Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation – What causes it and how can I reduce it?

7 min. read

As its name suggests, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation occurs following skin injury or inflammation when skin is left darkened and discoloured after the wound has healed. This article looks at how post-inflammatory pigmentation affects skin’s appearance and what causes it. We also identify steps you can take to help reduce the appearance of dark marks on your skin.

What is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and what causes it?

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation appears as flat spots of discolouration.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (or PIH for short) is a type of hyperpigmentation of the skin that is mainly triggered by the way skin regenerates after inflammation. It can affect the face and body, typically especially UV-exposed areas, and appears as flat spots of hypercoloration. These range in color from pink to red, brown or black, depending on skin tone and the depth of hypercoloration. 

Men and women are equally susceptible, and all skin types can get post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation although it is more prevalent in darker tones of skin. In fact PIH is one of the common reasons why people with darker skin tones seek the advise of a dermatologist1.

The root cause of PIH is increased melanin production. Melanin is the pigment that defines the color of a person’s skin and the increase in melanin is triggered by the way skin regenerates after inflammation or injury. The more inflammation there is, the more prominent the area of discoloration will be both in terms of size and color. 


1- Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation: a review of the epidemiology, clinical features, and treatment options in skin of color. E.C. Davis and V.D. Callender. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2010 Jul; 3(7): 20-31

Squeezing pimples increases the chance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Sun can trigger and aggravate post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation symptoms

PIH often affects people with acne (also referred to as a post-acne mark) and it can sometimes be triggered by skin treatments such as dermabrasion, chemical peels and laser therapy.

In the case of acne the blemish triggers melanocytes – the melanin-producing cells – to release excessive melanosomes (pigment granules). The excessive pigment granules darken and discolor the formerly stressed area. Once initial blemishes have subsided, spots of hypercoloration, so-called post-acne marks, can remain. 

About 1 in 2 acne suffers experience PIH1, with severe impact on their psychological well-being. Studies show that the self-consciousness in social settings or feeling like an “outcast” is significantly amplified when post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is formed, as compared to acne inflammation alone2

For many former acne sufferers, the marks are a bitter reminder of their battle with blemishes. Even once the acne-related inflammation subsided, the marks can persist longlasting and stigmatize these patients over years. 


1: Source: Kaufman et al., Am J Clin Dermatol. 2018; 19:489–503, Perkins et al., JEADV. 2011; 25(9):1054–1060.
2: Darji, K. et al., “Psychosocial Impact of Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation in Patients with Acne Vulgaris.” J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2017; 10(5):18–23.

 
Whilst not the cause of PIH, sun exposure can aggravate symptoms, darkening the affected patches and prolonging the time it can take for them to fade. Most acne-related PIH will eventually fade over time, but it can take several years or even a decade until it is fully gone3.
 
The sun is closely associated with other forms of hyperpigmentation such as age spots (also known as sun spots) and melasma. This is why we recommend sun protection. Limit the time you spend in the sun and keep out of the sun during its most intense hours. Wear protective clothing and sun hats whenever possible and apply a sun protection factor of at least 30.


3: Abad-Casintahan, F. et al., “Frequency and Characteristics of Acne-Related Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation.” J Dermatol. 2016; 43:826–828.
 

Important Information

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is harmless but melanoma can be life-threatening. If you have any concerns about your pigment spots – if they change shape, size and color or if they become itchy and start to bleed – it’s important that you consult your doctor.

What can I do to help prevent dark marks from forming?

If your skin is injured or blemish-prone, or if you suffer from skin conditions such as Atopic Dermatitis or Psoriasis, it’s important that you take care of your skin in order to reduce the chances of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Appropriate medication and/or a regular skincare routine using products that have been specially formulated to address your skin’s needs will help: 

Packshot
Eucerin Sun Gel-Cream Oil Control SPF 50+ gives oily, acne-prone skin the sun protection it needs

A sensible attitude to sun protection will also help to prevent or reduce the severity of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation:

  • Limit the time you spend in the sun - Keep out of the sun during its most intense hours
  • Wear protective clothing and sunhats whenever possible
  • Apply a sun protection product that offers the level of protection your skin needs and that is proven to be suitable for your skin type and/or condition.

Eucerin’s superior sun protection range includes face and body products that are suitable for blemish-prone skin, atopic skin and skin that has recently undergone dermatological treatments.

Eucerin Sun Protection Products

Eucerin’s DERMOPURE range also includes products specifically formulated to reduce the darkening of post-acne marks from sun exposure and prevent the appearance of blemishes, such as Eucerin DERMOPURE Protective Fluid SPF 30. For the ideal routine, we recommend using the Protective Fluid SPF 30 alongside the Triple Effect Cleansing Gel (with 2% Salicylic Acid) and the Triple Effect Serum (with patented Thiamidol).

Read more on what can I do to help reduce blemishes and care for my skin? and find out more about the Eucerin DERMOPURE range

 

Does post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation go away?

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation does not cause scarring and, even with no treatment, it will improve over time. Most acne-related PIH will eventually fade over time, but it can take several years or even a decade until it is fully gone4. Recovery rates vary from person to person and the duration depends on the difference in skin tone between the natural skin tone and the darkened patches – the more significant the difference, the longer it will take for the tones to rebalance. 

4 Abad-Casintahan, F. et al., “Frequency and Characteristics of Acne-Related Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation.” J Dermatol. 2016; 43:826–828.

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How can I reduce or remove post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation?

Dermatological treatments such as chemical peels and laser therapy can improve symptoms and speed up recovery time:

Chemical peels exfoliate skin and stimulate the growth of new skin
Laser therapy removes hyperpigmented skin cells but can have side-effects such as inflammation and irritation

  • Chemical peels involve applying a chemical solution (such as an AHA) to exfoliate skin (remove dead skin cells), stimulate the growth of new skin cells and reveal new skin. 
  • Laser therapy has a similar effect but tends to be more precise as the dermatologist has more control over the intensity of the treatment. Laser treatments involve ‘zapping’ the affected areas with high-energy light. The mildest treatments work on the skin’s epidermis (surface layer), while more intense treatments can penetrate the deepest layers of the skin. Find out more in Laser therapy: how should I care for my skin after treatment?

Finally beat blemishes, marks and shine with the Eucerin DermoPure post-acne marks range.

The Eucerin DermoPure Triple Effect Serum also contains Thiamidol, an effective and patented ingredient that acts at the root cause of hyperpigmentation by reducing melanin production. It’s been clinically and dermatologically proven to reduce post-acne marks and prevent their re-appearance.

Our DermoPure Triple Effect Serum combines Thiamidol with Salicylic Acid, Licochalcone A and Sebum Regulating Technology for an effective anti-mark, anti-blemish and anti-shine solution to finally beat post-acne marks. It has enhanced efficacy when used together with the DermoPure Protective Fluid SPF 30 which helps protect post-acne marks from darkening due to the sun.

For the ideal routine, we recommend using the Triple Effect Cleansing Gel (with 2% Salicylic Acid) the Triple Effect Serum (with patented Thiamidol) and the Protective Fluid SPF 30.

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