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We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Some of the highest rated items to help fight the aftermath of your war with pimples.
Promising review: "This is hands down the best cleanser I’ve used. And I’ve used my fair share of them since my teen years. Now in my early 30s, I still have horrible skin, scarring, oiliness, whiteheads, blackheads. And like clockwork the monthly zit that shows up before shark week. This product has de-clogged my pores, minimized them, and improved overall texture. Combine with the toner for best results. My new skincare routine has gathered compliments from my husband who never noticed any other product working. I feel like it has taken years off my face! It has minimized so many scars, and reduced gigantic pores and cleared up my skin overall. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!" —DMRA_2016
Get it from Amazon for $21.95 (cruelty-free).
Promising review: "I suffered from cystic acne from around 19–22 years old. I decided enough was enough so I saw a dermatologist and got on oral and topical antibiotics. They recommended I get facials to help with the dark mark scarring once my acne cleared. As a 22-year-old, that expense wasn't realistic. So I decided to try this along with my regimen. Let me tell you: it WORKS! If you are consistent and disciplined. I use it every morning and night along with my topicals (I'm off oral now) and you can see the difference just nine months makes. No more hiding my face. I rarely wear makeup anymore. I'm just a normal 20-something in Los Angeles. This can work for you too! I definitely recommend trying it and keeping with it. The first photo is from July and the second is from October. The third is from early April of the next year. All I can say is THANK YOU." —Danielle
Get it from Amazon for $4.79.
Promising review: "It has changed my skin in just the two times I've used it. I have severe cystic acne and am in my mid 30s. I just used water with it. Scars and dark spots faded and my acne shrunk." —Jessica D. Thompson
Get it from Amazon for $10.95.
Promising review: "The proof is in the pictures! You can see the DRASTIC IMPROVEMENTS in just three weeks! Especially considering how damaged my skin was, this product is absolutely AMAZING and WORKS FAST! My face had a bad breakout, especially on my forehead. I got this product to remove the dark spots and in just ONE week I already began to see results. By the second week, it was even better! I've included a picture in the third week, and you can see just how much better my skin has become already! I used the product twice a day, every day, for three weeks, and the results are just INCREDIBLE. I am so happy, I've been recommending it to everyone! Some things to note: you may experience mild irritation as the serum dries on your skin, you only need to apply a thin layer to the affected areas (nothing unbearable, and still worth it). Also, as the skin begins the peeling process it may actually appear darker before it comes off, but it will reveal much lighter skin if you're patient. Since your skin is peeling, you will need to moisturize and protect your skin from the sun. This product literally SAVED MY SKIN, it's a MIRACLE WORKER! I've tried so many things and nothing worked as amazingly and in such a short time. It's affordable and worth every cent! TRY IT!" —Roxie G.
Get it from Amazon for $23.
Promising review: "I have spent a lot of money at Sephora and Ulta looking for a miracle serum to get rid of my dark spots. In the last three years, something changed and I started breaking out with mild adult acne that later turned into a stress-picking ordeal which left me with nasty dark spots. I've also spent lots of money buying concealers to hide and not feel judged by anyone talking to me face to face. I haven't really changed anything in my diet really except eating papaya. LOL! I wash my face three times a week with Kate Somerville EradiKate Daily Foaming Cleanser and then use this serum. I shake the bottle and massage in a few drops all over. I do wear a mild face sunblock too. Like I said, I don't use it often or every night but it's doing something and I'm super excited to keep seeing results. I've also used it on my husband once and his skin was baby soft 😍. The picture on the left (pink shirt) is from today, the picture on the right is from two months ago. The sides of my face were very bad." —Bonaria Bustamante
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
Promising review: "I absolutely love hyaluronic acid and what it does for my skin! This product is great because it's not too watery; more on the gel-like side, which is perfect for application because it doesn't just run down your hand/fingers as you try and apply! I've used many different brands of hyaluronic acid, and this is one of my favorites! My skin is soft, acne scars reduced, wrinkles diminished! Very happy!" —J. L. Ward
Get it from Amazon for $15.
Promising review: "I am absolutely in love with this product. I have been using it for a few months now and it has lightened my acne scars tremendously and it's not too hydrating for people with oily, acne-prone skin. It also gives me a glow and women stop me all the time and ask me what I am using! LOL! I turned my friend into it and she loves it as much as I do. This product will be in my arsenal for years to come. I've also added their essence to my routine. I will try their moisturizer next." —T. Macon
Get it from Amazon for $16.99.
