and then, and tiny flare ups during PMS but my skin is nowhere near as bad as it used to be. I highly recommend this company. To those who are considering trying this out, be aware that during the first week or so your skin will go through a purge and your acne will appear to get worse at first. Stick with it! Once that phase is over is when your skin will begin improving. I do need to use it every night for it to be fully effective, but even when I do forget, the pimples don't get too out of control. I just can't say enough good things about this product. It has helped my confidence improve immensely and I definitely recommend trying it to those who have skin as finicky as mine.

Skin Type: Sensitive / Dry
The only moisturiser I trust

I am super sensitive and this is the only moisturiser that I trust honestly incredible.

Skin Type: Combination
Amazing!

I use this product and with the clear out and it has really helped my hormonal acne.

Skin Type: Sensitive / Dry
Here one day, gone the next!

After success with Clearly Basics for my acne scars, I stocked up with all of the active acne products to prepare myself for how angry my acne would get when going off hormonal birth control. I have tried and failed twice as my acne comes back so bad that I just start taking it again. This time I have been using clearly basics without fail every day (lighten up and clear out). I have had 3 pimples start to form and I use ‘Stop Spot’ and the next day instead of a much redder, much angrier pimple with a big white head - the pimple is gone! I have been very happy with this product. I’m one month down (typically when acne gets the worst) - let’s do this!

I love that these products are gentle on my daughter skin.

This skin care routine is the o lay one that has helped clear up my daughters skin.

My daughters skin is really starting to look better!

Skin Type: Oily
So far so good

Bought this for my daughter that has struggled with acne for years. She has seen improvement and less frequent breakouts.

Best moisturizer I have found!

V
Lighten Up Redness Rescue Cream
Veronica Ilenya Ranieri
Skin Type: Sensitive / Dry
Perfect

Has changed my skin from acne pro to almost perfect 😍😍

Skin Type: Combination
Obsessed !!

Obsessed with this cleanser!! It left me feeling fresh and prevented break outs. It is incredible . Loved this product so much

My skin feels so soft after using this moisturiser!

My skin feels so soft after using this moisturiser!

Skin Type: Combination
Fresh and clean!

My face is filled with energy and feels so fresh and clean!

Skin Type: Normal
excellent item!

have been using this for years! so good for my skin :)

C
So Fresh pH Balancing Cleanser
Carmelinda Di Manno
Skin Type: Combination
Fresh Feeling

My skin feels so clean and still hydrated when I use this cleanser. It’s balancing and refreshing. My skin has responded really well to it and at times my skin can be sensitive. I highly recommend this product to anyone with relatively oily t-zone area

Skin Type: Combination
Very happy!

Love the texture, the minty scent and the lather.
I wish the bottles were a bit bigger HOWEVER they are just small enough to fly with.

Skin Type: Normal
Comments: The only thing I now need to use to keep my skin clear.
The holy grail for clearing hormonal acne.

This is the only product that I have needed to keep my skin clear since discovering it about 2 years ago, after suddenly developing cystic hormonal acne at the age of 25. I now only need to use it every second night, so it's incredibly affordable. It has also never irritated my sensitive skin and it has faded previous acne marks to truly clear my skin. After years of trying expensive supplements/products/harsh prescription creams, Clear Out was the only thing that gave me long-lasting results.

Skin Type: Oily
Clearly Basics is the only product that has helped my Adult Acne

I have always struggled with dehydrated acne prone skin. Every month like clockwork I would get a new breakout on my chin or cheek area. These included large cystic acne that by the time they came to a head would take me months to clear. With new breakouts each month this created more & more spots before the first could heal leaving more hyper pigmentation spots that never have time to clear. Clearly basics changed all that for me. It gave my skin a chance to heal and reduced the number of breakouts each month. When I do get a new breakout it resolves itself quickly with less scarring and redness. Now that the acne is under control the products are helping to eliminate the remaining hyper pigmentation spots left from years of acne. I have not been using the product for long but I will continuing relying on this product and look forward to the day I can happily look in the mirror at a smooth clear & even complexion some day soon.

Skin Type: Combination
Comments: Product consistency in terms of smoothness/coarseness/stickiness/ is sometimes a miss, don't believe it affects the result provided.
Great Combo

Have seen great improvements by using these 2 items concurrently, hard to fault and wil continue purchasing.

Individual results may vary

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