If you’ve ever noticed a dark spot left behind after a pimple has healed, you’ve experienced post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

It’s your skin’s way of remembering every scratch, breakout, or inflammation—an unwelcome reminder of past issues.

But don’t worry; in this article, we’ll unpack why PIH happens, who is most at risk, and how to effectively treat and even prevent these frustrating dark spots.

What Causes Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation?

PIH develops when an inflammatory event triggers an increase in melanin production. Here are some common triggers.

• Acne: Healing pimples, especially severe forms like cystic acne, often leave scars behind.
• Skin Injury: Any trauma—from cuts, burns, or friction—can result in pigmentation as the skin heals.
• Inflammatory Skin Conditions: Conditions like eczema or psoriasis often leave behind dark patches after the inflammation subsides.
• Cosmetic Procedures: Treatments such as laser therapy, glycolic acid peels, or waxing, if improperly performed, can cause skin irritation and trigger PIH.

Who is at risk of PIH?

Individuals with darker skin are more susceptible to PIH because their skin cells produce more melanin.

However, other factors such as age, genetics, and sun exposure also play significant roles in determining your risk of developing hyperpigmentation.

Identifying Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)

Recognising PIH is crucial for effective treatment. Here’s how you can identify it:

Appearance

PIH presents as flat, discoloured areas or spots that are darker than the surrounding skin. Unlike scars or keloids, these patches have no change in texture.

Size and shape variability

These patches can vary from small spots resembling freckles to larger areas. They are often irregular in shape and scattered randomly across the affected area.

Visibility in sun-exposed areas

PIH is more noticeable in sun-exposed areas, such as the face, neck, arms, and hands. UV exposure can further darken these patches and make them even more prominent.

Impact on different types of skin tone

The contrast between PIH and natural skin color can vary. In lighter skin tones, PIH often appear brownish, creating a stark contrast against the skin.

In darker skin tones, the spots may appear as deeper shades of brown or black. While the contrast might be less noticeable, they can be more extensive.

Duration

Some patches may fade with time, especially with treatment or reduced sun exposure, while others may require more intensive interventions.

Understanding these symptoms is crucial to correctly distinguish PIH from other types of skin discolouration, like melasma or age spots, as they involve different causes and treatments.

Diagnosing Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

The diagnosis of PIH usually follows a structured process:

Visual Examination

A dermatologist assesses the pigmented patches by examining their size, shape, and distribution.

Patient History

Reviewing past skin injuries, treatments, and medications help link the hyperpigmentation to potential causes.

Wood’s Lamp Examination

This device uses ultraviolet light to differentiate PIH from other pigmentation disorders.

Skin Biopsy

If the diagnosis remains uncertain, a small skin sample may be analysed to confirm excess melanin and rule out other conditions.

Additional Tests

Other tests might be conducted to check for systemic issues that could influence skin pigmentation. This thorough process ensures an accurate diagnosis, enabling the appropriate treatment planning.

Treatments for Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) can be treated through various methods, each targeting excess melanin production to lighten dark spots.

Topical treatments like hydroquinone, retinoids, and vitamin C are commonly used to brighten skin and fade pigmentation over time. Chemical peels, such as glycolic or salicylic acid, exfoliate the skin’s surface, promoting new skin cell growth.

Laser treatments are another option, using light therapy to target deeper pigmentation. On the other hand, microneedling can stimulate collagen production, which helps repair skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots.

PIH Solutions and Preventative Treatment Recommendations from SK Indulgence Beauty

Indulgence Beauty Centre offers a range of treatments designed to target pigmentation and even out skin tone. These include:

Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation Treatment

LHE Radiancy Treatment

Utilises Light and Heat Energy (LHE) to effectively reduce uneven skin tone by targeting sunspots, acne, and freckles to deliver glowing results.

The LHE treatment triggers the body’s natural healing process to remove the lesion to treat fine lines and wrinkles, stimulating collagen production.

MD Dermatics RevitaPeel

A custom skin peel treatment that exfoliates dead skin and reduces discolouration from sunspots and acne scars while stimulating cell renewal and skin clarity—all without downtime!

Each treatment varies in effectiveness, potential side effects, and the time required to see results. To learn more, visit our beauty resources page.

Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation Prevention

Preventing PIH largely focuses on managing inflammation through sun protection, using gentle skincare products, and treating underlying skin conditions promptly. Here are our recommendations for preventing and reducing dark spots:

MD Dermatics PureLight α Brightener

Specially formulated with a unique blend of advanced brightening ingredients to provide all day active correction, this cream visibly diminishes and strengthens skin resilience against dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

MD Dermatics Retinol Enhancer

With 1% retinol, known for boosting collagen production, skin smoothing and evening out pigmentation, this treatment effectively unclogs pores, reduces fine lines and enhances skin clarity in as little as 4 to 6 weeks

MD Dermatics Sun Protection Complex SPF45 SP

A high broad-spectrum sunscreen with waterproofing properties and Z-Cote® formulation for maximum overall skin protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays, preventing further pigmentation. Perfect for outdoor activities!

These products are part of our comprehensive pigmentation skincare line aimed at promoting a radiant, even complexion.

When to See a Professional

If over-the-counter remedies aren’t working or if your PIH persists after an injury or breakout, it may be time to consult a dermatologist.

A professional can assess the severity of your condition and offer personalised treatment plans, including prescription-strength topical treatments, chemical peels, or laser therapies.

These advanced options often deliver more effective results than home remedies and can help prevent PIH from worsening.

Manage Your Skin’s Health with SK Indulgence Beauty

Concerned about post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation? Keep your skin even and radiant with our tailored treatments and expert advice.

At SK Indulgence Beauty, we believe in taking a science-based approach to skincare. Whether you need advice on treating PIH or preventing future flare-ups, our dermatologists are here to help.

Visit our website to explore our full range of products and professional treatments, including acne treatments and customised facials, specifically designed to reduce and manage dark spots.

Alternatively, make a booking to consult our skincare experts for more personalised care!

Your skin deserves consistent, expert attention. Let us guide you towards maintaining a clear and even complexion.

Book Your Visit Now!