Here’s What You Need To Know About Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Your biggest questions answered.

Breakouts. They can occur at any age and are part of the human experience.

Yep, they’re quite frustrating but entirely and utterly normal.

In many instances, they claim space on the face for a few days to a week, then shrink into almost nothing. However, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) has the tendency to remain on the skin as a response to inflamed areas (e.g. breakouts) on the epidermis.

Let’s unpack.

What is PIH?

You know those flat spots of pigment that linger after a pimple? That’s a general indicator that excess melanin is responding to irritation, and PIH has entered the chat. These tan, pink, black, and brownish spots or patches can last for a significant amount of time and are often caused by trauma to the skin. Cuts, burns, grazes, acne and picked pimples can be common contributors to these splashes of pigment, but they’re most common amongst particular skin tones.

Does PIH affect everyone?

Olive skin and deeper skin tones tend to notice bursts of PIH due to the melanin production that already exists within their skin. Very light skin to light skin tones are prone to pink-red marks post-breakout or skin trauma. So the short answer is that PIH affects us all but is perhaps more noticeable within our deeper-skinned beauties.

How To Treat Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Yes, PIH will slowly fade over time, but this can take months or over a year. More pimples may pop up during the healing process, creating a never-ending cycle, which is understandably frustrating. To address this frustration, here are three topical skincare products to assist with evening-out hyperpigmentation from inflamed skin.

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Ole Henriksen PHAT Glow Facial
Ole Henriksen did the thing with PHAT Glow Facial. Think of this skin treatment as a facial without the downtime. Being powered by PHAs (polyhydroxy acids), this pink bentonite clay mask is suitable for all skin types and reveals the most luminous, radiantly purified complexion. This mask relies on a ‘massage first’ technique, plus it’s ideal for both beginners and skincare experts. Watch as the pink clay transforms into white, Netflix and chill for 10 minutes and then rinse with a warm cloth. PHAT Glow Facial is the IT girl of masks, it exfoliates (perfect for PIH), smooths and reveals a dewy, bouncy gleam to the skin.

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Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Night
This potent serum relies on optimally concentrated, encapsulated retinol, which is a retinol that delivers the most benefits with the least irritation. Vitamin C and E join this powerful skin potion to encourage the skin renewal process. Aside from reducing fine lines and wrinkles, Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum does wonders for evening skin tone and collagen production.

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Medik8 Super C Ferulic Serum
Now this is how you step up your Vitamin C game. The Medik8 Super C Ferulic Serum aids in brightening the complexion and prioritising the removal of pigmentation by using 30% Vitamin C in an ultra-stable formula. Just four drops in the morning will do the trick. Caution: sensitive-skinned souls, this stuff is powerful and might be a dash irritating, so always be sure to patch test before use.

A friendly reminder: sun protection is not only a lifesaver (literally), but it’s a protector against deepening and prolonging PIH. Sunscreen should be worn daily, but especially when using any of the mentioned products due to their ability to increase the skin's sensitivity to sun exposure. Slip, slop, slap, and your skin will thank you for eternity

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