I have acne and skin darkening. What skincare can help me?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am having acne on the side of my face, and it is getting worse now. After I used flax gel on my face, it made my skin darker in that area.

I used niacinamide 12 % serum; it works well for the rest of my face, but the pimples keep coming on the sides.

I have been trying different products just to clear my face of acne. I have tried so many things, but nothing works properly.

I had a good routine with 12 % niacinamide serum, centella, and niacinamide moisturizer, and kojic and kesar sunscreen. But recently, I tried the rice water toner, and since then, the pimples on the side of my face have started.

Before that, I was using flaxseed gel. For some time, it was fine, but I started noticing darkening on one side of my face where I had pimples.

So I stopped using it, although it gave me a good glow for the rest of my face. I do not know what I am doing wrong.

I have never been to a dermatologist before, so I do not know exactly. But yes, I have had pimples since I was in high school.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

As you have described, you have acne mainly on the sides of your face, which worsened after trying a few new products.

You have been consistent with a good skincare routine, using niacinamide serum, centella, and niacinamide moisturizer, and sunscreen, but noticed that when you added rice water toner, new pimples started appearing.

Earlier, flaxseed gel also caused some darkening on one side of your face. This is quite common: acne-prone skin can react differently to certain ingredients, and frequent product changes or layering too many actives can irritate the skin barrier, leading to fresh breakouts.

From a medical perspective, the main goal is to keep your routine simple, consistent, and acne-friendly. According to your current routine, niacinamide is helpful for oil control and calming inflammation, but 12 % is on the higher side. Even five to 10 % is usually effective and less irritating.

So I suggest the following treatment for you:

Salicylic acid (one to two percent) as a face wash or serum to unclog pores.
Adapalene or Tretinoin (night cream or gel, prescription only) to control breakouts and prevent marks.
Benzoyl Peroxide (2.5 to 5 %) as a spot treatment.
For skin darkening (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), use gentle actives such as niacinamide (five to 10 %), Azelaic acid, or dermatologist-prescribed creams that work best.
Avoid home remedies like flax gel or rice water; they are not standardized and often worsen pigmentation.

Also, follow the suggestions below to prevent acne-

Stop using rice water toner and flax gel since they triggered reactions.
Stick to a simple routine like using a mild cleanser, light non-comedogenic moisturizer, and sunscreen every morning.
Add only one targeted acne treatment (Salicylic acid wash, Adapalene or Tretinoin at night, or Benzoyl peroxide spot treatment), ideally under dermatologist supervision.
Avoid switching products frequently. Give any new routine at least six to eight weeks to show effect.

If acne continues to flare, consult a dermatologist; sometimes oral medicines (antibiotics, hormonal therapy, or Isotretinoin) are needed.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

I have acne and skin darkening. What skincare can help me?

Acne and Skin Darkening Skincare Companion