6 Best 'The Ordinary' Products for Acne Scars (2023)

Oct. 29, 2021 / 7 min read

The Ordinary has developed a strong reputation as a leader in the skincare industry. The vast product line features numerous treatments that can go to work to minimize the appearance of acne scars.

The value-driven line of products provides a host of solutions to many of the most common skin problems. Here are six of the best products from The Ordinary if you are looking to lessen the look of existing acne scarring.

Using The Ordinary for Acne Scars

It is important to note that the following products are specific to post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or discoloration. A type of acne scarring that is treatable through over the counter products. However, if your scarring is pitted acne scarring, these products from The Ordinary may not be able to help.

6 Best Products From 'The Ordinary' For Acne Scars

1. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution (Hyperpigmentation)

Best for: Hyperpigmentation

This toning solution provides exfoliating powers with its unique combination of 7% glycolic acid, amino acids, aloe vera, ginseng, and Tasmanian pepperberry. This natural solution does not contain parabens, sulfates, or phthalates. The product can also brighten a dull skin tone, delivering radiance to a drab complexion. As with most exfoliants, it is best to use this toning solution at night. After the skin has been thoroughly cleansed with a quality cleanser, saturate a cotton ball or pad with the solution and wipe over the entirety of the face and neck. The leave-on exfoliant will work overnight to lift off dead layers of skin and improve the overall appearance of the complexion by minimizing acne scarring. The gentle formula is good for people who are looking to treat mild hyperpigmentation. Skin will exhibit maximum clarity with the regular use of this glycolic acid toning solution.

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2. The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%(Hyperpigmentation)

Best for: Hyperpigmentation

This water-free vitamin C serum works to brighten overall skin tone and combat the signs of aging. Because it is free of water, the 30% pure L-ascorbic acid remains stable. The addition of the dehydrated spheres of hyaluronic acid smooths the surface of the skin, working to reduce the appearance of acne scarring. The product works best when applied at night, although you may use it during the morning as well. Some users report a slight tingling sensation during the first few weeks of use. If the tingling is bothersome, you can dilute the serum with your favorite face cream to negate the sensation. In brief, this vitamin C treatment is a good choice for people with mild hyperpigmentation.

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3. The Ordinary Peeling Solution 30ml AHA 30% + BHA 2%(Uneven Skin Tone & Texture)

Best for: Uneven Skin Tone & Texture

This liquid exfoliating solution is made with glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid delivering a triple threat of exfoliation power. The glycolic and lactic acid go to work on exfoliating the outer layers of skin. Next, the salicylic acid goes inside the pores to clean out debris and dead skin cells. Together, the active ingredients battle blemishes and improve the skin's texture. This product is ideally applied at night to clean and dry skin. Do not use on wet skin. After applying the treatment to the face and neck, wait 10 minutes and then rinse off with lukewarm water. Do not use this solution more than twice per week. The peeling solution is ideal for moderate hyperpigmentation and those with slight pitted scarring.

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4. The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + Ha 2%(Uneven Skin Tone & Texture)

Best for: Hyperpigmentation, Uneven Skin Tone, Texture

This high-strength lactic acid solution delivers mild exfoliation to the surface of the skin. Skin appears healthier because of the ability of this treatment to diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles and even out skin tone and texture. You will enjoy a more radiant complexion as the solution wipes away dullness. The addition of purified Tasmanian pepperberry lessens inflammation and sensitivity for a more comfortable exfoliating experience. Like most exfoliants, the solution works best when applied at night. For this reason, this mild exfoliant is should be used once per day. If burning or tingling occurs, you can dilute the product with a soothing cream until the skin builds up a tolerance. This solution is a good treatment for those with mild hyperpigmentation and skin tone discoloration.

