How to Fade Acne Marks (PIH) on Sensitive, Acne-Prone Skin

Breakouts Happen: The Smart Post-Breakout Routine

Treating blemishes too early—or too aggressively—can worsen redness and leave post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). This dermatologist-informed, barrier-first plan respects sensitive skin biology so you can fade acne marks faster with less irritation: calm → clear → fade → protect.

Stage 1 — If It’s Red and Raised, Don’t Fade It Yet

Active, swollen breakouts = inflammation. Brighteners at this stage can backfire and deepen PIE/PIH.

Use calming + barrier support:

• Azelaic pathway support to reduce redness without over-drying.

• Neuro-soothers/peptides to relieve stinging and visible flush.

• Osmolytes like Ectoin for stress-shielding and recovery.

• NMFs (e.g., Sodium PCA, Urea, Panthenol) to stabilise the barrier.

• A gentle cleanser after workouts to curb sweat/bacteria—gentle for sensitive, acne-prone skin. 
  

NAYA picks:

• Gentle cleanse: Gentle Bliss

• Hydrate/soothe: Aura Hydrating Essence

• Redness care: NeuroCalm™ Serum (peptides + azelaic-pathway support) -> Coming soon!

Goal: Calm first. Support the microbiome and barrier repair before any fading step.

Stage 2 — When It’s Flattening: Gentle Exfoliation

Introduce gentle exfoliation 2–3×/week to keep pores clear and smooth texture—no gritty scrubs or daily high-strength peels.

Great for sensitive skin: mandelic acid, lactic acid, or PHA layered over hydration, then sealed with a light moisturiser.

NAYA way: Aura Hydrating Essence → your gentle acid night → Everyday Day Cream (PM as needed).

Stage 3 — After the Pimple: Now You Fade the Dark Spot (PIH)

Once flat, address acne dark spots with slow-and-steady brighteners:

• Alpha arbutin + tranexamic acid to target excess melanin.

• Niacinamide to even tone and support the barrier.

• Retinoids (night-only) for uniform turnover (avoid if pregnant/nursing).

NAYA pick: Hydration sandwich with Aura → Retinol Oil Serum (PM) → light calming cream if needed.

PIE vs PIH: Pink/red PIE = focus on calming + SPF. Brown PIH = add brighteners + retinoid + SPF.

 

Stage 4 — Never Skip SPF (or the Spots Will Stay)

UV exposure cements hyperpigmentation. Daily broad-spectrum SPF 50—ideally non-comedogenic and fragrance-free—is non-negotiable to fade acne marks.

NAYA pick: Sun Cream SPF 50 — lightweight, easy to reapply for oily or acne-prone skin. Reapply every ~2 hours outdoors or after sweating/swimming.

 

The NAYA Post-Breakout Routine (Simple + Effective)

AM

1. Cleansing Oil

2. Aura Hydrating Essence

3. NeuroCalm™ Serum (red areas)

4. Everyday Day Cream

5. Sun Cream SPF 50 (last step; reapply)

 

PM (non-exfoliation)

Cleanser → Aura → Retinol Oil Serum → light moisturiser

PM (exfoliation, 2–3×/week)

Cleanser → gentle AHA/PHA (mandelic/lactic/PHA) → Aura → moisturiser

 

Bonus: Scar-Smart Habits

Hands off (no picking) • Flip pillow tonight, change tomorrow • Clean phone daily • Post-workout cleanse or hydration mask • Keep skin well-hydrated to speed repair

 

FAQs 

How do I fade acne marks (PIH) on sensitive skin?

Calm inflammation first, then rotate alpha arbutin, tranexamic acid, and niacinamide, plus SPF 50 daily. Add a gentle retinoid at night if tolerated.

What’s the difference between PIE and PIH?

PIE are red/pink vascular marks—prioritise calming + SPF. PIH are brown pigment marks—use brighteners + retinoid + SPF.

Which exfoliant is best for acne-prone, sensitive skin?

Mandelic or lactic acid (or PHA) 2–3×/week. Avoid harsh scrubs and daily strong peels.

Best sunscreen for hyperpigmentation and acne-prone skin?

A lightweight, non-comedogenic SPF 50 that layers well for re-application—like NAYA Sun Cream SPF 50.

 

The Takeaway

Healing smarter means right actives at the right time:

• Calm the flare.

• Clear gently.

• Fade with patience.

• Protect daily.

Your post-breakout routine doesn’t need 12 steps—just a sequence that respects your skin’s biology.

Build Your Personal Plan

Not sure where you are in the post-breakout routine cycle? Take our Skin Quiz and we’ll tailor a German dermocosmetic routine that respects your barrier and gently fades acne dark spots.