The feeling of triumph you get when your acne has finally cleared is unparalleled, but seeing the dark spots left in its place can be disheartening. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), in particular, can be tricky to deal with. In this blog, we’ll review the common causes of PIH as well as the best ways to treat and prevent it. While it requires time, patience, and consistent treatment, clear, glowing skin is in your future.
What Is Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation?
Alright, so what gives? Your acne has finally healed up, but a dark, visible spot remains in its place. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a common skin condition characterized by darkened patches or spots that appear on the skin after an inflammatory wound has healed. Though most often appearing as dark reddish or brown spots, they can vary slightly in color. Depending on your skin tone, these patches can also range from pink to red or even dark purple. The dark spots result from the skin producing excess melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, as a response to inflammation. While PIH can affect anyone, it is more prevalent in individuals with darker skin tones due to the higher levels of melanin in their skin.
Acne Scars
Although post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can leave discolored areas on your skin that seem to last forever, these spots are not true scars. True acne scarring is distinct from PIH and refers to the permanent changes in the skin's texture that result from severe acne. Unlike the temporary discoloration of PIH, true acne scars manifest as indentations or raised areas on the skin, caused by the loss or overproduction of collagen during the healing process.
How To Heal Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
A healthy skin barrier is crucial in the healing of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and it takes time and consistent care. On average, it can take about 6-9 months for these spots to fade completely. The duration can vary significantly depending on the severity of the pigmentation and the individual's skin type. Factors such as sun exposure, skincare habits, and the use of effective treatments can also influence your healing time. Here are some tips to maintain a healthy barrier and heal your PIH effectively:
Maintain a Gentle Skincare Routine: Cleanse your skin daily with a gentle cleanser to keep it protected from environmental damage without causing further irritation to the skin.
Exfoliate Regularly: Use a mild exfoliant 2-3 times a week to remove dead skin cells and promote healthy cell turnover. Look for products with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs).
Incorporate Brightening Agent: Apply products containing active ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, and licorice extract. These ingredients can help to brighten the skin and fade dark spots. We’ll go further into ingredients below.
Daily Sunscreen Use: Protect your skin from UV rays by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, as sun exposure can worsen hyperpigmentation.
Consider Advanced Treatments: For stubborn PIH, consider professional treatments such as chemical peels or microdermabrasion to accelerate the fading of dark spots.
Be Patient and Consistent: Healing PIH takes time, often several months. Stick to your skincare routine diligently and avoid picking at your skin to prevent further inflammation and scarring.
Topical Treatments for PIH
There are several topical treatments that can help speed up the healing and fading of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Here are some of the most effective ingredients to look out for:
Vitamin C
Known to be a powerful antioxidant for both internal and external defense, vitamin C is a versatile ingredient for reducing the appearance of dark spots, brightening uneven skin tone, and boosting collagen production.
Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid can help prevent breakouts, decrease inflammation in the skin, and speed up cellular turnover rates. It fights hyperpigmentation by targeting abnormal melanocytes, the cells responsible for excess production of melanin. It also fairly gentle compared to other exfoliating acids.
Retinoids
These vitamin A derivatives promote cell turnover, helping to fade dark spots more quickly, while also clearing up acne that leads to PIH.
Niacinamide
This form of vitamin B3 helps reduce inflammation and lighten dark spots, making it an excellent choice for treating PIH.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
Additional AHAs like glycolic acid and lactic acid exfoliate the skin, removing the top layer of dead skin cells and promoting the growth of new, evenly pigmented skin cells.
Stem Cell Cytokines
Stem cell cytokines derived from adult bone marrow can help support healing for all types of inflammation in the skin, including wounds and various kinds of skin damage. They also tend to play well with other actives and can slot into any routine.
Our Favorite Products To Heal and Lighten PIH
- GlyMed Plus Daily Skin Clarifier: this gentle, botanical-based brightener is gentle enough for daily use and provides antioxidant support for extra defense against hyperpigmentation.
- Sorella Apothecary Lemon Lightening Serum: this luscious, creamy corrective serum is loaded with natural lighteners and brighteners and excels at calming inflammation to heal PIH at the source.
- NeoGenesis Recovery Serum: this breakthrough healing serum uses stem cell cytokines to heal and regenerate damaged skin and minimize scarring.
- Rhonda Allison Radiant Renewal Serum: this silky serum contains Rhonda’s highest concentration of epidermal growth factors to promote the health of new cells and accelerate wound healing.
- Skin Script Glycolic And Retinol Pads: these easy to use exfoliating pads will keep breakouts at bay while brightening up dark spots by encouraging cell turnover.
Preventing Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
It’s important to be proactive to avoid hyperpigmentation to begin with. Here are a few easy steps you can take to avoid PIH from occuring in the first place.
- Treat Acne Early: Prompt and effective treatment of acne can prevent severe inflammation and reduce the risk of PIH.
- Sun Protection: UV exposure can worsen hyperpigmentation. Wearing sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, even on cloudy days, is crucial in preventing PIH.
- Avoid Picking Pimples: Every time you pop a pimple, you increase inflammation in the skin and your chances of developing PIH. Instead, try using clay masks to draw out impurities, enzyme masks to exfoliate dead skin cells, and ice globes to reduce inflammation
- Gentle Skin Care: Use gentle skin care products that do not irritate the skin. Harsh products can cause inflammation, leading to PIH.
In essence, a little dedication and TLC can go a long way in the treatment and prevention of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. With consistent use of the right ingredients along with healthy skin habits, you can achieve a more even and radiant complexion. Remember, patience is key, as PIH can take time to fade, but with the right care, clear skin is within reach.
