Post Inflammatory Hyper Pigmentation
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is the dark or discolored mark left behind after skin experiences inflammation or injury — most often from acne, but also from cuts, bug bites, or eczema flare-ups. It's extremely common in acne-prone skin and, unlike a true scar, usually fades over time.
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Understanding the cause
Inflammation Triggers Melanin
When skin is injured or inflamed, melanin-producing cells can go into overdrive as part of the healing response.
A Flat Mark, Not a Texture Change
Unlike a true scar, PIH is flat — it's discoloration left behind after the original injury has otherwise healed.
Fades, But Slowly
PIH typically fades on its own over months, but sun exposure and picking can both prolong or darken it.
Facts about Post Inflammatory Hyper Pigmentation
It's Not a Permanent Scar
PIH is discoloration, not a texture change — it responds to brightening treatment and typically fades over time.
More Common in Deeper Skin Tones
PIH tends to be more pronounced and longer-lasting in deeper skin tones, and needs a treatment approach that accounts for that.
Picking Makes It Worse
Picking at a healing blemish restarts the inflammatory cycle and often deepens the resulting mark.
SPF Speeds Up Fading
Sun exposure darkens PIH further, so daily sunscreen meaningfully shortens how long a mark sticks around.
These treatments are matched to how fresh or resistant your marks are, from surface-level to more stubborn discoloration.
Diamond Infusion Program
A gentle infusion-based option that supports even tone without aggravating sensitive, post-acne skin.
Tranexamic Acid HA Skin Booster
Supports even tone as ongoing acne or other triggers are brought under control.
SkinCeuticals Chemical Peel
Encourages even cell turnover to fade fresh or surface-level marks.
Top questions about post inflammatory hyper pigmentation
Will my PIH go away on its own?
Often yes, over months — but treatment can meaningfully speed up fading, especially for deeper skin tones or long-standing marks.
Is PIH the same as a scar?
No — PIH is flat discoloration; a scar involves a change in skin texture. They can occur together but need different treatment.
Can I treat PIH while I still have active acne?
Usually yes, with a gentler protocol that doesn't aggravate active breakouts — confirm with your practitioner.
Do at-home brightening products help?
Yes, particularly for lighter or newer marks — combined with in-clinic treatment for more stubborn or long-standing ones.
Let's fade those post-acne marks.
Book a consultation to find the right combination for your skin tone and mark severity.
A relaxed, no-pressure skin assessment — there's no obligation to book treatment that day.
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Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is one of the most common concerns we see following acne in Vancouver, and it's frequently mistaken for permanent scarring when it's actually treatable discoloration. At Kerrisdale Skin Medical, we use chemical peels for fresher marks, PicoWay laser for more resistant ones, and brightening skin boosters to support even tone throughout. Because PIH is more pronounced in deeper skin tones, treatment is tailored to your specific skin rather than applied as a one-size approach.
