The Ordinary Niacinamide vs Anua Niacinamide + TXA for acne marks

Are your marks brown, red or textured?

Flat tan, brown or dark marks are post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, meaning extra pigment left after inflammation. These are the marks Anua's niacinamide and tranexamic acid combination targets. Red or pink marks are a different concern, for which azelaic acid is a more direct fit. Dents and raised scars usually need professional treatments rather than a brightening serum. Choose by colour and texture, because 'acne marks' is doing several jobs under one name.3

What is different between the formulas?

Both contain 10% niacinamide, so Anua is not a higher strength niacinamide option. Its distinction is the combination with tranexamic acid and arbutin. Anua is the more direct choice when breakouts have mostly settled but brown marks remain. The Ordinary is the budget option at USD 6, so the cheaper bottle has not misunderstood the assignment.234

How should you start using Anua?

1. 1Patch test first if your skin is very sensitive. Apply behind the ear or along the jaw and wait 24 hours before using it across your face.
2. 2Cleanse gently. Use your fingertips rather than scrubbing with a washcloth or other tool.
3. 3Apply a few drops to affected areas and gently pat in. Start every other night for the first week, then move to daily use if your skin stays comfortable.
4. 4Apply moisturizer after the serum. Anua's full directions allow morning and night use before moisturizer; you do not need to begin at that frequency.
5. 5Finish your morning routine with sunscreen. Anua specifies SPF 30 or higher during the day.

High concentration niacinamide can be too much for some sensitive skin. If you already use a retinoid, exfoliating acid or acne medication, introduce the brightening step gradually rather than adding several strong products together. Reduce frequency for tightness or flaking. Stop using a product that burns or stings: irritation can itself cause dark marks, particularly in darker skin tones.16

How long should you give acne marks?

With Anua, visible brightening can begin around 4 to 6 weeks; assess brown mark fading over about 8 to 12 weeks. Early brightening is not the same as complete clearance. Once the cause has stopped, superficial dark spots can take 6 to 12 months to fade naturally, while deeper pigment can take years. Compare photos in the same light, rather than letting the bathroom lighting chair the review. Look for less intense colour and softer spot edges.136

What matters beyond the serum?

For dark marks in darker skin tones, choose tinted sunscreen containing iron oxide, with broad spectrum protection, water resistance and SPF 30 or higher. Iron oxide also protects against visible light, which can contribute to dark spots. Reapply sunscreen every two hours outdoors and after swimming or sweating. Keep treating active acne and avoid picking: picking increases the risk of scars and dark marks. If breakouts persist or dark spot treatment is not delivering the results you want, see a dermatologist for treatment options.56