Skin Lightening Products That Fade Acne Scars

Jul 9, 2010 | By Joshua Duvauchelle

After your pimple has disappeared, you may be left with a dark spot on your skin where the pimple's skin trauma caused hyperpigmentation. Such acne-related dark spots will fade on their own after 12 to 18 months, reports skin care expert Paula Begoun. If that seems like too long to wait, several over-the-counter skin lightening products can help fade the dark spots.

Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Acne Mark Fading Peel

Neutrogena designed its fading peel to reduce the post-inflammatory effects of acne, according to Begoun. It's formulated with salicylic acid, which not only helps slough off the darkened skin cells to fade acne scars, but it can also exfoliate your skin to reduce your risks of acne returning. As a peel product, Neutrogena recommends letting it sit on your skin for extended periods of time.

Skinceuticals Pigment Regulator

Skinceuticals Pigment Regulator helps to get rid of darkened skin cells on the surface of your skin and is one of the best products for fading hyperpigmentation, according to "Real Simple" magazine. It works by using alpha hydroxy acids, which Begoun says "can indeed speed the fading" of acne scars. It also includes kojic acid, which is used as a skin-brightener.

Ambi Fade Cream

Ambi's spot fading cream comes recommended by "Allure" magazine due to its hydroquinone content. Hydroquinone is one of the most effective skin lighteners, according to Begoun. The manufacturer also includes skin-conditioning vitamin E, scar-removing alpha hydroxy acids and sunscreen ingredients to help existing spots from getting even darker in the sun.

Murad Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Gel

Murad's serum is formulated with hydroquinone at a potent concentration of 2 percent, says Begoun. It's intended to be dabbed on specific scars or spots that need lightening, rather than spreading it on your entire face. Additional beneficial ingredients include glycerin, aloe vera—a natural moisturizing ingredient—and grape-seed extract, which is rich in skin-repairing antioxidants, according to Begoun.