Acne, one of the common skincare concerns which is one of the common concerns irrespective of age groups and genders. Acne scars may be due to different concerns like stubborn marks, dark spots, and even uneven texture. Especially for Indian skin tone, brown or dark spots post acne is completely becoming normal
In this guide, you will know some of the best acne scar removal cream, the key ingredients, along with some of the best DIY safe remedies too for fading away your marks and spots faster than usual.
Best Acne Scar Removal Cream Types in India Suggested by Dermatologist
|
Product (example) |
Main Active/Featured Ingredient Type |
Good For |
How It Helps |
|
Deyga 100% Pure Aloe Vera Gel |
Soothing & hydrating botanicals |
Fresh marks, mild irritation, sensitive skin, scar prone skin |
Soothes inflammation, calms skin, supports healing — helps prevent new scars and fade mild marks |
|
Dermatouch Bye Bye Acne Scars & Marks Cream |
Brightening + healing actives (often niacinamide / moisturizing base) |
Post acne marks, uneven tone, pigmentation from scars |
Helps reduce dark marks over time and supports skin regeneration |
|
Fixderma Skarfix Plus Cream |
Scar targeted formulations (often silicone / skin repair actives) |
Old scars, raised / textured scars (post inflammation) |
Helps smooth scar tissue, improve texture and reduce scar visibility over weeks |
|
Retinoid Based Cream / Night Cream |
Vitamin A derivatives (retinol / retinoids) |
Pigmented scars, texture irregularities, early scars |
Boosts cell turnover, promotes collagen, fades hyperpigmentation and smooths texture over time |
|
Azelaic Acid / Niacinamide / Brightening Cream |
Azelaic acid / Niacinamide / Mild brighteners |
PIH (dark marks), redness, uneven tone, acne prone skin |
Reduces pigmentation, calms inflammation, evens out tone safely for sensitive / acne prone skin |
|
AHA / BHA / Chemical Exfoliant Cream |
Glycolic / Lactic acid (AHA) or Salicylic acid (BHA) |
Rough texture, dull skin, old superficial scars |
Exfoliates dead cells, helps fade surface pigmentation, improves skin smoothness |
|
Vitamin C / Brightening Cream |
Stable Vitamin C + antioxidants |
Dark marks, dullness, early hyperpigmentation |
Brightens skin tone, helps fade marks when used with sunscreen |
|
Moisturizing / Barrier Repair Cream |
Ceramides / peptides / gentle humectants |
Sensitive, irritated or barrier compromised skin; healing scars |
Helps restore skin barrier, supports healing and prevents further irritation or scar worsening |
Ingredients That Help Remove Acne Scars
Here are some of the best ingredients which are from studies and science that helps in removing the acne scares on the skin:
1. Retinoids (Adapalene / Retinol / Tretinoin)
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Helps in increasing cell turnover.
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For people with sensitive skin or irritative skin, patch test before using.
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Using the sandwich method helps especially if you are new to retinol.
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Works on improving collagen production.
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Best even for deep pigmentation marks and even textures scars on the skin.
2. Azelaic Acid (10–20%)
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Starting with a minimum of 10% and gradually increasing helps skin get adapted.
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Works on lightening the pigmentation scars on the skin.
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Reduces the redness and inflammation in the skin.
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Safe for sensitive and acne prone skin.
3. Niacinamide (2–10%)
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One of the safest option to go with, especially if you are new to skincare and active
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Suitable for all skin types, especially for oily skin.
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Controls excess oil secretion in the skin.
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Helps in reducing the dark marks and spots in the skin.
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Helps in calming down the skin irritation.
4. Alpha Hydroxy Acids
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Glycolic acid and lactic acid, comes specially here under AHA’s.
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Helps in shedding away the dead skin cells in the skin.
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Works on brightening the pigmented skin naturally.
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Helps in improving the surface level scars.
