#post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

A promising hyperpigmentation product!

Hi guys! 🤗 I’ve been using The Ordinary’s Alpha Arbutin + Hyaluronic Acid serum for a couple of months now - it’s one of their cult products for dealing with hyperpigmentation and dark marks on the skin. As someone who deals with breakouts FAR too regularly (even though the contraceptive pill is definitely helping with that so far) I always struggle with the red marks that they leave behind. This is something I’ve been dealing with for years now, and so when I saw this product gaining lots of attention online I thought I’d give it a go. So let’s get into it! 😋

This serum is a light, hydrating product that absorbs quickly into the skin. I apply it when my skin is damp in order to reap the full benefits of the hyaluronic acid, and I’m really pleased with how fast it sinks in. After all, nobody likes hanging around the sink for half a day, right? It also layers really well with the other products in my routine - there is no pilling, tackiness or residue at all when combining this with spot treatments and moisturisers. 

In terms of my hyperpigmentation, I’ve definitely seen an improvement on my left cheek and chin. I’ve been exfoliating very minimally lately due to mini breakouts I’ve been having, and so I can attribute my skin’s progress pretty much to this product alone 🤩 My right cheek is still really red, but this doesn’t surprise me as this is where the majority of my breakouts occur and so having new spots pop up there adds to already-existing pigmentation.

I think this product is great for oily and combination skin types who want to tackle dark marks but which also want to add an extra hydrating step in their routine during the winter. I think drier skin types would need a rich moisturiser after using this serum as it’s not massively nourishing, but it should fit well into the right routine regardless! For me, it’s just the right amount of moisture prior to using my gel moisturiser during the day and my light night cream before bed 👍 

Microneedling for Hyperpigmentation in Kingston, Ontario

The fading time for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) varies depending on skin type, severity, and treatment approach. Mild cases may fade naturally in a few weeks, while deeper pigmentation could take several months or longer to diminish. Consistent use of products containing active ingredients like vitamin C, retinoids, and niacinamide can speed up results. For stubborn PIH, dermatological treatments like chemical peels, laser therapy, or microneedling may be effective.

Proper skincare, including daily sunscreen, is essential to prevent further darkening. While managing PIH, it’s also common to address other concerns like finding a reliable hair treatment for hair loss for holistic skin and hair care. Trust expert guidance and quality solutions to achieve your goals. For professional care, consider Dermis Oracle, your partner in healthy skin and hair.

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation and Acne

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), those dark marks or spots left behind after a pimple heals, are often even more aggravating and distressing than pimples themselves. PIH is discolor of the skin that follows an inflammatory wound. it's the skin's natural response to inflammation.1 Why do those dark spots develop, and what are you able to do to urge obviate them?

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation Symptoms

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation usually seems like a flat area of discoloration on the skin. It can home in color from white, pink, red, purple, brown, or black, counting on your skin tone and depth of the discoloration.

PIH can develop altogether skin types, but it tends to be more severe and longer-lasting for people with medium to dark complexions. PIH affects both men and ladies equally.

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation Symptoms

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation mainly looks like a flat area of discoloration on the skin. It can range in color from white, pink, red, purple, brown, or black, relying on your skin tone and depth of the discoloration.

PIH can develop altogether skin types, but it tends to be more severe and long-lasting for people with medium to dark complexions. PIH affects both men and ladies equally.

Treatment Tips

Before you jump in and begin treating your PIH, use the following pointers to line the stage for the simplest results possible.

Your acne should be in check . Otherwise, each new pimple could cause another dark spot and you'd never get before the curve (and never see the clear, even skin tone you are looking for). Over-the-counter acne products are effective for treating mild acne.9 More stubborn or severe breakouts got to be treated with prescription acne medications if you would like to ascertain real improvement.

Use sunscreen a day. The sun may darken the discolorations & increase fading time. also, many PIH treatments (and many acne treatments, too) can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. If you are worried than the sunscreen could make your breakouts worse, don't be. There are many sunscreens available and that are appropriate for breakout-prone skin.

It could be post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or post-inflammatory erythema. If its more brown, then it’s PIH. If it’s reddish, then its PIE.

Also, if you press on the scarring and it blanches (turns white, like when you press down on a fingernail), then it’s PIE. If you press on it and nothing happens, it’s PIH.

Hyperpigmentation: The Different Spots on Your Skin

Hyperpigmentation: The Different Spots on Your Skin Think those dark spots on your face or body have to be with you forever? Not so. Hyperpigmentation has a variety of causes. But with an array of treatments available, from the tried-and-true to groundbreaking, you can get rid of discoloration for good. In order to diminish hyperpigmentation you must always protect your skin from the sun,…

Wow! Hyperpigmentation after a full-body rash? That's pretty wild, Zigzag Zebra. (There there, now, stop dying.) :)

Just based on your description, my biggest suspect would be the rather-non-specific condition called Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH), an over-reaction of the skin's melanocytes (cells that produce melanin, which gives your skin its color) to pretty much any skin irritant (chemicals, eczema, pityriasis, tinea/yeast infections, skin procedures, etc). It tends to occur in people with non-white skin tones. Here are two good articles I found (one, two) that discuss that in more detail. Both articles point out that PIH is pretty-much-NEVER permanent, and should fade away within months to years. If it's bothering you, there are treatments (mentioned under both of those links) that can help it clear up quicker. If you are still developing NEW dark spots/stripes, though, then you should probably see a doctor about this.