My Personal Favorites for Treating PIH (Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation)
Dealing with acne can be a pain, but what I’ve found to be most frustrating is PIH. PIH stands for Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation. I’ve seen people call PIH acne scars or dark marks, but there is a difference between PIH and acne scars. For example, acne scars are more permanent compared to PIH. The good news is PIH can be treated and often the PIH starts to fade and then disappear.
What exactly is PIH?
According to Skin of Color Society, “Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) occurs after there is damage or irritation to the skin. The skin involved turns tan, brown, or purple, which brings about the term hyperpigmentation (more color). It is very common in skin of color with over 65% of African Americans experiencing symptoms. “,
When it comes to getting rid of PIH, it can be tricky. Sometimes the PIH goes away faster and sometimes it sticks around longer. As mentioned by Skin of Color Society, PIH is common with black people and people of color. I’ve noticed beauty and skincare are some of the areas where I see racism or lack of options for black people and people of color. Our skin is different and this changes which products are going to be more effective for us. For my skin, PIH has been one of my biggest concerns, however, most skincare products are built specifically for black and brown skin. The skincare products I mention below have been helpful for me and I hope you consider them for yourself too.
Healthy skin is something I encourage for everyone. Sunscreen is an important aspect of any skincare routine and it’s going to be essential for helping with PIH. For my sunscreen, I like to try different brands to see which one doesn’t have a white overcast. A good sunscreen and any of the products below are a good strategy for dealing with PIH.
Note for readers: I want to note these are my personal recommendations. When trying any new skincare product make sure you read the directions carefully. This will help you avoid any bad interactions that could damage your skin. There are times when I also try a product on my hand, to test how my skin will react. Each person’s skin is unique, so consider this when using any new skincare products.
The Inkey List Tranexamic Acid Hyperpigmentation Treatment
I tried this product from The Inkey List about a year ago. At first, I wasn’t sure if the product was working, however, over time I started to see the results. There are two main reasons why I like this Tranexamic Acid Hyperpigmentation Treatment. The first reason is that it works and the second reason is that it’s a gentle treatment.
When it comes to skincare, I typically prefer a more aggressive approach, however, this product is the opposite. Over time, the tranexamic acid lightens my PIH and gives my skin a clearer appearance. When talking about PIH, most people suggest Vitamin C. I’ve found this product from The Inkey List to be a good and unexpected addition to my skincare routine.
The other benefit of this feature is this product can be paired with other products that are stronger. For example, I’m able to use this Tranexamic Acid with a retinoid, and the results have been great.
Differin gel
Differin gel is easily my favorite skincare product. There is a lot of talk about Differin gel (which is a retinoid). I think the main reason why Differin is popular is because it’s become an effective way to treat acne. However, along with treating acne, it also treats PIH. Now, this is where the Catch 22 issue comes in. Often, when people use Differin gel, their skin purges, and this can cause acne and other skin irritations. Despite the purge phase, I’ve realized over time Differin gel has decreased my acne, PIH, and texture of my skin.
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Exfoliating Peeling Solution
This peeling solution from The Ordinary is the one people say looks like “blood”. People say this because the solution is a deep red color. This is like a mask because you only keep it on for 10 minutes. I’ve noticed the results of this product quickly. This brightens my PIH and I’ve noticed it also helps prevent acne. This can be a nice alternative to something stronger like Differin gel. This is a product you can easily include in your weekly skincare routine that will help over time.
The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin
Have you noticed I like The Ordinary? Well, I do. The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin does a great job of brightening my skin. When I used this in my night routine, I woke up and saw the results. For me, this gives my skin more color and life. It’s like you’ve had a nice day in the sun. In addition to reducing my PIH, this also makes my skin softer. Including this Vitamin C with my skincare routine has been a wonderful decision.
So, these are my go-to recommendations for reducing and getting rid of PIH. PIH takes patience, sometimes lots of patience (trust me). These are the products I like and they’re all under $20! Of course, if you have recommendations for PIH, let me know in the comments. Have you ever tried any of these products? How did it go?
