The Ordinary For Acne Scars Ultimate Guide

Acne scars are a result of acne inflammation, which may cause a lesion to your skin. Once this occurs, the skin can experience redness and the inflammation may leave spots and scars.

You can treat acne scars with laser, microblading, pulsing light or by making topical use of cosmetics like the ones from the ordinary, we will talk about now.

However, keep in mind that topical products may not deliver 100% efficacy while treating acne scars, but there is still the possibility of minimization and healing of cases that are not so deep.

Also, keep in mind that before getting started with any acne scar treatment, make sure that the acne is completely healed, and remember to always look for a dermatologist for dedicated and personalized treatment.

The Ordinary Skincare For Acne Prone Skin

Table of Contents

The ordinary for acne scars

Even though the ordinary cannot promise to completely remove your acne scars, it counts with a range of affordable and very well rated products that can treat hyperpigmentation and oiliness, unclog pores, that are anti-inflammatory and anti bactericidal.

The Ordinary For Acne Scars Products List

Take a look at the list that I separated for you. Keep on reading until the end because I’m talking about each one of these products separately in the next lines!

Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution	Water based serum specially designed to target acne and scars
AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution	Advanced exfoliator, evens skin tone and improves skin texture
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%	Brightening, Regulates sebum production, unclog pores, reduces redness and blemishes
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution	Exfoliator, brightening, calming, improves skin texture, evens skin tone
Mandelic Acid 10% + HA
Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA	Hydrating and Fades Dark spots and hyperpigmentation
Salicylic Acid 2% Solution	Water based exfoliating serum that can be used to treat hyperpigmentation and scars
Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA
Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%	Anti-agin water free concentrate that minimizes acne scars
Lactic Acid 10% + HA	Exfoliates the skin, minimizing spots and scars
Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane	Anti-aging retinol alternative that evens skin tone, irregular texture
Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion	Anti-aging retinol alternative that evens skin tone, irregular texture
Retinol 1% in Squalane
Azelaic Acid Suspension	Brightening and improves skin texture

Note: This post contains affiliate links, allowing me to get a commission if you buy a product recommended through the link at no extra cost to you.

The Ordinary Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution

How great is that The Ordinary developed a special serum to target acne scars? So, The aloe 2% + NAG 2% serum is out there and available to simplify your skincare routine.

I love the lightweight texture of this hydrating serum that treats blemishes and brightens the skin complexion, leaving it smooth and soft.

Aloe vera is anti bactericide, calming, anti-inflammatory that prevents acne, and treats existing ones. NAG stands for N-acetyl glucosamine, is moisturizing, and a great ally while treating spots and hyperpigmentation.

Additionally, it has anti-aging properties as it contains Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) that treats early signs of age, as well as minimizes wrinkles.

A note of caution and downside of this serum is that it may cause conflicts when used in combination with vitamin C, acids, and The Ordinary Resveratrol 3%.

What customers are talking about it

Down below you can notice a few reviews on two different online stores. The first one belongs to the Feel Unique website, which counts 313 reviews. On a scale from 1 to 5, it got an average of 4.6. It’s a good sign.

Next, you can see the review score from ASOS. They gathered data from 509 consumers, and on a scale from 1 to 5, the average score was 4.6.

This serum is available for online purchasing and you can find it on The Ordinary online shop, Sephora, Asos, Feel Unique and others.

AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

I need to warn you that this is a strong peeling solution that you can use to treat acne scars. However, this is for advanced users, so I advise not using it before consulting a beautician or a dermatologist.

Also, you should only use the AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution if you are not suffering from hypersensitized skin that has been under peelings.

With the exception of the cases cited above, this water based serum is indicated for all skin types, and treats dull skin, improves skin texture, and even skin tone.

You should use it as a rinse off facial mask after skin cleansing and before serums, oils and moisturizers.

The AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is available online on The ordinary, Sephora and other online stores.

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Even though this is not my favorite product from The Ordinary, many people love it, especially those with oily skin because Niacinamide is a well known ingredient that treats blemishes, breakout, excess sebum, unclog pores and has brightening action.

Here are a few benefits you can have by using niacinamide:

It Hydrates your skin
Treats Hyperpigmentation
Regulates skin sebum production
It’s anti-aging
Combats free radicals
Helps with skin sensitivity
Minimize pores
diminish dullness
Skin strength
Even skin tone

With all these functions, it will treat your skin, diminishing the aspect of acne scars. You can even potentialize the treatment by using the hyaluronic acid serum with niacinamide, for an extra layer of hydration.

The Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is available for purchasing at The Ordinary or At Sephora.

Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

The Glycolic Acid 7% is an exfoliating toning Solution, brightens skin complexion, improves skin texture, treats dullness and sign of aging.

When used periodically, it can improve the appearance of acne scars.

It has purified Tasmanian Pepperberry derivative, anti-irritant, plus Ginseng root and aloe vera, that is anti-bactericidal and great for skin improvements.

Note that you should not use this product if your skin is too sensitive, or if you are making use of another peeling treatment.

Mandelic Acid 10% + HA

The Mandelic Acid 10% + HA serves as an exfoliator you can use in your acne scar treatment. In addition to exfoliating your skin, helping fading hyperpigmentation, it does the following:

It’s anti-aging as it Boosts collagen production,
Boosts elastin and has filling effect on the skin

This is a great alternative to other harsh AHA’s treatments, suitable for those with sensitive skin, and you can expect it to be more gentle.

Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

The Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA is one of the best options to treat spots, scars and hyperpigmentation caused by acne, as it was especially designed to treat these concerns.

This brightening serum is indicated for all skin types, and over time you may notice improvements in your skin texture, which was compromised by acne scars.