5. Salicylic Acid (BHA)
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Helps in clearing the open pores in the skin
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Prevents future acne and their spots
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Works in reducing the skin pigmentation marks which come post acne.
6. Vitamin C
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Helps in brightening the skin tone naturally.
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Fades away the spots and marks in the skin.
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Works best when used with sunscreen for skin brightening
7. Peptides
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Helps in healing skin and rejuvenating skin from within.
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When you have fresh, new scars, you can use peptides in your skincare routine.
8. Ceramides
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Restore the natural skin barrier.
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Helps in reducing the skin irritation from actives.
9. Sunscreen
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Prevents scars from becoming darker
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Helps in protecting skin from sun damages like from UVA and UVB rays.
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Mandatory to incorporate when using any actives or brightening ingredients.
DIY Remedies for Acne Scars (Dermatologist Safe Options)
Avoid harsh DIY remedies like lemon, toothpaste, or baking soda, since they are way harsher and may damage the skin even more. Here are some of te best DIY remedies which are gentle and safe for Indian skin tone.
|
DIY Remedy |
Best For |
Why It Works |
How to Use |
Frequency |
|
Pure Aloe Vera Gel |
Fresh marks, irritated skin, post acne redness |
Anti inflammatory, boosts healing, prevents pigment formation |
Apply a thin layer on clean skin; leave for 20–30 minutes |
Daily |
|
Green Tea Compress |
Redness, inflammation, mild PIH |
Antioxidants calm skin + reduce oxidative stress |
Dip cotton pads in cooled green tea & place on scars |
3–4 times/week |
|
Rosehip Oil |
Dark marks, uneven texture |
Rich in vitamin A & fatty acids — boosts collagen & fades pigmentation |
Apply 2–3 drops after moisturizer at night |
4–5 nights/week |
|
Turmeric + Curd Pack |
Mild pigmentation, dull skin |
Turmeric reduces inflammation; curd contains lactic acid for gentle brightening |
Mix 1 pinch turmeric with 1 tsp curd; apply for 8–10 mins |
1–2 times/week |
|
Honey Spot Treatment |
Post acne marks, rough spots |
Antibacterial + healing properties |
Dab a small amount on scar area; rinse after 10 mins |
2–3 times/week |
|
Oatmeal + Rose Water Paste |
Sensitive skin, mild PIH |
Oats soothe irritation; rose water calms redness |
Make a paste & apply for 10 minutes |
2 times/week |
|
Potato Juice Dab |
Stubborn dark spots, tanning marks |
Natural enzymes lighten mild pigmentation |
Apply fresh potato juice with cotton; rinse after 10 mins |
2–3 times/week |
|
Aloe Vera + Rosehip Blend |
Fresh scars, dry or irritated skin |
Combines soothing + healing + collagen support |
Mix aloe + 1 drop rosehip; apply overnight |
3–4 nights/week |
Conclusion
Acne scars happen from just one pimple, but it takes months and months to get faded from the skin. A proper skincare routine with right product formulations helps in improving the skin texture and reduces the spots and marks in the skin.
From incorporating natural aloe vera gel to other products like retinols, AHA’s, etc, using them regularly helps in better results. Make sure to use one at a time, and gradually increase products so that skin does not get too much at one.
FAQ
What worsens acne scars?
Picking pimples, skipping sunscreen, using too many actives, and harsh DIY treatments like lemon juice.
Are home remedies enough?
They help soothe and mildly brighten, but actives like retinoids and azelaic acid give better results.
Should I apply acne scar cream daily?
Yes — except exfoliating acids and retinoids, which should be used 2–4 times a week depending on tolerance.
Is sunscreen really necessary for scar removal?
Absolutely. Without SPF, pigmentation worsens and results slow down dramatically. So, SPF is mandatory to be used in AM skincare routine.
When should I see a dermatologist?
When scars are deep, widespread, or not improving even after 12–16 weeks of consistent topical treatment.