African woman doing her morning skincare routine to fade dark marks

Morning routine for fading dark marks

Not sure this routine fits your marks? Identify your dark mark.

Your morning routine protects melanin-rich skin from daily damage so dark marks can slowly fade instead of getting darker.

Why the morning routine matters

Infographic showing why morning skincare protects African skin from dark marks

Daytime is when your skin faces sun, heat, sweat, and friction from masks, hats, and clothing, all of which can deepen dark marks if your skin is unprotected.

  • Gentle cleansing keeps pores clear without stripping your barrier.
  • Brightening serums support an even tone and target dark spots.
  • Sunscreen stops existing marks from getting darker and helps prevent new ones.

Simple five-minute morning routine

Most people can follow a short, four-step routine that fits into busy mornings and still supports fading over time.

Diagram walking through the four-step morning routine for dark marks
    • 1. Cleanse with Tissue Oil Skin Repair Face Wash; switch to Oil Control Deep Cleansing Face Wash if you are oily or acne-prone.
    • 2. Apply A-Firm Brightening Even Tone Serum across your face, avoiding the eye area.
    • 3. Use A-Firm Brightening Even Tone Day Cream SPF 15 to keep skin hydrated and protected.
    • 4. Add a broad-spectrum SPF 30-50 from another brand on your face and neck.

    If your skin feels tight after cleansing, stick to the Tissue Oil Skin Repair Face Wash and build up oil control with a treatment rather than a harsher cleanser.

Recommended Justine products for mornings

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Use SPF 30–50 every morning. Reapply outdoors or after sweating.

If your skin is sensitive, start brightening products slowly, using them every second morning at first, and focus on sunscreen and moisturiser every single day.

Educational only. Not medical advice. Stop using any product that makes your skin very irritated, painful, or swollen, and see a doctor or dermatologist for serious, spreading, or persistent concerns.

Routine steps

  1. Cleanse gently to avoid stripping the barrier.
  2. Brighten with a serum; use targeted corrector only on stubborn marks.
  3. Moisturise to keep skin comfortable.
  4. Protect every morning with SPF 30-50.

Common mistakes

  • Layering too many strong actives on sensitive areas.
  • Skipping sunscreen after adding brightening products.
  • Swapping products too quickly to “speed up” fading.
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