As someone with dry, acne-prone skin, I know first hand how frustrating it can be to deal with both breakouts and the lingering dark spots they leave behind.

For people with brown skin tones or any amount of melanin in their skin, post-acne marks are not just stubborn, they are relentless.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or in short, PIH (those annoying marks that seem to stick around forever after a pimple heals) can be so tricky to deal with.

They can look like deep red/purple or brown spots that make my skin tone look ‘muddy’ or ashy and personally, it gives my confidence a huge hit.

My PIH can take months to fade away, and as a result I’m constantly trying to find products that can fade them faster, without any further damage in the process.

My Approach to Brown Skin

PIH is my main skin concern, alongside the odd blemish. The reason why I have post-acne marks is because I’m acne prone and get blemishes (duh).

No acne = No PIH.

But not everyone is God’s favourite, am I right?

That is why my first line of action is to manage breakouts. From my experience, during times when I’m breaking out less, my focus shifts on fading my PIH.

Almost instantly, my overall complexion improves, my acne marks look lighter, and my skin looks ‘fresh’ instead of muddy.

Once you do get on top of your acne breakouts, you can devise a routine that keeps future acne at bay, all while fading your current PIH.

If you try doing both together (you can, of course, if your skin allows you) but for me that is a risky business- you might be in the same boat if your skin leans more dry or sensitive.

I don’t want to overload my skin which might do more harm than good.

A Quick Side Note

I know this can be a draining process. I’ve been there.

You may feel defeated, your confidence might hit an all-time low, and sometimes, you just can’t be consistent because…life happens.

Please know that you are not alone in this.

Currently, my skin is super angry with me because life and I have been neglecting it and yes, it will take time, but I’ll make it up to her.

If I don’t show up for myself who will? That’s how I motivated myself to get back on track.

My PM Routine

My current night time routine to fade post acne marks is a combination of products that soothe, calm, hydrate, and target all at the same time.

Double Cleansing

As someone with acne-prone skin, double cleansing has been a game-changer for me.

Our skin tends to get more congested, so if you’re not cleansing properly, dirt, makeup, and SPF can build up, clog pores, and trigger more breakouts.

Double cleansing ensures you’re giving your skin a deeper clean, helping to prevent those dreaded flare-ups by removing all the grime before it has a chance to cause trouble.

First Cleanse: Saponins Cream Cleanser by SACHI States of Skin, $67AUD

Saponins Cream Cleanser by SACHI States of Skin, $67AUD

My holy grail cream cleanser! I usually find cream cleansers super boring, and personally from so many I’ve used in the past, none of them had a wow-factor to them.

However, when I used this, my mind changed quickly.

It has become my go-to for wiping away the day—makeup, grime, SPF, everything—without stripping my skin.

Quick notes:

It’s rich, smooth, and packed with Ayurvedic goodness that soothes and calms.
Perfect for my skin that’s usually very dry and currently, super reactive/angry.
It doesn’t just cleanse; it restores balance, bringing my skin back to life by strengthening its natural barrier, which eventually makes my complexion look clearer.
It leaves my skin glowing, which I never expect from a cream cleanser—but this one delivers.
Chills out my angry skin which eventually makes my complexion look clearer.
It doesn’t leave a residue at all!
I do this step for at least a minute, making sure that I’ve covered all the curves and corners of my face and neck before washing it off.

2. Second Cleanse: Acne Control Wash by Dermal Therapy, $16.99

Acne Control Wash by Dermal Therapy, $12.99

The Dermal Therapy Acne Control Wash has been a constant in my routine.

It’s a super gentle one that doesn’t strip my skin, and I’m glad it’s free from harsh actives like salicylic acid, peroxides, bleach, and oils because God knows how fragile my skin gets when it’s angry.

Quick notes:

It supports my skin’s natural microbiome, meaning – it doesn’t wash away the good bacteria that should be there on my skin.
Even though it's a bit foamy, it never leaves my skin feeling tight or dry.
I like to leave it on for a minute before rinsing to really let it work on my acne.
I'm already on my second bottle. whether I’m breaking out or not, it helps keep my skin clear and prevents future breakouts.

3. Soothing Rose Toner By BABOR, $82

After cleansing, I always follow up with a toner to soothe and calm my irritated skin.

Why? Because acne heals much better and faster when your skin is calm.

When your skin is freaking out, it’s all about damage control, not adding to the problem. Keeping things gentle and soothing is key!

Quick notes:

This alcohol-free toner is perfect for all skin types, even sensitive ones, and smells amazing thanks to its rose infusion.

With Damascus rose extract, it soothes and moisturises while helping to firm and smooth my skin.
It’s packed with antioxidants that promote cell regeneration and calm redness and irritation which is exactly what my acne-prone skin needs.
The rose boosts collagen and elastin for a firmer look, while Moringa seed extract helps reduce fine lines and enhances overall skin appearance.

4. Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum By Caudalie, $113

Where do I even start with this one? This milky serum has been a staple on my skincare shelf for the past three years, and I use it religiously!

It absorbs beautifully into the skin, which I love. While many swear by Vitamin C for fading dark spots, it unfortunately breaks me out like crazy.

After trying countless serums, I always find myself coming back to this one—not just because it helps fade my dark spots, but because it’s so gentle that I can use it on my retinol and exfoliant days without any issues.

I do have stronger serums for tackling post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, but when my skin is acting up and I need to prevent excess tyrosinase formation*, this serum is my go-to.

Quick notes:

The hero ingredient, Viniferine, targets all types of dark spots.
Olive squalene keeps my skin deeply hydrated.
I apply it every night, and as a bonus, I love using it as a primer under my makeup for that extra nourishment.
*Tyrosinase is a group of enzymes that contributes to your skin's pigmentation process.

5. Rebound Serum by TBH Skincare, $49.95

This has been my skin’s go-to for a good barrier support and an all-in-one serum, especially when it’s feeling angry or irritated.

Like I mentioned before, It’s all about supporting the skin barrier and calming things down.

What I love is that it works for all states that my skin can be in, so no matter how my skin is acting, it fits right in.

Quick notes:

The formula is packed with barrier-boosting ceramides, hydrating powerhouses like Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid, and calming ingredients like Niacinamide and Panthenol—all in the perfect balance.
Oat Extract, Centella, and Green Tea, helps reduce redness, smooths texture, and gives my skin a layer of protection from daily stressors.
I stock it up during Priceline sales or when it’s half-price at Coles!

6. Vinoperfect Brightening Eye Cream by Caudalie, $73

Gotta keep that eye area smooth, moisturised, and brightened.

I adore this eye cream because not only does it hydrate and brighten – thanks to Caudalie’s concoction of Viniferine, niacinamide, and caffeine – but it also has a very cool ceramic tip that really makes my eyes feel refreshed and awake.

It’s like an instant pick-me-up for tired eyes. A little goes a long way with this one!

7. Deep Hydration Moisture Cream by La Clinica, $75 AUD

The Deep Hydration Moisture Cream is my go-to when I need to fortify my skin barrier, especially when my skin is acting angry!

It’s buttery, rich, and loaded with a triple moisturising system that hydrates and nourishes deeply making it a great choice for colder months as well.

With a cocktail of ingredients such as Niacinamide and Ceramides it leaves my skin feeling fuller, smoother, and more supple.

It’s been a huge help for reducing redness, and stopping flakiness in its tracks.

8. Spot Treatments & Targeted Products

Acne Hack Spot Treatment by TBH Skincare, $29 From Adore Beauty

I really feel like this is a witchcraft product, it has some magical potion in this that quite literally shrinks my acne’s healing time into half!

Whether it’s a cyst erupting or a dirt-filled pimple (pimple papules) – using this as a spot treatment makes a huge difference in the size of the cyst as well as dries out my gunk-filled pimples fast!

I use it almost every time I’m going through breakouts on my skin, and this really allows my active acne to recover faster.

Once the acne is no longer active, I can simply focus on treating the spot it leaves behind, but sometimes, the entire process of acne showing up, being ‘active’, and then draining, can take weeks.

This spot treatment cuts that time short and allows me to treat my post acne marks faster!

Or, I use:

Finacea Acne Gel 15%, $30 From Chemist Direct

Recently, I started using azelaic acid to manage my acne and tackle pigmentation, and I’m loving the results so far!

I’ve been using it as a spot treatment on areas with acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), and my skin has been handling it really well.

I was a bit hesitant at first because many azelaic acid creams I’ve tried tend to have a grainy texture and pile up on my skin.

But Finacea has a smooth, silky consistency that absorbs beautifully without any pilling.

Quick notes:

I’ve noticed a big reduction in redness when my skin is irritated, and my acne recovers so much better with this in my routine.
I use it 4-5 times a week, right after my moisturiser, and by morning, my skin tone looks noticeably clearer and calmer.
Just a heads-up with actives like this—start slow and increase the frequency as your skin adjusts!

Summing up

My battle with dark spots, pigmentation, acne feels like a lifelong journey.

I am constantly on the hunt for the next best products for my skin, so if you relate to my journey, or if that sounds like something you’d be interested in, follow me on IG for more beauty finds, my handle is @That.brown.skin.

See you in an another article, soon x

My PM Routine For Fading Post-Acne Marks on Brown Skin

My Approach to Brown Skin

A Quick Side Note

My PM Routine

Double Cleansing

First Cleanse: Saponins Cream Cleanser by SACHI States of Skin, $67AUD