You'll see surface lightening within the first 2-4 weeks as Vitamin C + Arbutin begin working on visible marks. Weeks 6-8 bring deeper fading as Niacinamide + TXA shut down pigment production. Complete clearance happens by week 12 when Retinol + Peptides purge embedded pigment. Most customers see their best results when they complete the full 12-week protocol.

Yes. The 3-Layer Intercept Protocol™ works on both fresh and old post-acne hyperpigmentation. Dark marks from years ago are simply deeply embedded pigment—which is exactly what Layer 3 (Retinol + Peptides) targets through accelerated cell turnover. Older marks may take closer to the full 12 weeks, but customers consistently see significant fading even on scars they've had for 5+ years.

Yes. Unlike harsh acid peels or aggressive treatments, our formula combines clinical-strength actives with earth-based calming ingredients (Sophora Flavescens, Camellia, Jojoba). The 10% Niacinamide and 4% TXA are non-irritating actives known for being gentle. Retinol is included at an effective but tolerable concentration. Most sensitive skin customers report no burning, peeling, or redness. Start with once-daily application and increase to twice daily as tolerated.

Absolutely. The 3-Layer Intercept Protocol™ works on all skin tones because it targets the melanin production process itself, not just surface pigmentation. In fact, Tranexamic Acid is particularly effective for melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in medium to deep skin tones. We've seen successful results across the full spectrum of skin tones from fair to deep.

Most serums only work on ONE skin layer—the surface. They fade you to 60%, then plateau. Our formula attacks pigmentation at ALL THREE depths simultaneously: surface lightening (Vitamin C + Arbutin), deep melanocyte shutdown (Niacinamide + TXA), and embedded pigment purging (Retinol + Peptides). That's why marks that stalled at partial fading with other products reach complete clearance by week 12 with ours.

Yes, but with guidelines.

Morning: Apply the serum on clean skin, wait 60 seconds, then follow with moisturizer and SPF (SPF is non-negotiable—retinol and active brightening ingredients increase sun sensitivity).

Evening: Apply on clean skin, wait 60 seconds, then follow with your regular night cream. Avoid using other retinol products, vitamin C serums, or exfoliating acids simultaneously to prevent over-exfoliation. When in doubt, keep your routine simple: cleanser, our serum, moisturizer, SPF.

Use the serum consistently for 12 weeks. If your acne scars haven't visibly faded, contact us for a full refund... no questions asked.

Keep all the products. We still refund you. Why? Because we've seen the results when customers complete all 3 layers of the protocol. The guarantee only applies to the 3-bottle (12-week supply) purchase, as that's the minimum time needed to complete the full fade.

Our serum excels at fading dark marks and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. For textured/indented scars (ice pick, rolling, boxcar), you'll see improvement in overall skin appearance and the marks will appear less noticeable due to better tone and texture, but deep indentations typically require professional treatments like microneedling or laser. That said, many customers report their textured scars look significantly better after 12 weeks because the even skin tone makes texture less prominent.

We highly recommend it. Each bottle covers 4 weeks = 1 complete layer of the protocol. If you stop at 4-6 weeks, you've lightened the surface and shut down new pigment production, but you haven't purged the old embedded pigment in Layer 3. Your marks will stay partially faded.

The 3-bottle bundle also qualifies for our 12-week guarantee, while single bottles do not. Most customers who see complete clearance bought the 3-bottle supply from day one.