Hello. Thanks for writing to us at healthcaremagic Your concerns are acne and post acne hyperpigmentation (PIH), which is common complication of acne in skin of color. Treatment of acne requires patience as it is often long term. Treatment of acne mainly revolves around topical antibacterials like clindamycin, nadifloxacin; topical benzoyl peroxide; topical retinoids. Topical antibacterials and benzoyl peroxide are antiinflammatory and benzoyl peroxide is keratolytic as well. Topical retinoids are comedolytic in action. Cleansing should be gentle cleanser and should not leave your skin feeling dry. Oral antibacterials e.g Azithromycin Or Doxycycline may be started in your case since you seem to have inflammatory acne. Oral retinoids are also an option for moderately severe to severe grade acne Or acne resistant to traditional antiacne medicines Or acne associated with significant scaring. When you visit your dermatologist, your doctor will be able to assess the severity of your acne and guide you accordingly. You may also opt for a few sessions of chemical peeling from your treating dermatologist. Salicylic acid peel is particularly good for acne. Apart from treating active acne with topical and oral medication there are various creams that you may use to lighten the spots/PIH. If I was the treating doctor I would have asked you to use a cream containing one or more of the following ingredients like Azaleic acid, kogic acid, hydroquinone, tretinoin, glycolic acid etc. These ingredients, particularly azaleic acid, kojic acid and hydroquinone are potent inhibitors of new melanin synthesis and therefore help with PIH. Glycolic acid and Tretinoin on the other hand, help in PIH by exfoliating already existing pigment. I would suggest that you visit a dermatologist for an assessment of the severity of your problem and appropriate treatment. Regards