How To Treat Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation PIH Skin?

Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) of the skin is an increased amount of melanin pigment in the skin (as compared to your normal skin color) that occurs after skin inflammation. It is sometimes called Post Inflammatory Pigment Alteration or PIPA or dermal hypermelanosis. The definition of hyperpigmentation is when you have skin that is darker than your normal skin color. Linea Nigra is a dark vertical line of discoloration from the belly button to the pubic area Hyperpigmentation is more common in darker skin tones such as Fitzpatrick Skin Types 4,5 and 6.

Hyperpigmentation results in an uneven skin tone. There are 8 Baumann Skin Types that have an uneven skin tone and need skin lightening ingredients.

Does post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation go away? Yes! Although it is not easy to get rid of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation- it is not permanent. It will eventually fade naturally. Work with your doctor or medical provider to see if post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation treatments like chemical peels are right for you. Combining treatments, a custom skin care routine for your skin type and sun avoidance, your skin will improve.

Don't lose confidence if it doesn't clear up after just a few days! Most significant skin care regimens take a few weeks to impart their full effect, so stay consistent!

How long it takes the discoloration to fade depends upon many factors. Fade time is significantly less if you limit sun exposure and use sunscreen diligently. Assuming you have eliminated the cause of inflammation and are using anti-inflammatory ingredients in your skin care routine, and avoiding sun exposure, the uneven skin pigment will most likely last at least 40 days for the skin to clear. This is because of the time it takes for the pigmented skin cells to exfoliate off of the skin and be replaced with skin cells of normal pigment. How to fade hyperpigmentation fast? Follow our dermatologist recommended skin care regimen advice found at this link.

Because PIH is very similar to melasma- follow our advice on melasma for the best skin care routine to treat post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The skin care routine can be combined with chemical peels but make sure you find an experienced medical provider. If they burn you or use the wrong type of chemical peel, this could make the pigmentation worse.

If you have dry, sensitive skin, you are more likely to be suggested a glycolic acid peel than a salicylic acid peel. Glycolic acid leaves oils on the skin while salicylic acid removes oil. 

It is important to identify any underlying barriers to skin health and causes of inflammation that may be worsening your skin hyperpigmentation problems. For example, If your PIH is caused by acne, the dark spots from pimples will not get better until your acne is treated. Knowing your Baumann Skin Type® will allow us to customize a skincare routine to treat your hyperpigmentation and any underlying causes.

The best skin lightening products will contain anti-inflammatory and skin lightening ingredients.

Keep in mind that there are different types of skin lightening ingredients like tyrosinase inhibitors, which block the triggers to start melanin production, and even exfoliants that mechanically remove dark spots from the surface of the skin. 

The best skin lightening products use a combination of many types of skin lighteners to achieve a more profound effect.

There are so many different hyperpigmentation cleansers, so you need to know your Baumann Skin Type to choose the best. Follow the same face wash recommendations that we give for melasma because the issue is the same- too much pigment in the skin.

All cleansers are a little different, so keep in mind when you pick a cleanser for your sensitive skin that you do not choose one that is too low of a pH. products that are too acidic have a chance of irritating sensitive skin.

Look for cleansers rich in soothing linoleic fatty acids for your PIH regimen.

Treating hyperpigmentation from the inside naturally requires stress reduction, adequate sleep and a well balanced diet because the stress hormone cortisol makes skin pigmentation worse. You can also try antioxidants or these vitamins and supplements to treat PIH from the inside.

Heliocare Supplement Capsule contains polypodium leucotomos, an antioxidant help protect the skin from inflammation due to sun exposure. If you cannot avoid the sun, this skin protective supplement is highly suggested.[[FL-0480-10">