Acne Scars And Dark Spots: Here's How to Lighten Scars

Learn the most effective way to help reduce the appearance of acne marks 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 Acne Scars?

mim old

Source - @acneisntugly

Inflammation occurs when the body increases blood flow to the tissue surrounding a clogged pore. It is the body’s natural response mechanism 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.


How Do I Get Rid of Acne Scars?

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

Weeding out 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 skincare line designed for acne prone skin and each of the seven items in their lineup have a specific function.

The Lighten Up is a spot treatment lotion that uses botanicals to reduce the appearance of dilated blood vessels: marigold flower, chamomile flower and tea tree oil.

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. Their 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 Brown Scars and Hyperpigmentation

Individual results may vary

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

Brown post-acne marks are more stubborn than red acne marks. They can be fixed using topical lotions but will take more time. Learn more about dealing with brown acne marks.

The Dark Mark Defense contains potent anti-pigmenting agents to fade the appearance of dark marks much faster.

  • Vitamin E creates a healing barrier over your skin.
  • TXA brightens skin and fades the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
  • 4nBR creates a lightening effect on your skin.

 

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 (atrophic scarring) to the tissue surrounding your pores.

Get Rid of Acne for Clear, Glowing Skin

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 use to treat most forms of acne, the first line of defense is a topical retinoid.

The Clear Out uses pharma-grade* retinol (a gentler version of retinoid) 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 US Pharmacopeia standards 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 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!

 


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#RealResults

See what others have to say about Clearly Basics.

Based on 495 reviews
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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 ☺️

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Extra Strength Duo
Briannon Argueta
Skin Type: Combination
Comments: It's worth it. Just try it and stick with it =)
Definitely seeing improvements

I've struggled with acne for the last few years. I've tried many different topical things to clear it but nothing was working. I decided to try Clearly Basics and have definitely seen improvements! I've been using this combo for about 2 months and am loving the results so far. Obviously, my face isn't perfect yet but it's a marathon, not a sprint, and I understand that. Here's to consistency and better results as I continue my journey! I've attached some before and after pictures, all with a makeup-free face so you can see my honest progress.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️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 !

❤️❤️❤️❤️

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Power Duo*
Chuan Ling T.

Adult acne is a new thing for me- I’ve had clear skin growing up so the outbreaks were very stressful! I did everything and anything I could, from watching YouTube reviews, trying out cult products to professional advice, but nothing quite did the job. So how the power duo panned out for me was definitely a pleasant (-ly hugeeee) surprise. I do acknowledge that my acne challenges are not on the extremely severe end, but I must say, emotionally the positive outcome of using both the power duo encouraged me to wear my skin as it is again. It’s really worthwhile trying as it is also a no fuss duo; hence the currently gild of my staple skincare products.

I saw a huge reduction in new pimples and any new pimples scars healed and disappeared a lot quicker

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Power Duo*
Anne F.

I have struggled with acne since I was 12 years old. All through my teenage and adult life my skin has been unpredictable and the breakouts have been constant and so frustrating. I’ve tried everything you could imagine but nothing worked reliably. Clear Out and lighten up have been a total game changer for me and I couldn’t be happier with the results

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Power Duo*
Mamtha J.

Tried every product out there from proactiv to slurp! None worked, they infact aggravated the condition! Tried clearlybasics as last resort and oh boy it works! Worth every penny! First time in 20 years, stepped out without wearing base makeup! Never thought this day would come!

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Power Duo*
Laura S.

This stuff changed my life!!!!
After reading the reviews I never thought it would work for me in the same way as it had for other people, as my skin was so bad and cystic. But after just a few months of using this and cutting down on dairy, my skin was 10 times better!
I’m still religiously using the Power Duo and don’t think I’ll ever stop 😊

I am 32 years old and still suffering from acne. I tried many things, but acne will dissappear and come back. Now I am using this product and my skin is getting better. Still I get some acne, but hopefully it clear all. But I am not sure how long I should use this product ?

Ive been using clear out for about 3 months and I have noticed a big change. Breakouts are minimal and my skin is looking and feeling much clearer. Im just about to start the clear out extra strength to try and clean out the remaining stubborn cystic bumps. Id like the pigmentation and scars to fade quicker, but Im sure they will in time. Overall Im happy with the product and can notice the change when comparing photos.

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Power Duo
Emma Taylor

I love clearly basics so much!! My skin has cleared up amazingly, check out @myacnepage on insta or clearly basics website to see how far my skin has come while using their products. I love the power duo especially and recommend to anyone who has been struggling with acne or redness/hyperpigmentation and scarring

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Power Duo
Amy Nuramira

"""I have been struggling with acne for 10 years. This is by far the best product. I started out with brown pigmentation (acne marks) and a lot of tiny bumps of acne on my forehead, cheek and nose (kind of like sand paper). As soon as I started the Clear Out and Lighten Up, my acne bumps got smaller and smaller. My brown pigmentation began turning lighter (reddish pinkish).
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Initially, when I started using it, I didn't really get a 'purge' it was just a small amount of break outs which went away in a few weeks. Now my hormonal break outs are not as terrible as before, they still appear but barely noticeable.
⠀⠀
My skin is acne free, pigmentation are still there but they've improved tremendously. The Clear Out does not dry out your skin at all, even when I apply makeup on, it's not patchy."""