As it contains Hyaluronic Acid (HA), you can also expect profound hydration. Read also this article ‘Is Hyaluronic Acid Good For Acne?’ for more details.

Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

The Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is a lightweight water-based serum developed for those with acne prone skin and targets acne and signs of congestion, at the pace It unclog pores and de-inflamate the skin.

When used overtime, this product will treat and lead to skin healing, as the formula goes deep in the pores to remove dirt and residuals that clog pores.

Consequently you can expect healthier brighter skin complexion as well as minimization of spots and acne scars. It’s suitable for all skin types including dry, normal, combination and oily skin, as long as you are prone to acne.

Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA

The Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA is a serum with optimal results on brightening, dark pigmentation reduction and acne scars. You can also count with deep hydration, as it contains Hyaluronic acid.

Additionally, it’s anti-aging and prevents sun damage and other problems caused by free radicals that count with great reviews. However one down side to this product is that some consumers complained it can cause a tingling sensation.

Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%

The Ascorbic Acid 8% (pure vitamin C) + Alpha Arbutin 2% is a water-based serum that will fade hyperpigmentation caused by acne scars, even skin tone, and provide an anti-aging treatment at the same time.

You can use it day and night, as it contains free radical protection, it is a great option to use during the day underneath your makeup, or sunscreen.

Lactic Acid 10% + HA

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + Hyaluronic Acid is a high strength-peeling that can leave your skin smoother.

This can be used by all skin types but this is a great option for this acne anti-age skincare because treats:

Wrinkles and fine lines
Dulness
Uneven skin tone
Scarring
Skin texture
hyperpigmentation

If you have sensitive skin, it can be too harsh to use it frequently, so pay attention to how your skin reacts to it.

On the ordinary official website, they say you should cut off if your skin is sensitive, so it is better to be careful.

However many people related that this acid is actually ok and less aggressive than the purple acid for example.

Some people use it every night, and some people with more sensitive skin may opt to use it twice a week.

In case you feel this is a bit too strong, dilute it with other compatible products until you feel your skin is finally tolerant to the product.

Now, if you still think you need something more gentle, you can use The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA.

Make sure you use it only in the evening, after cleansing your face, apply a few drops on your face.

Only after, you can apply oils, creams, and moisturizers.

Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane

How to use the ordinary 5% in Squalane Granactive Retinoid?

This is a high-strength retinoid with an oily texture.

Despite the retinoids we have mentioned here, which cause no irritation, this one can cause low irritation.

But it depends, some people reported not experiencing any type of irritation by using this 5% retinoid.

As an oily product, you may not feel comfortable using it if you have oily skin, however, this solution won’t clog your pores.

Squalane is a type of ingredient that is very similar to the natural sebum the skin produces.

Once you apply it, the skin recognizes it as a familiar sebum and absorbs it quickly and effectively.

Even though the retinoids we have mentioned can dry out skin, this one is the most hydrating among them.

It is probably the best for dry skin, however, if you are just starting out with retinoids, it is not indicated to use the 5% formulation but a lower solution.

Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion

This is a very lightweight milky-textured serum that is mainly used for anti-aging skincare routines.

It combats signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and dark spots without irritating skin.

If you’ve suffered from acne, it works on the overall quality of your skin, leaving you hydrated, and helps with dark spots.

However, it may take a couple of months to start seeing improvements in dark spots so you’ll need to be patient.

Azelaic Acid Suspension

The ordinary azelaic Acid suspension 10 is very lightweight and the texture feels creamy / gelly. If you want to treat acne scars, this azelaic acid will brighten and even skin tone.

Apart from that, Azelaic Acid will hydrate your skin as well and reduce the appearance of blemishes. As you can see, you can expect multiple benefits from azelaic acid, including antioxidant properties.

More The Oridinary For Acne Scars

#Serums For Acne Scars & Dark Spots

The Ordinary Ethylated Ascorbic Acid 15% Solution (brighten skin / even skin tone)
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (anti-blemish treatment for spot-prone skin)
The Ordinary “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% (anti-aging / for manutention of healthy skin)

#Treatments For Acne Scars & Dark Spots

The Ordinary 100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder (treats hyperpigmentation / using before niacinamide, SPF, and retinol may reduce the effectiveness of the latest products).
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% and The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA (gentle chemical exfoliant / removes dead skin cells)

#Oil For Acne Scars & Dark Spots

The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil (good for skin cell renewing)

#Moisturizers For Acne Scars & Dark Spots

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% (minimizes dark spots /acne scars)
The Ordinary Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10%. (vitamin C / brightens skin / anti-aging)

#Exfoliators For Acne Scars & Dark Spots

Mandelic Acid 10% + HA. (bi-weekly)
Salicylic Acid Masque (bi-monthly)

Factors That Can Contribute For Acne Scars

I think it’s important to write a quick reminder on factors that can contribute to acne scars, so you can prevent future damage.

First of all, pay attention if you have been using products that are too strong for your skin, as they can cause irritation and inflammation.

Then, make sure you don’t poke or touch the skin when it is under the effect of open acne, as it can lead to redness, inflammation and consequently scars and hyperpigmentation.

Tips For Preventing Acne Scars

Dermatologists recommend the use of sunscreen for everybody, especially those who are suffering from acne scars. Sunscreens are brightening by nature and will protect your skin from free radicals and excess melanin production.

Also, make sure to properly wash your face daily, morning and evening and assure that all your makeup and sunscreen is removed before you go to bed, as this will prevent clogged pores and other inflammations.

Apart from incorporating one or more of the products I mentioned here, keeping the skin hydrated will fortify your complexion, leaving your skin healthier while controlling excess sebum that clog pores.

Pin this image!