Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) and How to Treat It?
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is a common skin concern that affects people of all ages, skin types, and ethnicities. It’s the result of your skin producing excess melanin—a pigment responsible for your skin color—in response to inflammation or injury. While it’s not harmful, PIH can be frustrating and affect confidence, especially when it persists for months or even years. In this blog, we’ll explore the causes of PIH, how laser treatments can help, and complementary options to achieve a clearer complexion.
What Causes Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation?
PIH occurs when your skin reacts to an inflammatory event, such as:
• Acne Breakouts: Persistent blemishes can leave behind dark marks after they heal, especially if they’ve been picked or popped.
• Skin Injuries: Cuts, burns, and abrasions can lead to localized hyperpigmentation.
• Eczema or Psoriasis: Inflammatory skin conditions can often leave dark patches once flare-ups subside.
When the skin is inflamed, it produces excess melanin as part of its healing process. This overproduction can result in darkened patches, which can be more pronounced in people with darker skin tones due to naturally higher melanin levels.
Characteristics of PIH
• Color Variations: PIH can appear brown, black, gray, or even reddish, depending on your skin tone and the depth of the pigmentation.
• Flat Spots: Unlike acne scars, which are textured, PIH is typically flat and smooth to the touch.
• Persistence: While PIH often fades over time, it can take months or even years without treatment, especially for deeper discoloration.
How Do Laser Treatments Help?
Laser treatments have become a gold-standard approach to treating PIH because they effectively target excess melanin in the skin. Here’s how they work:
1. Breaking Down Pigment: Lasers deliver controlled bursts of light energy to break down melanin into smaller particles.
2. Body’s Natural Removal: The fragmented pigment is then gradually absorbed and excreted by your lymphatic system.
3. Collagen Stimulation: In addition to treating pigmentation, lasers promote collagen production, improving overall skin texture and tone.
Types of Lasers for PIH
Not all lasers are created equal, and the choice depends on your skin type and the severity of PIH. Here are the most effective options:
• Pico and Q switched
• Specifically targets melanin clusters.
• Safe for darker skin tones with a reduced risk of causing further pigmentation.
• Pico laser
• fractional hand piece
• Create micro-injuries to stimulate the skin’s natural healing process.
• Ideal for treating both PIH and uneven skin texture.
• Popular systems: Fraxel and Clear + Brilliant.
• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL):
• Not a laser but a broad-spectrum light treatment.
• Highly effective for superficial pigmentation.
• Better suited for lighter skin tones.
Benefits of our Laser facial for PIH
• Precision: Lasers can target specific areas of discoloration without affecting surrounding tissue.
• Minimal Downtime: Most laser treatments require little to no recovery time, allowing you to return to daily activities quickly.
• Long-Lasting Results: With proper maintenance, results can last for years.
• Improved Skin Quality: Lasers not only treat pigmentation but also enhance overall skin texture and tone.
Complementary Treatments for PIH
While laser treatments are highly effective, combining them with other therapies can accelerate results and prevent future pigmentation.
- Topical Treatments • Hydroquinone: A gold-standard skin-lightening agent that reduces melanin production.
• Retinoids: Encourage cell turnover, helping to fade dark spots faster.
• Vitamin C: A potent antioxidant that brightens skin and protects against UV damage. - Chemical Peels • Exfoliate the skin’s surface, speeding up the removal of pigmented cells.
• Suitable for mild to moderate PIH. - Microneedling • Creates controlled micro-injuries, stimulating collagen and improving the appearance of pigmentation.
- Proper Sun Protection • Sunscreen: Daily use of SPF 30+ is non-negotiable to prevent further pigmentation.
• Physical Barriers: Wide-brim hats and sunglasses add an extra layer of protection.
Preventing Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Preventing PIH starts with understanding how to care for your skin before and after inflammation occurs:
• Avoid Picking at Skin: Resist the urge to pop pimples or pick at scabs, as this can worsen pigmentation.
• Follow Aftercare Instructions: After cosmetic procedures like lasers or peels, adhere to all aftercare guidelines to minimize irritation.
• Use Anti-Inflammatory Products: Ingredients like niacinamide and aloe vera can calm inflammation, reducing the risk of PIH.
• Sun Protection: UV exposure exacerbates pigmentation. Never skip sunscreen.
How Many Laser Sessions Are Needed?
The number of sessions required depends on the severity of your PIH and the type of laser used. On average:
• Mild PIH: 3–4 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart.
• Moderate to Severe PIH: 5–8 sessions may be required for noticeable results.
Our dermatologist or laser technician will assess your skin and recommend a personalised treatment plan.
What to Expect After Laser Treatment
• Immediate Effects: Mild redness or swelling is common and typically subsides within 24–48 hours.
• Darkening of Spots: Pigmented areas may temporarily darken as the melanin is broken down.
• Gradual Fading: Expect to see noticeable improvement after 2–3 sessions, with optimal results appearing over several months.
The Importance of Professional Guidance
When treating PIH, it’s crucial to consult with a qualified dermatologist or laser technician. They’ll assess your skin type, recommend the right laser treatment, and ensure the procedure is safe and effective.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is a common but manageable condition. Thanks to advancements in laser technology, you no longer have to wait years for these dark spots to fade naturally. By combining laser treatments with proper skincare and sun protection, you can achieve a brighter, more even complexion in no time.
Here is an example of a client who came in with mild acne break outs and post inflammatory hyper pigmentation. She had underlying erythema and inflammation that she has been struggling with for the last two years we performed four of our signature anti-acne laser facials 2 weeks apart and she has reduced redness inflammation, acne breakouts and improved skin texture and tone. This is the effects of the anti-acne Laser facial combined with our signature mango enzyme peel regular extractions alternated with skin needling and LED light therapy.
