I have acne and acne marks. What skincare can help me?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am an 18-year-old female struggling with acne for almost a year, along with post-acne marks that are not fading. I have been using a vitamin C serum for the past five months. Earlier, I used a Niacinamide serum for two months and later switched to a Salicylic acid serum.

While my acne is now under control, the marks remain. I also use a soap that contains Benzoyl Peroxide.

My birthday is next month, and I really wish to have clearer skin by then.

Please help me.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand how frustrating it can feel to deal with acne marks, especially when your birthday is coming up and you just want your skin to look clear and confident.

It is great that your acne is now under control; that is a big first step. The marks left behind, called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots), take a little longer to fade, but with the right care, you can see visible improvement within a few weeks.

A simple, gentle skincare routine you can follow is as follows:

In the morning:

Wash your face with a mild, non-drying cleanser (you can continue the benzoyl peroxide soap only once daily, preferably at night, to avoid dryness).
Apply a vitamin C serum (the same one you are using) to brighten marks and even skin tone.
Follow with a light, oil-free moisturizer to keep your skin barrier healthy.
Never skip sunscreen (SPF (sun protection factor) 30 or higher). It is the most important step for fading acne marks. Without it, marks get darker no matter what serum you use.

In the evening:

Cleanse your face again with a gentle cleanser.
Use Salicylic acid serum three to four times a week, only at night (on alternate days). This helps keep pores clear and gently exfoliates dark marks.
On nights you do not use Salicylic acid, you can use a Niacinamide serum to fade pigmentation and calm redness.
Follow with a light gel-based moisturizer to prevent dryness or irritation.

A few more tips that can help you are:

Avoid touching or picking your acne or acne marks.
Drink plenty of water and eat foods rich in vitamin A, C, and zinc (like carrots, citrus fruits, and nuts).
Sleep well because your skin repairs at night.
If marks still stay after six to eight weeks, a dermatologist can prescribe mild retinoids (like Adapalene or Tretinoin) that work faster to fade scars and smooth texture.

You are doing many things right already; now it is just about patience, consistency, and sun protection. With this routine, you should notice your marks lightening and your skin looking much clearer by your birthday.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.