The 15 Most Effective Acne Scar Treatments Dermatologists Swear By

At the risk of upsetting dermatologists everywhere, any time a pimple appears on my face, I pop it. Does it feel good? Absolutely. Is it good for me? No, and I know this because picking at those pesky little breakouts usually leads to acne scars that take forever to disappear. Why?

“As acne lesions clear, they often leave behind dark spots as a result of inflammation, which promotes increased pigment production, explains Dr. Joshua Zeichner, Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital. "These dark spots can last for several months and are often more bothersome than the acne itself."

Hope is not lost, especially when there's a barrage of dermatologist-endorsed cleansers, serums, and treatments that reduce the appearance of scars and brighten your complexion over time. But the best way to get rid of acne scars? Eliminating acne, full stop. "The number one way to prevent acne scars is to prevent acne from forming in the first place,” Dr. Dennis Gross, M.D. and creator of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare explains. “The acne you are seeing today actually began two weeks ago below the skin’s surface."

Ahead, ELLE.com polled a few skincare experts to figure out what products help to treat and prevent acne scars. And remember, just say no to picking and popping.