For half a year, with the recommendation of a dermatologist, I started using tretinoin gel (zalna gel, if you know). My acne skin has really improved. Now I'm using the products I'll list below and my skin is basically fine. My pimples don't recur so often anymore, but it bothers me that I have red acne on my cheeks, and here and there also spots like a hyperpigmentation and scars.

Vitamin C and azelaic acid can be effective options for addressing hyperpigmentation and acne scars. However, when adding these products to your routine, it's important to introduce them gradually and use them correctly to avoid potential irritation or adverse reactions. Steps ✨ 1. Start with Vitamin C: Begin by adding the Vitamin C serum to your routine once a week, in the morning, after cleansing and before applying your sunscreen. After a week or two, increase to twice a week, and gradually work your way up to using it every morning. 2. Apply Azelaic Acid in the evening: Azelaic acid can be used in the evening after cleansing and before moisturizing. Start by using it once a week, and gradually work your way up to using it every other night. Be sure to apply it only to the areas where you have hyperpigmentation and avoid applying it around the eyes and mouth. 3. Consider adjusting the frequency of your retinol: Since you're using a retinol serum, it's important to be cautious when introducing new active ingredients. You may want to decrease the frequency of your retinol use when first introducing Vitamin C and Azelaic Acid to your routine. For example, if you're using your retinol serum every night, you may want to decrease it to every other night for the first few weeks. It's always a good idea to check with your dermatologist before introducing new products to your skincare routine.

Hi Wendy, glad to hear that you got improvements. Did the red acne start after stopping the retinoid gel? Why didn’t you continue to use it until the skin was clear? I would get to the root of the problem? is the red acne coming form hormonal disrupters? certain foods? or certain products? Secondly, for hyperpigmentation Vit C and retinoids further and chemical exfoliating. Increase the concentration slowly of vit C, 20% worked best for me. Good luck!

I see you already use retinol which is supposed to help, and someone already recommended Vitamin C. To my knowledge, AHA's also help (specifically lactic and glycolic acids) , BHA (salicylic acid), niacinamide, and licorice.