Promising review: "This suspension works miracles. I’m super pale, so redness and scarring are really apparent on my skin. This product helps tone down both, as well as prevent future breakouts from occurring. It doesn’t play well with makeup, so I only use it in the PM, or on days when I’m not wearing makeup at all. My only complaint is the silicone texture and slight scent that it has. The phenomenal results definitely outweigh that though." —KatrinaMG
Get it from Sephora for $7.90.
Promising review: "I swear by this product! I wish I would have found it sooner. Not only did it help with my acne and scarring it helped my overall skin texture." —Alyssa Alessandrini
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
Promising review: "Officially endorsing Tamanu Oil as my miracle skin cure. Top pic is five days ago, bottom pic is today. In the before pic you can literally see the red outline of eczema on the apple of my cheek and it was itching so bad it was waking me up at night. On the after pic it’s nearly gone, along with the acne spots/scars. Holy cow." —robert rizza
Get it from Amazon for $14.97.
Promising review: "I really like how retinol helps even out my skin tone and fade acne scars. So far I’m having great results. It also helps smooth out wrinkles. That takes a long time, but after several months, I definitely notice the fine lines around my eyes disappearing. You have to be patient and consistent to see results for wrinkles, but dark spots and scars start to fade within days. I am very happy to have discovered this product and will continue to purchase it." —Lou
Get it from Amazon for $10.40.
Promising review: "I can say one thing, I would not even hesitate! If you are thinking about buying this product, do it! I have been struggling with acne for almost two years now and after cleaning up my diet by eliminating dairy and all animal products my skin did clear up a ton! However, I would still get really bad, small flare-ups here and there and I had some scaring and discoloration left on my skin after having such bad cystic breakouts. I decided I needed to find some products to help with skin care. So I bought the Lavender Thayers Witch Hazel Toner, Dr. Bronner's Organic Lavender Castile Liquid Soap, and The Vanity Planet Spin for Clear Skin which was a total of about $75 with Amazon Prime. I can not stress enough how much all of these products have changed my skin but especial this one. I have tried numerous skin products, soaps, masks, EVERYTHING but this one is really the most amazing and has by far the fastest results." —Robin
Get it from Amazon for $8.31+ (available in three formulas).
Promising review: "I used this last night and I can tell you it's pretty good. I suffered from acne in my late teens/early twenties (yeh sucks!!) and I have pock marks, scars, pores, uneven texture...the lot!! I have been using a lot of products on my skin and it has started improving slowly but surely. I used this last night and... First, you can make one pack last three uses easily, it has a lot of product. The almond srub really did smooth my skin and my skin felt like baby's bum. The peel burnt veryyyy slightly and the mask comforted. Afterward, my skin felt VERY smooth. My pores appeared slightly reduced and it looked brighter overall but nothing compared to my skin the next morning. It was still smooth, my pores gone, (except next to my nose — these were slightly reduced) and my skin looked brighter. I have only used this once so far but loved it. Can't wait to use it again :)" —Tanyp
Get it from Sephora for $50.
Promising review: "This stuff is amazing!!! Rarely do you find something that does everything it claims but this did it. Brightening skin tone? Check. Improve texture? Check. Fade scars and hyperpigmentation? Check and check! And it's natural on top of all that. I apply this day and night." —Ruby Suby
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
Promising review: "I have lots of acne scars from previous acne, some are fresh from just a couple of weeks and some are from a couple of years. It has worked like magic on both the new and old scars. It won’t help with indentation, at least not within eight weeks. This is ideal for hyper-pigmentation. I use it in combination with MSM cream, the results are fantastic! Make sure not to apply too much, just a thin layer because the skin can become itchy and stiff, at least for me!" —Humberto L.
Get it from Amazon for $14.89.
Promising review: "A bit small but just a little goes a long way. I apply it three times a day. In the morning, after my afternoon shower, and before bed. Half a dime size portion in my palm and rubbed on my cleaned, dry face. Instantly I felt my skin tighten. Looking in the mirror, I can tell the difference before and after. It is almost as if I had applied some type of concealer. The imperfections on my face prior were now filled in and over a week's time, I saw my dark spots and other marks lighten and even disappear. The scent was light and pleasant. My skin was well hydrated for a few hours and I had a great glow." —KSM
Get it from Amazon for $15.99.