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5. The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%(Uneven Skin Tone)

Best for: Uneven Skin Tone

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Boasting a concentration of 10% azelaic acid, this treatment brightens the skin tone, works to even out skin texture, and minimizes the appearance of blemishes. The antioxidant support creates healthier skin. The multifunctional formula is a great addition to nearly any skincare routine. You can apply this lightweight cream formula at night or in the morning, making it a versatile product to have on hand. However, it does increase sensitivity to the sun. Because of this, it is recommended to wear a quality sunscreen. This product is a good choice for those with mild hyperpigmentation and skin tone discoloration.

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6. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (Redness and Discoloration)

Best for: Redness and Discoloration

(Video) 6 MONTHS OF THE ORDINARY NIACINAMIDE | I will stop 🛑 using it on my acne skin *not a clickbait* !!

This high-strength vitamin and mineral formula fights blemishes with its unique combination of 10% pure niacinamide paired with 1% zinc PCA. The niacinamide works by reducing the appearance of skin blemishes and pore congestion. The 10% concentration of this vitamin works alongside the zinc PCA to control oiliness and clear out pores. To use, simply apply a few drops of the treatment to the entire face in the morning and in the evening. Be sure to apply the product before slathering on heavy creams or moisturizers. It is important to note that this product is for application separately from any vitamin C serums that you may be using. The heavy concentration of niacinamide in this treatment may hinder the effectiveness of vitamin C. In short, this treatment is effective when looking to combat mild hyperpigmentation and skin tone discoloration.

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Key Ingredients for Acne Scaring

1. Vitamin C: Helps to Fade Hyperpigmentation(Redness and Discoloration)

While most people are familiar with the various health benefits of incorporating vitamin C into your daily diet, not many people understand how this powerful antioxidant can help the appearance of your skin. A topical vitamin C serum works to brighten the overall skin tone, shield the skin from environmental impurities, and reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Most skincare products use vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid. Because vitamin C is unstable, most products that use this wonder ingredient begin to break down when exposed to too much light and air.

2. Azelaic Acid: Helps PIH

Also an antioxidant, azelaic acid boosts the rate in which cells replace themselves. This naturally-occurring acid is primarily used to treat conditions such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation because of its ability to reduce inflammation of the skin. Depending on the concentration of the active ingredient, azelaic acid is available either over the counter or through prescription.The acid is a good choice as part of a comprehensive treatment protocol that includes the use of glycolic acid or topical retinoids.

3. AHAs: Exfoliating Away Dead Skin

Alpha hydroxy acids are the first choice of treatment for many skincare professionals. This acid is a natural exfoliant, stripping away dead skin cells to leave a fresh layer. Additionally, there is an abundance of research that backs up the claims of effectiveness of AHAs. Giving you confidence every time that you use treatments containing this ingredient. In addition to delivering a clearer complexion, AHAs also support the skin's efforts to retain moisture and promote skin firmness. The undisputed leader of AHAs is glycolic acid.

4. Retinoids: Improving Cellular Turnover

These vitamin A derivatives are applied directly to the skin in order to support the production of new and unblemished skin cells. Retinoids go deep into the skin to treat comedonal acne and hyperpigmentation. There are a variety of retinoid products, available both over the counter and by prescription for stronger doses. Because retinoids can cause skin dryness and peeling, it is a good idea to use the product paired with a moisturizer formulated for your individual skin type.

5. Niacinamide: Provides a Hydration Boost

Made from vitamin B3, using niacinamide is a popular way to boost hydration levels in the skin and bolster the production of collagen. These uses make niacinamide a great way to combat the effects of the aging process on the skin. Niacinamide is also useful in treating hyperpigmentation when used in conjunction with other treatments. Furthermore, the water-soluble vitamin also boosts the effectiveness of the skin's natural barrier. Therefore helping to mitigate the harmful effects of the environment.

FAQs

The Bottom Line

When choosing The Ordinary for acne scars, be sure to consider the specific needs of your skin. Additionally, you may need to experiment with a few different treatments. This will help you find the one that your skin responds to the best. With the full arsenal of products offered by The Ordinary, you are sure to find options to reduce the appearance of your acne scaring.