Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: Causes, Treatment & How to Fade It Faster

Dark spots and uneven skin tone can be some of the most lingering effects of acne or skin irritation. Despite your skin healing, the marks remain, causing frustration and affecting your confidence. Thankfully, with the right care and treatments, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) can be managed. In this article, we’ll explore what causes it and share expert tips for fading those spots faster.

What is Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation?

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) refers to the dark spots or patches that form after the skin has experienced trauma or inflammation. These spots occur when the skin produces excess melanin during the healing process, leaving behind discolouration once the injury or irritation has healed.

What Causes Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation?

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation arises from skin inflammation. This overproduction of melanin leads to dark spots. Let’s dive into the common post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation causes.

  • Acne

Pimples, cysts, and other forms of acne cause inflammation. These are commonly referred to as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation acne.

  • Skin Trauma

Any injury to the skin, such as cuts, scrapes, or burns, can trigger melanin production during the healing process, leaving behind dark spots.

  • Sun Exposure

When the skin is already inflamed or healing, sun exposure can intensify pigmentation, causing existing marks to darken.

  • Chemical Irritation

Harsh skincare products, or over-exfoliating, can irritate the skin, leading to inflammation and the formation of dark spots.

  • Hormonal Changes

Pregnancy, birth control, or other hormonal shifts can sometimes increase melanin production, particularly when combined with inflammation.

Who is More Prone to Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation?

While anyone can experience PIH, certain individuals are more prone to it. Those with darker skin tones tend to experience more noticeable PIH, as their skin produces more melanin. Moreover, individuals with acne-prone skin or those who have a habit of picking at pimples or skin lesions are at a higher risk. 

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation Treatment Options

Effectively treating post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation requires reducing inflammation and preventing further melanin production. Some of the most effective methods include:

  1. Topical Treatments

Skincare products containing ingredients such as Vitamin C, retinoids, and niacinamide are particularly helpful in reducing pigmentation and promoting healing.

  1. Chemical Exfoliation

A gentle exfoliation routine with ingredients like AHA, BHA, and PHA can help speed up skin regeneration. For instance, our FaceWash BRITE, enriched with natural enzymes, brighten skin and reduces hyperpigmentation.

  1. Sun Protection

It's crucial to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to stop hyperpigmentation from getting worse. Sun exposure accelerates dark spot formation, so daily sunscreen application is a must.

For a treatment that targets pigmentation, Hyaluronic 7+ Serum, enriched with hyaluronic acid and milk peptides, helps keep your skin hydrated while fighting dark spots. This serum for hyperpigmentation skin helps soothe inflammation and promote healing.

How to Get Rid of Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation on Face Fast

If you’re wondering is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation permanent on the face? Here are a few steps that can help you get rid of it:

  • Incorporate Niacinamide

Niacinamide, a form of Vitamin B3, helps to reduce dark spots by inhibiting melanin production and reducing inflammation.

  • Add Retinol to Your Routine

Retinol accelerates skin turnover, revealing fresh skin and fading dark spots in the process.

  • Gentle Exfoliation

Using a chemical exfoliant, such as glycolic acid, can help exfoliate dead skin cells and accelerate the fading of pigmentation.

For a fast-acting, nourishing solution, CodeSkin’s UltraIntense Moisturizer delivers 24-hour hydration. It targets fine lines, and boosts moisture retention with a patented lipid complex, epidermal growth factors, and phyto squalene.

How to Prevent Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

The best way to manage PIH is to prevent it in the first place. Here’s how you can keep hyperpigmentation at bay:

  1. Avoid Picking at Pimples

Picking or squeezing pimples can leave your skin vulnerable to further inflammation, increasing the likelihood of dark spots.

  1. Always Use Sunscreen

Consistent sun protection prevents pigmentation from worsening. CodeSkin’s UltraProtect Fluid Sunscreen SPF 100+ PA++++ offers broad-spectrum protection, helping to prevent further pigmentation while remaining lightweight and non-greasy.

  1. Use Gentle Skincare

Avoid harsh treatments or products that can irritate the skin and worsen PIH. Look for skincare for hyperpigmentation that’s calming and non-irritating.

  1. Focus on a Skin-Boosting Diet

To lessen inflammation, include the best foods for healthy skin, like leafy greens, fruits high in vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Mistakes to Avoid When Dealing With PIH

When treating PIH, there are several common mistakes that could delay healing:

  • Over-Exfoliating

Excessive exfoliation might aggravate hyperpigmentation around mouth or face and irritate your skin.

  • Skipping Sunscreen

Without sunscreen, even the best treatments won’t be effective, as UV exposure can worsen dark spots.

  • Using Harsh Products

Overuse of strong actives, such as high-strength retinol or Vitamin C, can irritate the skin, leading to further inflammation.

Unlock Brighter, Even Skin with CodeSkin

Revealing your best skin is possible with CodeSkin’s clinically tested, clean beauty products. Formulated with the best ingredients for hyperpigmentation, our vegan, cruelty-free skincare helps reduce dark spots and improves overall skin texture. Experience the transformation with our effective, safe skincare range.

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