We may earn commission from the affiliate links on this page, but we only recommend products and services we love. We promise!
Let's be honest: Getting rid of pimples is only *half* the battle. The real struggle starts when you're left with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and post-inflammatory erythema (PIE), more commonly known as acne marks or dark spots. They take longer to remove than the actual acne itself, which can make the whole experience all the more frustrating.
READ MORE: Project Clear Skin: How To Get Rid Of Acne Marks And Fade Pigmentation For Good
The fastest and most effective way to fade dark spots is via dermatological treatments like laser therapy, but they can be quite pricey, especially if you need more than one session for darker acne marks. But before you splurge, know that there are skincare products you can try before you go all out. The best source? Reddit, ofc!
We scoured r/beautytalkph, a local subreddit boasting a huge community of Pinoy beauty junkies who are as enthusiastic about beauty as we are. In there, they post comprehensive breakdowns of their routines and share unbiased reviews of beauty products. In one particular thread, users shared the best skincare products they used to fade hyperpigmentation and trust that we *definitely* took notes. Here are the best ones we spotted (that we're immediately adding to cart, too):
Best Skincare Products For Fading Acne Marks, According To Reddit
Editor's note: Most of the listed products below contain active ingredients, which can cause irritation, especially if not used properly. We highly recommend consulting with a dermatologist before adding these, or any other products meant for fading dark spots, into your skincare routine.
1. Cos De BAHA Tranexamic 5% Serum with Niacinamide 5%
While niacinamide might be one of the more household names in the business of fading acne marks, tranexamic acid is a hugely underrated one. And when combined together, dark spots definitely don't stand a chance. This serum from the Korean brand Cos De BAHA combines these star ingredients to gently fade stubborn hyperpigmentation and melasma. It's so sulit!
Cos De BAHA Tranexamic 5% Serum with Niacinamide 5%, P441, Shopee
2. Garnier Bright Complete Vitamin C Serum
Many Redditors sing high praises about this relatively affordable Vitamin C serum from Garnier, and it's not hard to see why. It boasts having 30 times more Vitamin C, making it its most potent and concentrated formula yet. It promises to fade and lighten dark marks and acne spots in as fast as three (!) days.
Garnier Bright Complete Vitamin C Serum, P549, Shopee
3. Oxecure Blackhead Clearing BHA PHA Toner
Most actives can be harsh on the skin, but thankfully, there are still chemical exfoliants that are gentle enough to slough off dead skin cells without irritating your complexion. Case in point: This toner from Oxeceure has 2% betaine salicylate (a gentle form of BHA) that reduces blackheads and unclogs pores, and 4% PHA that provides gentle exfoliation.
Oxecure Blackhead Clearing BHA PHA Toner, P374, Shopee
4. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
This Internet-famous exfoliating solution from The Ordinary contains 7% glycolic acid that effectively targets uneven texture, dark spots, and dull skin. Its potent formula also contains aloe leaf water (to soothe irritated skin) and ginseng extract (to reduce signs of aging).
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, P895, Shopee
5. Klued 0.5% Retinol Serum
Retinol is one of those buzzy ingredients that you might come across once you begin your *serious* skincare journey. It can sound intimidating to use, especially because it requires a lot of caveats, but it can definitely help out your skin if you use it properly. It promotes new skin cell growth and evens out textured and uneven skin tone.
One of the important rules of using retinol is starting out with a small percentage to let your skin get used to it. This serum from Klued contains only 0.5% retinol, which is more than enough, especially if you're a beginner. P.S. Make sure that you let your previous skincare products absorb into your skin completely before applying the serum!
Klued 0.5% Retinol Serum, P349, Shopee
READ MORE: How To *Properly* Add Retinol To Your Skincare Routine
6. Biore Aqua Rich Watery Essence
Here's the truth: all the active ingredients you apply on your face won't work as effectively if you don't religiously apply sunscreen. We know we sound like a broken record here, but SPF is a very vital part of your skincare routine—especially if you want to fade your dark spots and acne marks. ICYDK: the UVA and UVB rays of the sun worsen pigmentation and delay the healing of your skin.
If you want a sunscreen that's lightweight while still giving you full protection from the sun, Redditors recommend this one from Biore. The Japanese don't mess around when it comes to sunscreen—which we can tell from their srsly flawless complexions—and this particular one gets rave reviews from the Internet for a reason. It's water-based, which means it feels like nothing once it's completely absorbed by your skin, plus it's sweat- and water-resistant. It also acts as a good base for your makeup!
Biore Aqua Rich Watery Essence, P552, Shopee
Links are updated regularly and as much as possible but note that products can run out of stock, discounts can expire, and listed prices can change without prior notice.
For more discounts and deals, check out Cosmopolitan Philippines' exclusive vouchers.