Started using the Power Duo approximately 2-3 months ago, the creams have really helped to improve my skin quality, it feels so much smoother. I still have pigmentation which I will be starting to use the Dark Mark Defense for. But overall VERY happy with the Power Duo

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Power Duo
Megan Downes

"Amazing!!

Never have I found a brand that is so gentle on my skin but works wonders.

The lighten up is the best thing for redness, the difference in just one day on my pictures below.

Can't recommend enough, especially for hormonal acne.

Thank you Clearly"

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Power Duo
Louisa Bohm

Before I started using Clearly Basics, I was using normal pharmacy products and this obviously wasn’t enough. I was having a lot of breakouts and cysts underneath the skin. I found Clearly through a giveaway which I participated and won, and I’m so glad it gave me the opportunity to try their products. 2 months in, I was amazed how powerful the products are, especially the Power Duo, and I absolutely love them. My skin has changed so much, it heals much faster now. I definitely recommend trying.

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Power Duo
Celeste Robinson

This company is honestly incredible! I have been struggling with really painful hormonal cystic acne for years. I was prescribed oral medication, but decided against taking it because of all the side effects. So I did some research and found Clearly Basics! I have been using the Power Duo for 3 months and the progress my skin has made has been amazing! It has cleared my skin without causing any irritation or sensitivity. I am finally at the stage where I can leave the house without makeup! My skin is clear!! The customer service is also very personal and efficient. I don’t have enough wonderful things to say about these products, they literally saved my skin.

Really lovely product range! The power duo is the first thing, after 6 years of searching, that has helped my hormonal acne. I've tried antibiotics, differin, epiduo and everything range going but my skin got burnt, the acne came back or just didn't work. Clealry have the balance just right of clearing out your pores to prevent acne and calm pigmentation without irritating the skin. Absolutely amazing stuff that has transformed my skin!

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Power Duo
Ghina Arbid

I've had acne since I was in high school. It was coming and going, but I never got rid of it completely. Last year, I had a few months without acne at all and I thought "Okay, great. This is it." But then it started coming back. So I went to see a doctor and they gave me some prescriptions. They didn't work. I saw an ad for Clearly Basics on social media once, and I was like, "This is great! But do I trust online products like this?" And guess what? I'm back here and I trust them completely because I've seen results. I started using Clearly almost 3 months ago, had a purging period where everything was just coming out. Now I'm in my third month, and I really like the results so far. My skin has cleared up, and there aren't any large bumps underneath my skin anymore. And it's just great, honestly. I didn't expect a product I bought online to be this helpful and useful. I wouldn't go anywhere else anymore after this.

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Extra Strength Duo
Melissa Aldana

I love what the Sensitive Skin Trio (Clear Out + Lighten Up + Protective Moisturizer) has done for my skin! I had tried so many things before trying these products out and my skin was at its worst and peeling horribly, but I noticed a difference within the first week of using these products. The So Fresh cleanser is so refreshing and it has worked so well without stripping my skin. And with the Dark Mark Defense, my dark marks have faded greatly in comparison to when I first started using it. Since starting Clearly, I have upgraded to the Clear Out Extra Strength and even with the stronger formulation, I don’t experience any sensitivity and my skin has never looked or felt better! My skin is not dull or dry, and even has a glow, and the texture of my skin has also improved significantly

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Power Duo
Chelsey Hendriksen

"I have been using Clearly for about 5 weeks and I am blown away by results. I have no large lumps, which is awesome because they were super painful. My skin is smooth and soft and everyday I see my red scars fading. I had tried so many things from drug store brands to high end products for my cystic acne and nothing worked.
After months of struggling and literally hating my skin I can not believe how amazon it looks"

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Extra Strength Duo
Nicole Long

I have always struggled with acne ever since I was a teenager. Constant breakouts, constant red marks, fading into acne scars that I still probably have today. I found Clearly through social media and I was really taken in by their testimonials, so I took the leap. I started with the Clear Out + Lighten Up (Power Duo), and I really was able to see that any breakouts I was having would go away faster than I've ever seen and the Lighten Up would get rid of those red marks very quickly. Eventually I moved into the Clear Out Extra Strength and I was able to really feel like I was clearing out my clogged pores and really resetting my skin. I also added the Dark Mark Defense to really target those dark marks, acne scars that I've had since I was a teenager, and I was able to see the difference within the first month, which was really exciting for me to really target those spots that have been bothering me for years!

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Power Duo
Brittany Shanae

"I swear the Power Duo (Clear Out and Lighten Up) are a GOD-send! I've been using both consistently for 3 months now and my skin has NEVER looked or felt better! I haven't experienced a breakout since March and more than 80% of my hyperpigmentation is GONE!

I'm so grateful to have finally found a product that actually works for my skin!

If you're dealing with acne breakouts and hyperpigmentation, you should def research Clearly Basics."

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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