Acne scars are one of the most frustrating and common skin problems that many people face.
Whether you pick your zit or not, (you really shouldn’t, even though it’s really tempting) there’s still a chance it’ll leave behind a scar, bump, discoloration, or hyperpigmentation.
These marks or indentations are left behind from acne breakouts that can affect your self-confidence and make you feel insecure about your appearance.
But there’s hope. You can fade acne scars and improve your skin texture with The Ordinary products, a skincare brand that offers high-quality products at affordable prices.
The Ordinary products are simple and effective, and they target specific skin concerns with potent ingredients.
Let’s review some of the best The Ordinary products for acne scars and how to use them in your routine.
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Table of Contents
What Causes Acne Scars?
Acne scars are caused by inflammation and damage to the skin tissue during acne breakouts.
When the pores get clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, they can become inflamed and swollen.
This can lead to the rupture of the pore wall and the formation of lesions such as pimples, cysts, or nodules. As your skin heals from these lesions, it may produce too much or too little collagen, resulting in raised or depressed scars.
There are different types of acne scars, such as:
Ice pick scars
These are narrow and deep scars that look like small holes in the skin. They are caused by severe inflammation that destroys the skin tissue.
Boxcar scars
These are wide and shallow scars that have sharp edges. They are caused by moderate to severe inflammation that damages the collagen fibers in the skin.
Rolling scars
These are wide and shallow scars that have rounded edges. They are caused by long-term inflammation that pulls the skin downward.
Atrophic scars
These are flat and thin scars that have a depressed appearance. They are caused by insufficient collagen production during wound healing.
Hypertrophic scars
These are raised and thick scars that protrude above the skin surface. They are caused by excessive collagen production during wound healing.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
These are dark spots or patches that remain after acne lesions heal. They are caused by increased melanin production in response to inflammation.
How to Treat Acne Scars with The Ordinary?
The Ordinary offers a variety of products that can help treat acne scars by exfoliating, brightening, hydrating, and repairing the skin.
Some of the key ingredients that can help with acne scars are:
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs):
These are water-soluble acids that exfoliate the top layer of the skin and stimulate cell renewal. They can help reduce the appearance of acne scars by smoothing out the skin texture and fading hyperpigmentation. Some examples of AHAs are glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, and citric acid.
Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs)
These are oil-soluble acids that exfoliate the deeper layers of the skin and unclog the pores. They can help prevent new acne breakouts and reduce inflammation. The most common BHA is salicylic acid.
Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs)
These are gentle acids that exfoliate the skin without causing irritation or sensitivity. They can help improve skin hydration and elasticity and reduce redness and inflammation. Some examples of PHAs are gluconolactone, lactobionic acid, and galactose.
Retinoids
These are derivatives of vitamin A that increase cell turnover and collagen production. They can help improve skin texture and firmness, as well as reduce hyperpigmentation and scarring. Some examples of retinoids are retinol, retinaldehyde, retinoic acid, and granactive retinoid.
Vitamin C
This is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage and boosts collagen synthesis. It can help brighten the skin tone and fade dark spots caused by acne. Some examples of vitamin C derivatives are ascorbic acid, ascorbyl glucoside, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, ethylated ascorbic acid, and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate.
Niacinamide
This is a form of vitamin B3 that regulates sebum production and reduces inflammation. It can help balance the skin’s oiliness and calm the redness caused by acne. It can also improve skin barrier function and prevent moisture loss.
Azelaic acid
This is a naturally occurring acid that has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce swelling and redness. It can also inhibit melanin production and lighten hyperpigmentation.
The Best The Ordinary Products for Acne Scars
Based on these ingredients, here are some of the best The Ordinary products for acne scars:
1. The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
This is a lightweight cream gel that contains 10% azelaic acid, which is a naturally occurring acid that has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce swelling and redness.
It can also help inhibit melanin production and lighten hyperpigmentation. However, this product can cause some burning or stinging. It should be patch tested before use and used cautiously if you have sensitive skin or eczema.
2. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
This is a balancing serum that contains 10% niacinamide (vitamin B3) and 1% zinc PCA. It can help regulate sebum production and reduce inflammation. It can also help improve skin barrier function and prevent moisture loss.
It can help reduce the appearance of acne scars and hyperpigmentation by fading dark spots and smoothing out your skin texture. However, it may cause some flushing or itching. So patch test it before using and use it cautiously if you have sensitive skin or rosacea.
Can I use The Ordinary niacinamide every day?
Yes, you can use The Ordinary’s Niacinamide formula twice a day to visibly minimize your pores and regulate your skin’s sebum production.
3. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
This is a daily exfoliating toner that contains 7% glycolic acid (AHA) and 2% aloe vera juice. It can help gently exfoliate your skin and improve its texture and radiance. It can also help reduce the appearance of acne scars and hyperpigmentation by boosting cell renewal and fading dark spots.
However, this product can cause irritation and sensitivity and should be patch tested before use and followed by sunscreen.
4. The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA
This is a gentle exfoliating serum that contains 10% mandelic acid (AHA) and 2% hyaluronic acid. It can help refine your skin texture and hydrate it at the same time. It can also help improve the appearance of acne scars and hyperpigmentation by stimulating cell renewal and fading dark spots.
However, it can cause some mild irritation so like with most of these products you should patch test it before use and use sunscreen.
5. The Ordinary Peeling Solution 30ml AHA 30% + BHA 2%
This is a 10-minute exfoliating mask that combines 30% glycolic acid, lactic acid, and tartaric acid (AHAs) with 2% salicylic acid (BHA) and 0.1% Tasmanian pepperberry extract. It can help improve skin texture and clarity by removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores.
