Acne marks and dark spots often fade slowly, but harsh scrubs and strong DIY acids can actually make things worse—especially on darker skin tones.
Gentler, steady methods work better long-term. Daily sunscreen is essential; UV exposure makes pigmentation darker and more stubborn. Without sun protection, even the best creams won’t show their full effect.
Ingredients that may help fade marks over time include niacinamide, azelaic acid, vitamin C, liquorice extract and some dermatologist-prescribed creams. Start with one or two, not everything at once, and patch-test.
Avoid constant picking, squeezing or scratching pimples—that’s a fast way to turn a small pimple into a big dark mark or even a scar.
Physical scrubs with large, rough particles can irritate and trigger more inflammation. Chemical exfoliants (like AHAs/BHAs) can help when used correctly, but overuse burns the barrier and worsens pigmentation. If you’re unsure, ask a dermatologist for a simple plan.
For very deep or old marks, in-clinic treatments like peels, microneedling or lasers may help—but those should always be chosen and adjusted by a skin specialist for your skin type.
Patience is underrated. Pigmentation didn’t form in one day; it won’t leave in one day either.