Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum for acne marks

Which acne marks are you trying to fade?

Flat brown marks after a breakout are often post inflammatory hyperpigmentation: extra skin pigment left behind after inflammation. Flat pink or red marks are a different colour change, called post inflammatory erythema, linked to changes in tiny blood vessels during healing. Both differ from scars that change the skin's texture. Colour and texture need different treatment, even if skincare marketing prefers to give them one filing cabinet.2

What can TXA do for dark marks?

TXA means tranexamic acid. Applied to the skin, it can help accelerate the clearing of pigmentation left after inflammation. Its action involves reducing signals that encourage pigment production. The evidence for this use is promising but limited, so the benefit of this exact Anua serum remains uncertain. There is no confirmed product specific timetable for fading acne marks, and the percentages in its name do not tell you how quickly a mark will disappear.1

How should you build the routine?

Check Anua's current bottle directions for the amount, frequency and application order. A specific morning or evening schedule cannot be confirmed for this serum. Do not substitute another product's instructions simply because both bottles say serum.3

For dark marks, especially in darker skin tones, use tinted sunscreen containing iron oxide, with SPF 30 or higher, broad spectrum protection and water resistance. Iron oxide helps protect against visible light, which can contribute to dark spots. Apply sunscreen before going outside, then reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating. Choose a formula that will not clog pores if your skin is oily. A dark spot serum belongs alongside sunscreen, even if the serum has the more elaborate name.4

What if you still have breakouts?

Treat ongoing acne as well as the marks. Pigmentation can develop even after mild acne without obvious significant inflammation, so a small breakout can still leave a persistent mark. Effective acne treatment helps stop the trigger for new pigmentation; a fading serum alone is not that treatment.45

Azelaic acid is an alternative that treats acne and can fade the dark spots left afterwards. Adapalene helps clear blackheads, whiteheads and pimples. Retinol also helps prevent clogged pores, but can cause dryness, redness and peeling. Rather than adding several treatments together, choose one acne treatment and use it as directed for 6 to 8 weeks before adding another. Ask your dermatologist how to fit the serum around any prescription acne treatment.346

How long do acne marks take to fade?

Once the cause is controlled, a spot a few shades darker than your usual skin colour generally fades within 6 to 12 months. Deeper pigmentation can take years. Treatment can speed fading, but those are natural fading times, not an Anua results promise. Pitted and raised scars are usually permanent, although targeted treatment can improve their appearance.24

When should you stop or get help?

• Stop a product that burns or stings. Irritation itself can cause dark spots, particularly in darker skin tones.
• See a dermatologist for deep, painful pimples, acne that leaves scars, or persistent marks despite treatment.
• If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, consult a dermatologist before treating acne yourself. Pregnancy safety for this exact serum is not confirmed.