It can also help fade acne scars and hyperpigmentation by stimulating collagen production and brightening the skin tone. However, this product is very potent and should be used with caution. It’s also not recommended for sensitive, broken, or peeling skin and is better used only once or twice a week, followed by sunscreen.
6. The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + Ha 2%
This is a mild exfoliating serum that contains 10% lactic acid (AHA) and 2% hyaluronic acid. It can help smooth out the skin and hydrate it at the same time. It can also help improve the appearance of acne scars and hyperpigmentation by stimulating collagen production and brightening your skin tone.
However, it may cause a tingling or stinging sensation and should be diluted with a moisturizer or oil if needed and followed by sunscreen.
7. The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
This is a spot treatment that contains 2% salicylic acid (BHA) and witch hazel extract. It can help target specific acne lesions and reduce their size and redness. It can also help unclog the pores and prevent new breakouts.
However, this product may cause some peeling or flaking for some people. It should be applied only on the affected areas and followed by a moisturizer.
8. The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%
This is a brightening serum that contains 8% ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and 2% alpha arbutin, which are both potent antioxidants that inhibit melanin production. It can help brighten the skin tone and fade dark spots caused by acne or sun damage.
However, this product may cause some tingling or stinging sensation for some people. It should be patch tested before use and stored in a cool and dark place.
9. The Ordinary Ethylated Ascorbic Acid 15% Solution
This is a stable and oil-soluble form of vitamin C that has high potency and efficacy. It can help brighten the skin tone and fade dark spots caused by acne or sun damage. However, this product may cause some irritation or sensitivity for some people. It should be patch tested before use and stored in a cool and dark place.
10. The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
This is a clay-based mask that contains 2% salicylic acid (BHA), charcoal, kaolin, and squalane. It can help deep cleanse the pores and remove excess oil and impurities. It can also help prevent new acne breakouts and reduce inflammation.
However, this product may cause some dryness or tightness for some people. It should be used only once or twice a week and followed by a moisturizer.
11. The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
This is a moderate-strength retinoid serum that contains 2% granactive retinoid, which is a less irritating form of retinoic acid. It can help improve skin texture and firmness by increasing cell turnover and collagen production.
It can also help reduce the appearance of acne scars and hyperpigmentation by fading dark spots and smoothing out indentations. However, this product may cause some purging or sensitivity for some people. It should be introduced gradually into your routine and followed by sunscreen.
12. The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
This is a medium-strength retinol serum that contains 0.5% retinol in squalane oil. It can help improve skin texture and firmness by increasing cell turnover and collagen production. It can also help reduce the appearance of acne scars and hyperpigmentation by fading dark spots and smoothing out indentations.
However, this product may cause more purging or sensitivity than the granactive retinoid. It should be introduced gradually into your routine and followed by sunscreen.
Can I use The Ordinary retinol every day?
Yes, you can but you probably shouldn’t. You would most likely experience burning, itching, the works.
You really don’t need to use retinol every day to get great results, 2-3 times per week is more than enough.
How to Use The Ordinary Products for Acne Scars?
The Ordinary products for acne scars can be used in different combinations depending on your skin type, concern, and tolerance. However, there are some general guidelines that you should follow when using these products:
- Always do a patch test before using any new product to check for any adverse reactions.
- Always use sunscreen during the day to protect your skin from sun damage and prevent further hyperpigmentation.
- Always start with the lowest concentration or frequency of the product and gradually increase it as your skin adapts.
- Always apply the products in the correct order, from the thinnest to the thickest consistency, and from the lowest to the highest pH.
- Always wait for each product to absorb fully before applying the next one.
- Always avoid mixing products that may conflict with each other, such as vitamin C and niacinamide, or retinoids and acids.
Here is an example of how you can use The Ordinary products for acne scars in your morning and evening routine:
Morning:
- Cleanse with The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
- Apply The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution with a cotton pad all over your face, avoiding your eye area. Wait for it to dry completely.
- Apply The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum on your face, again avoiding your eye area. Wait for it to absorb fully.
- Apply The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% serum on your face, avoiding your eyes. Wait for it to absorb fully.
- Apply The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors moisturizer
- Apply a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 on your face, avoiding the eye area Centella Green Level Unscented Sunscreen SPF 50
Evening:
- Cleanse with The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
- Apply The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution on your acne lesions or affected areas only. Wait for it to dry completely.
- Apply The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion on your face, avoiding the eye area. Wait for it to absorb fully.
- Apply The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% on your face, avoiding the eye area. Wait for it to absorb fully.
- Apply The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors moisturizer
Once or twice a week:
- Replace The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution with The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution in your morning routine. Apply it on your clean and dry face, avoiding the eye area. Leave it on for no more than 10 minutes and rinse it off with water. Follow with the rest of your routine as usual.
- Replace The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution with The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque in your evening routine. Apply it on your clean and dry face, avoiding the eye area. Leave it on for no more than 10 minutes and rinse it off with water. Follow with the rest of your routine as usual.
Final thoughts
The Ordinary is a great brand that offers effective and affordable products for acne scars. By using the right products and following a consistent routine, you can improve your skin texture and appearance and boost your confidence.
When choosing products always consider the specific needs of your skin. Because at the end of the day, it’s your skin and what might work for someone else may not always give you the same result.
You might find that you need to experiment a bit to help you find the treatment that your skin responds to the best.
However, you should always be patient and realistic with your expectations, as acne scars can take time to heal and fade. You should also consult a dermatologist if you have severe or persistent acne scars that do not respond to over-the-counter products.
Acne scars can be frustrating, but don’t give up just yet! With a little trial and error and the products mentioned, you’re well on your way to finding a solution that helps reduce the appearance of your acne scarring. Good luck!
