The 8 Best Night Creams To Reduce Acne Scars

Unfortunately, you can’t heal acne scars overnight. They take resurfacing, brightening, hydration, and guess what - a whole lot of patience. 

Our skin works wonders when we sleep, and this is really the time when we want our potent products to be working a treat.

One of the best ways to get rid of acne scars overnight is with an advanced night cream that works to provide different benefits. 

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Some of these top creams for acne scars help to break down dark spots and hyperpigmentation by exfoliating the skin, other acne scar removal creams also help to reduce the occurrence of redness and acne altogether. 

So, my job now is to really break down how to reduce acne scars overnight with the help of the best creams for acne scars and dark spots that Adore Beauty has. 

I’ll take you through how these different formulas and ingredients really work to target acne scars, as well as how they’re recommended to be used. 

Use Glycolic acid to gently resurface the skin

This weightless acne scar resurfacing cream is suitable for all skin types, and is packed with other treatment ingredients which compliment it’s exfoliating properties. White tea is an antioxidant, which protects from free radicals that damage the skin, while Lemon Verbena is an anti-inflammatory that soothes redness. This cream calms the skin and smoothes texture. It can also be used in your A.M. routine when followed by SPF.

Use Glycolic acid to gently resurface the skin

The asap anti-ageing night cream uses Glycolic acid to renew and resurface the skin overnight. Glycolic acid and other AHA’s are a dream for acne scars and pigmentation because they work to break down dead skin cells on the surface of the skin and reveal a brighter and clearer complexion. We also like to recommend a Glycolic acid cream for acne scars because they help reduce congestion that may lead to further breakouts.


Improve cell turnover with a Retinol cream
Improve cell turnover with a Retinol cream

This powerful Vitamin A cream for acne scars works diligently overnight to diminish roughness, texture as well as fine lines and wrinkles. Added peptide-rich Red Algae Extracts support the skin with soothing and hydrating benefits.

The Murad Resurgence Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream 50ml uses a Retinol Tri-active Technology to transform the skin and target hyperpigmentation, texture and acne scars. Retinol is an ideal ingredient for treating acne scars because it speeds up cell renewal to help unclog pores. It also promotes collagen and elastin production, which can help the skin’s healing process. Use this cream only at night and follow up with SPF the next day, as retinol can sensitize the skin to sun damage.


Many people turn to this product when they are looking for a cream that is skin tightening for acne scars. Because of the inclusion of Collagen in it’s formula, it is extremely firming and plumping, making it an ideal wrinkle cream for acne scars. You don’t have to use this product often, and it works best when you use it twice a week after cleansing.

The Alpha-H Beauty Sleep Power Peel combines Glycolic acid and Retinol in low amounts to provide the renewing benefits of both, without burning off your face. This powerful cocktail of ingredients is presented in a nourishing moisturiser, which boosts moisture levels in the skin and helps to prevent moisture loss. This is one of the best creams to clear acne scars as it works to exfoliate, brighten and really repair the skin.


Brighten and smooth the skin with Vitamin C
Brighten and smooth the skin with Vitamin C

This hyperpigmentation acne scar cream is dermatologist tested and helped by the inclusion of White Birch Extract to improve the skin’s clarity. Packed with amino acids, White Birch Extract hydrates, reduces inflammation and purifies the skin. This helps reduce congestion in the long run, making it a beneficial acne fighting cream. This can be used during the day before sunscreen, or overnight for a more intensive treatment.

The Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Brightening & Smoothing Moisture Treatment 50ml uses a combination of Glycolic acid and Vitamin C to improve skin tone and discolouration. We know Glycolic acid is an expert exfoliant, but when combined with Vitamin C, the skin is boosted and brightened. Vitamin C is excellent for fading dark spots and helping with wound healing making this an ideal acne scar lightening cream.


This formula works to restructure the skin and boosts hydration to plump the complexion. Squalene hydrates and defends the skin, while Lanolin helps to maintain your moisture barrier. While this acts best as a night cream it can be used in the day under sun protection, for a supple, lifted base.

Like many of the choices on this list, the Beauté Pacifique Créme Mètamorphique Night Cream harnesses the power of Vitamin A (or Retinol) in this rich, luxe cream. While this luscious cream really focuses on lifting and firming skin tone, the inclusion of Retinol also helps to clear the skin and promote cell turnover. This is one of the best skin creams for acne scars that are making a stubborn appearance on dry, mature skin types.


We love the lightweight consistency of this La Roche Posay acne scar cream, and it’s ability to suit all skin types. While improving texture and tone, this formula also targets the appearance of wrinkles creating healthier looking skin. Perfect for both day and night, this is a great all rounder that can be used as frequently in your routine as you like.

Some of the best acnes scar removal creams for our faces are ones that simply hydrate. The La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Anti-Ageing Moisturiser is a perfect example of a moisturiser that uses hydration to help heal the skin. Hyaluronic acid and Vitamin B5 work to repair and rejuvenate the moisture barrier, facilitating skin repair and elasticity. This formula also helps to reduce redness in the skin.


This emollient cream can be used twice daily, and is boosted by the natural ingredients it boasts. For instance, Carrot oil is a powerhouse multivitamin that contains the benefits of Vitamin B, C, D and E. Frankincense oil then works to help minimise breakouts and flare ups, reducing the potential for scarring down the track.

The Sodashi Nourishing Repair Treatment uses potent natural actives to help repair, brighten and soften the skin. Ingredients like Cantella and Rosehip oil make this formula one of the best face creams for acne scars because of their reparative properties. After using this cream the skin is hydrated and protected.


The all rounder topical cream for acne scars
The all rounder topical cream for acne scars

When it comes to acne scars, this cream works to visibly improve texture and fights against degradation. The inclusion of their Pollushield™ Technology really helps to fight against environmental damage and moisture loss. Use 2-3 pumps on your face, neck and chest for optimal results.

What is a good acne scar cream that combines all these ingredients? That would be the Alpha-H Multivitamin Super Cream. This powerful night cream hits a home run with concentrated amounts of Vitamin A, B, C and E that all work harmoniously together. So, you have all of your brightening, exfoliating, purifying and hydrating elements in one place.





Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.





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