Hyperpigmentation after inflammation is also know as PIH. Most people find this skin condition worse treatment. In this condition, when skin heals from acne, irritation, burns or any injury, skin appears as dark patches that remains after.
It's not like acne who leaves marks or alter skin texture, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation leaves discoloration in skin that doesn't fades for a months.
And the worst thing people can do , is using any random brightening creams to fades this discoloration in skin. These brightening creams can improve some skin discoloration but, it's because of these brightening cream are not using ingredients that target cause of discoloration.
So, it's important to understand that What's cause PIH, how it can be treat by dermatologists recommended right way help.
What is post inflammation Hyperpigmentation?
Excess melanin production in the skin is caused by inflammation. This inflammation cause hyperpigmentation.
Melanin is the pigment that produce skin color. When skin is swollen the melanocytes response by (that produce skin color ) producing more pigment as element of healing process.
This excess melanin sets in skin and skin shows dark spots. Dark skin tones have more melanin production so, these skin color have more visible dark spots and discoloration. But this hyperpigmentation after inflammation can affect all skin types.
Causes of Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Many elements like skin conditions and environmental can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- Acne
- Injury in skin
- Harsh Skincare
Some harsh skincare like too much exfoliation, harsh chemical peels, harsh skin treatments, these can harms the skin by cause irritation in skin and results in increase the production of pigmentation.
- Risk of Sun Damage
What's Difference Between Acne scars and hyperpigmentation?
People often think acne scars as hyperpigmentation. Both have not much difference.
- When acne heals it leaves marks but acne scars affect the structural skin. Acne scars remains holes and bumps in the skin.
- Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation affect the skin color but not change texture of skin.
By know the difference between both you can treat them in right way. Acne scars need dermatologists treatments but Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation can fades by using topical products with consistent use.
Dermatologists usually recommend ingredients that target skin issue , reduce melanin and support healthy skin.
Is a form of Ascorbic Acid, a powerful anti-oxidants. It increase collagen production in skin , improve even skin tone, reduce the melanin production in skin, helps fades dark spots and protect skin cells from any free radical damages.
It helps support health skin. Vitamin C can't produce naturally in skin , it can e taken from outside source include in topical products, supplements, fruits and vegetables.
When consistently used Vitamin-C it helps skin more even skin tone and show visible results in 8-12 weeks.
Niacinamide
Is a form of Vitamin B3. it's used to fades dark spots, melasma, minimize skin pores and makes skin smooth, healthier.
Niacinamide is an active ingredients that usually include in many serums, cleansers, moisturizers . It's a gentle ingredients well suited for sensitive skin too. it reduce pigmentation in skin, reduce wrinkles, makes skin barrier more strengthen and helps improve uneven skin tone.
Azelaic Acid
It's used to reduce inflammation also responsible for melanin production in skin. It helps reduce pigmentation, helps reduce rosacea, fades dark spots, kills bacteria that cause acne. Azelaic Acid remove dead skin, exfoliate skin makes skin clear.
Dermatologists recommend Azelaic Acid for long term treatments for Post-Inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Alpha Arbutin
Alpha Arbutin derived from Hydroquinone. It also present naturally in fruits like blue berry, cranberry, bear berry.
Alpha Arbutin known for its skin brightening ingredient. It helps fades dark spots, improve even skin tone. Alpha Arbutin is responsible for production of melanin process. When melanin increase in one area of skin it cause dark spots.
Alpha Arbutin works by reducing melanin in skin, fades dark spots, brighten even tone, helps fades post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Alpha Arbutin works slowly, it takes time to show results but giving long term benefits.
Retinoids
Retinoids derived from Vitamin A. known for anti-aging, anti-oxidants properties.
Retinoids increase cell turn over process reduce early aging, removes dead skin cells prevent from clog pores, reduce inflammation which prevent ace..
Reduce fine lines, wrinkles, improve skin texture, improve healthier skin.
Simple, Gentle skincare for Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Skincare needs to be simple, gentle and consistent instead of complex, Multiple skincare products.
In Moring Need
- Gentle cleanser to wash face
- Use Vitamin C serum
- Wear moisturizer
- Wear Sunscreen 15 minutes before leaving out
At Night
- Gentle cleanser to remove dust from face
- Apply any Niacinamide, Alpha Arbutin, Azelaic Acid
- Moisturizer to lock product
- Use Retinol 2-3 times per week on alterative days
How Long It Does To Show Visible Results?
Skincare products takes time to show results . Results depend on when you have inflammation or it's mild, constant dark spots.
Mild inflammation can fades away within 4-8 weeks
Constantly dark spots takes months to fades.
Consistent use, proper skincare and patience are important in healing and treatment process.
Careful suggestions to prevent Post- Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Proper skincare, right skincare products can prevent post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation.
- Wear Sunscreen daily
- Don't squeeze or picks pimple
- Choose gentle skincare products
- Heal acne instantly to reduce Inflammation in skin
- Mild efficiency can be beneficial instead of over use
- Consistency is a key to achieve better , improve even skin
Frequently Asked Questions
Which ingredient treat Hyperpigmentation better?
Azelaic Acid, Vitamin C, Alpha Arbutin, Tretinoin are generally targeted ingredients recommended by dermatologists to treat hyperpigmentation.
Can Hyperpigmentation Fades away on Its Own?
Some mild pigmentation can fades naturally but ingredients can speed up the process to treat pigmentation.
Is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation appears permanently?
No, Acne scars are permanent, Hyperpigmentation after inflammation can be treated by proper treatment.
Is it Important to use Sunscreen while having hyperpigmentation?
Yes, Sunscreen helps prevent dark spots become more darker and helps prevent skin from sun damage during treatments.
Conclusion
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can be consistent but it can be improved by consistent skincare routine, using targeted ingredients recommended from dermatologists.
These spots can be occur after acne which cause inflammation in skin. Consistent care, patience and efficiency can give benefits for longer term.
Don't use high efficiency keeps mild, gentle care.