Promising review: "I am African American and had really bad acne scars. My skin is oily and acne-prone so I have to be selective with the products I use. I began using this product after the DDF fade gel was discontinued. I wish I had started with this because this product is that good. With time my very noticeable dark spots lightened up and blended with my natural tone. My spots were severe so I began using it all over my face and as the spots lightened, I used it as a spot treatment — just for the spots that took a little longer to fade. I have been using this product for a month and a half and my progress is insane. You have to use it the right way to see results and be CONSISTENT and DEDICATED. Only use for three months for skin health reason. You can do three months on, two off if needed." —shondanew
Promising review: "I have had deep acne scars for about 10 years and have tried every product out there trying to at least minimize their appearance. I have been using this vitamin C serum on my face and in two months they have disappeared completely. I wish I had taken before pictures to really show what a difference it made but it has been a miracle in my life. I can stop being self-conscious ALL SUMMER and no longer need a 30-minute skincare routine (scrubbing, exfoliating, lotions, potions, etc.). I have extremely sensitive skin and eczema, and have had no issues with this product. So happy!" —Karen Brereton
Get it from Amazon for $18.97.
Promising review: "I really cannot believe it actually works! I’ve tried so many products in the past that don’t do what they say they will, easily over 200 products for sure! I have lots of zit/acne scars (new to15 years old), surgery scars from traumas (about 5+ years old), and chicken pox scars (about 15+ years old). I was looking for something for these scars that would work on my sensitive skin and is also safe for pregnancy and nursing. I only use it one time a day and at the end of the month, I started to see a very noticeable change in my zits/acne scars! I could see very clearly that the texture of the acne scar dents are changing! It’s working! If it works for 15+-year-old acne scars in less than two months, I believe it would really improve the appearance of other bigger/surgical scars over time! I’m totally a believer of this cream now! So happy I gave it a try and kept trying when I had doubts. If you try it on your face, don’t put it too close to your eyes, it would cause really bad eye irritations! ❤️" —BabyLove
Get it from Amazon for $12.95.
Promising review: "I suffered from cystic acne most of my teen years and adult life and at 34, I finally figured out the right combination of medications (with the help of a dermatologist). Since my focus has always been on skincare products, and I research a lot, you can believe I’ve tried most products and brands. PMD did not disappoint. My scars are fading, my skin is brighter (never knew what that meant), softer, and most importantly, my texture has improved greatly. Scar indentations are not prominent anymore, but they were never too severe. Patience is key. I’ve also noticed that my hormonal/sun dark spots are lighter and now I use less concealer. It’s so easy to use and such a fast process. Just use it after your shower on a dry face and immediately slap on your favorite toner and moisturizer. The green discs are my go-to because they’re not too coarse, but coarse enough and they don’t irritate my skin. Just don’t use over acne. Go around it because it will irritate your skin further on an active breakout. Try it!" —strawberrieland
Get it from Nordstrom for $199.
Promising review: "I never write reviews on products but let me just say this soap CHANGED MY LIFE! I have struggled with acne ever since I was in middle school. (I'm 17 now.) I've been to so many dermatologists, all they did was prescribe me benzoyl peroxide, which did control it for a while but then stopped working. I've tried so many acne treatments that would work for a while and then stop! I've come to the point where I was so embarrassed by my skin I would cake on loads of foundation because there was nothing I could find that would actually clear up my skin! Until one day I came across African Black Soap. It said it was good for acne and all natural so I decided to give it a try and I'm happy I did! I've had this soap for almost two weeks and all I gotta say is that I'm very impressed! I can't wait to see what my skin will look like in a month. I use this soap morning and night and use a toner after each use." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $14.95.
Promising review: "I swear by this product. Very effective on discolored skin due to scarring. I had shingles on my face brought about by stress because we were moving. It ravaged the lower right side of my face and I was pretty sure it was going to leave hideous scarring. I bought this and started applying it when I started scabbing and still haven't stopped using it until now. I had my shingles in April and it's August now. Check the before and after pics. It works." —twitch
Get it from Amazon for $8.92+ (available in three sizes).
Promising review: "I recently purchased this soap and I have to say that I am loving it! I have been struggling with acne for 16 years and FINALLY, have found a cleanser that helps! My skin is softer, my acne has gone down in size and quantity, my pores look smaller, and it has reduced the redness caused by acne scars. I am in love with this soap and I am recommending it as often as I can! Great price and it seems like this product will last for a while. The only thing that took me a little bit to get used to is that it doesn't get super sudsy, which is nice now that I am used to it. Before and after pics included after four days of use." —K. McFadden
Get it from Amazon for $12.99.
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.