Acne scars can linger long after breakouts are gone — and while many turn to harsh peels or laser treatments, there are gentler, more sustainable ways to reduce scarring. In this blog, we break down the types of acne scars and reveal the best skincare ingredients, routines, and Moistuals product pairings to help you fade them naturally and safely.
🔎 First, Understand the Type of Acne Scar You Have
Knowing the type of scar is the first step to choosing the right treatment.
🟤 Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Flat, brown or red marks — not true scars, but common after pimples.
- Most common in medium to deep skin tones
- Fades over time but can take months without help
- Needs brightening and barrier-restoring care
🕳️ Atrophic Scars
Indented scars (ice pick, boxcar, rolling)
- Result of tissue loss after deep inflammation
- Harder to treat without professional help, but can improve with skincare
- Requires collagen-boosting ingredients + skin texture support
🔴 Post-Inflammatory Erythema (PIE)
Pink or red flat marks, mostly in lighter skin tones
- Caused by dilated blood vessels under the skin
- Fades naturally, but slowly
- Needs anti-inflammatory and calming ingredients
🌿 Gentle Ingredients That Work
Forget the harsh peels — these science-backed ingredients can fade scars without triggering irritation:
1. Niacinamide
- Fades dark marks by blocking melanin transfer
- Calms inflammation and redness
- Strengthens the skin barrier
⭐ Try Moistuals Niacinamide Gel Moisturiser for daily defense and fading.
2. Vitamin C (Ascorbyl Glucoside)
- Brightens uneven tone
- Boosts collagen to improve texture
- Offers antioxidant protection to prevent new marks
🌞 Use it in your morning routine for maximum glow and fade.
3. Azelaic Acid
- Gently exfoliates and evens out tone
- Reduces inflammation and bacterial buildup
- Excellent for sensitive skin types with pigmentation
4. Salicylic Acid
- Keeps pores clear to prevent new breakouts
- Encourages skin turnover
- Helps fade both PIH and PIE over time
Use Moistuals Salicylic Acid Toner 2–3x per week for best results.
5. Sunscreen (Daily Non-Negotiable)
UV exposure darkens existing spots and slows healing.
- Always use broad-spectrum SPF 30+
- Choose a tinted formula if you want instant tone-evening benefits
🔆 Moistuals Mineral Sunscreen SPF30 Tint protects and brightens in one step.
🧴 The Ideal Daily Skincare Routine to Fade Acne Scars
Here’s a sample barrier-friendly fade routine using Moistuals products:
| Step | AM Routine | PM Routine |
| 1 | Rosewater Bliss Mousse Cleanser | Pure Clarifying Cleansing Gel |
| 2 | Niacinamide Gel Moisturiser | Salicylic Acid Toner (2–3x/week) |
| 3 | Vitamin C Serum (optional add-on) | Niacinamide Gel Moisturiser |
| 4 | Mineral Sunscreen SPF30 Tint | Moisturising Day Cream or Oil-Free Gel |
🚫 What to Avoid When Treating Acne Scars
Many people unknowingly delay healing by using the wrong products:
- ❌ Physical scrubs: Can worsen texture and cause microtears
- ❌ Alcohol-heavy toners: Strip and weaken the skin barrier
- ❌ Fragrance-loaded products: May trigger inflammation in sensitive skin
- ❌ Overuse of acids: Can cause post-inflammatory rebound and irritation
Always opt for fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and hydrating formulas — like those in the Moistuals anti-acne range.
💬 Can You Really Fade Scars Without In-Clinic Treatments?
Yes — especially for PIH and PIE, which respond well to consistent at-home care.
But remember:
- Results take time (expect 8–12 weeks of consistent use)
- Combining multiple actives should be done slowly
- Barrier health is just as important as brightening ingredients
🛍️ Moistuals Favorites for Scar-Fading Routines
| Concern | Product Combo |
| Red marks (PIE) | Niacinamide + Hydrating Toner + Mineral SPF Tint |
| Brown spots (PIH) | Niacinamide + Salicylic Acid Toner + Vitamin C + Moisturising Day Cream |
| Texture issues | Salicylic Acid Toner + Oil-Free Gel Moisturiser + SPF |