Hyperpigmentation can be stubborn and frustrating to deal with. When it comes to treatment, the first step is identifying what type of pigmentation you’re dealing with. One of the common types of hyperpigmentation is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or PIH, for short.
Here, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the causes of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, treatments and prevention, with all of your burning questions answered on the topic to get your skin back on track if you’re struggling with it. Plus, we’ll share our expert shopping list to help guide you through a skincare routine that’ll support post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
What is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and what causes it?
If you’re wondering what exactly post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is, you’re certainly not alone. It’s a common concern that doesn’t get as much explanation as other pigmentation concerns. post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation refers to dark patches and marks that appear on the skin after a period of inflammation. It’s caused by an overproduction of melanin (your skin’s pigment) from the inflammation of injury or irritation.
This can be caused by a number of reasons:
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Acne and breakouts
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Friction from things like shaving
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Insect bites
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Eczema
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Trauma to the skin, including burns, cuts and scrapes
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Certain cosmetic procedures if not carried out correctly
Certain people are more prone to PIH, including:
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Those with darker skin tones tend to be more prone to PIH due to pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) being more active.
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Those with chronic, inflammatory skin conditions may find that PIH occurs after a flare-up.
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Those who regularly pick at breakouts and acne, including scabs from spots and squeezing active acne.
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Those who don’t allow trauma to the skin to heal — it may be tending to pick at that scab, but leave it be.
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Those with acne can be more susceptible to PIH after flare-ups
Where does post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation affect?
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can affect various places on the body and can affect anywhere that has experienced inflammation due to trauma. Common areas for PIH include the face, neck, chest and back. We’ll mostly be referring to the face in this article, as that’s the area many patients come to us to seek solutions for.
What does post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation look like?
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is essentially dark spots after inflammation or uneven skin tone after a breakout. They look slightly different on everyone and can appear as brown, tan, purple or grey patches on the face and body. It isn’t the same as scarring as it’s not textured like scarring is; instead, it looks more like an uneven skin tone. You can notice areas on the face after a stubborn breakout, leaving marks exactly where your spots were... that’s PIH.
Treatments for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Treatment for Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is more about how to fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation vs ‘cure’ it. Everyone is different and some areas may be more stubborn to fade than others. Some areas of PIH may even gradually fade, and even disappear, over time - especially if you’re wearing sunscreen (more on that later).
The ingredients to look out for to help fade PIH include:
Antioxidants
An antioxidant, like vitamin C, is an excellent way to help fade hyperpigmentation as it helps to brighten the entire complexion, and therefore, uneven areas. It also helps with prevention, combatting environmental aggressors to minimise free radical damage, which can lead to an uneven skin tone. If that wasn’t enough, antioxidants work well when used in combination with sunscreen, helping to boost its efficacy. It’s a morning must-have.
SkinCeuticals | C E Ferulic Serum (30ml)
Retinoids
One of the main benefits of using retinoids is that they increase cell turnover, which can help clear the uneven skin tone areas, revealing more even-toned and radiant skin. It can also help in the management of acne, so acts as a double treatment: preventing acne from occurring and subsequently PIH, as well as helping to clear any PIH that does sneak in. Before getting started with a retinoid, make sure you read our guide on all things vitamin A.
Medik8 | Crystal Retinal 10 Serum (30ml)
AHA/PHAs
Acids can help with exfoliating the skin, improving the overall brightness of your complexion and also improving skin texture, which can subsequently help the skin appear brighter. It’s important not to overdo these chemical exfoliants, either.
NEOSTRATA | CLARIFY Mandelic Clarifying Cleanser (200ml)
Azelaic acid
Azelaic acid gently targets breakouts and pigmentation, reducing inflammation, which in turn can support PIH. It’s one of those fantastic all-rounder ingredients and can be used by almost everyone. One of the reasons azelaic acid is recommended so widely (aside from being a fantastic ingredient) is because it’s considered safe to be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so is the preferred treatment for many hyperpigmentation conditions, like melasma, during pregnancy. However, we recommend a consultation with the Skin Pharmacy Concierge Team before starting any treatment.
Marini Skin Solutions | RosaLieve (30ml)
Niacinamide
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is known to help pigmentation on the face by stopping melanin from being distributed to the upper layers of the skin. It does so gently and can also help support the skin barrier at the same time, so it’s a win-win.
ALLSKIN MED | Pigmentation Control Serum (50ml)
Why sunscreen is essential for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Above all of those ingredients, the single most important skincare product for PIH is, without a doubt, sunscreen. None of those other products are worth using to help your PIH if you are not using sunscreen.
UV exposure makes marks appear more visible and darken over time, which may worsen your PIH, in fact, not using sunscreen may worsen any type of hyperpigmentation.
The Skin Diary | Age Defence Moisturising Day Cream SPF50 (50ml)
For expert guidance, get in touch with the Skin Pharmacy team. We’ll guide you through a tailored post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation routine.
Disclaimer:
This article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. If you are experiencing persistent pigmentation, irritation, inflammation or are unsure whether your skin concerns are post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or another condition, consult the Skin Pharmacy Team, a qualified doctor or a dermatologist.
