Best tips to help with acne scars?

I don’t get acne too often anymore, but I used to have it bad, and now I have acne scars that may need surgery to fully fix. Until then, I’m trying to manage them on my own. Right now, my routine is pretty simple: I use CeraVe Foaming Cleanser in the morning, followed by their Moisturizer, and I do the same at night, but I add the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol between cleansing and moisturizing. I saw a bunch of other CeraVe products for “resurfacing” and “evening skin tone” while shopping, and since I like their products, I’m wondering, what would you guys recommend adding to my routine to help with my scars?
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New to skincare? A good place to start is by reading up on basic routines! Check out our forum’s Routine Guide - it has some good advice on the essentials. And remember, everyone here’s pretty friendly, so feel free to ask questions!

Definitely use sunscreen. It’ll prevent more scarring, especially since retinol and AHAs can make your skin extra sensitive to the sun.

I’d avoid benzoyl peroxide unless you’re dealing with active breakouts. It’s very drying, and it can actually make sensitive skin feel worse. Salicylic acid is a better option for loosening up blackheads. Neutrogena’s Stubborn Texture Cleanser has both salicylic and glycolic acid and worked well for me! Also, Peach Slices’ Azelaic Acid serum has really helped lighten my scars over time.

Agree about benzoyl peroxide! I used Differin’s 5% cleanser daily, and it left my skin super dry and flaky. Anyone using it should go easy at first.

Interesting. I tried an ice pack and 10% benzoyl peroxide for just a few minutes daily, and my acne started looking more like faint spots after a few days.

I use a 5% benzoyl peroxide face wash every night, and it’s cleared my cystic acne without drying me out. Definitely sticking to it!

Using both glycolic acid and retinol on the same night isn’t a good idea. Go slow, and maybe stick with a gentle cleanser too.

Here’s a routine that’s helped me:

Morning Routine

  1. Cleanser: CeraVe Foaming Cleanser
  2. Vitamin C Serum: CeraVe Vitamin C Serum
  3. Moisturizer: CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion
  4. Sunscreen: CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30/50

Evening Routine

  1. Cleanser: CeraVe Foaming Cleanser
  2. Exfoliant: CeraVe Exfoliating Treatment
  3. Retinol: CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
  4. Moisturizer: CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion

If you’re breaking out, CeraVe’s Acne Cream Wash might help. Start slow and stay consistent!

CeraVe changed some formulas, and I don’t think it’s as effective as it was before. I switched to La Roche-Posay’s foaming face wash, and it works way better.

Agreed. I was using CeraVe a few years ago and loved it, but it’s not the same now. I ended up with a bad rash after they changed the formula.

Is this thread sponsored by CeraVe or what?

Haha, I wish! I just genuinely like their stuff and find it works well for me.

Azelaic acid really helped with my scars!

Same here, it’s been really effective for me.

Do you have any product recommendations?

I use Skinoren 15%. It’s prescription-only, but I ordered it from an online pharmacy in Poland.

Same, I ordered it from an Italian pharmacy recently since my country’s out of stock and no prescription is needed there.

Honestly, just try Arazlo and skip everything else. Works like magic!

My top picks are retinol, a ceramide moisturizer, and a benzoyl peroxide face wash. No need for anything more!