Today I would be talking about hyperpigmentation and acne scars. How you can treat and prevent Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), and what ingredients to use to treat PIH acne scarring. I had to do this post at the last minute to build a foundation for the next one, which I will mention at the end. I also have a few tips to share with you and hope you enjoy your time here. Another thing I would want to point out is that don’t neglect your skin in your 30+s, because that is the time you get the toughest acne and toughest marks to get rid of. So I would recommend you to start treating your skin in your 20s+ if not earlier. So this post would help you in both anti-aging and spots. So read along.☺
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of the skin in the form of patches or spots. These patches are formed by excess melanin, the brown pigment that results in brown spots.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
PIH is the red or brown marks or spots you get after your breakout. Your acne is an inflammatory wound. So your skin adds melanin over it as a natural occurrence to protect it.
PIH acne scars get darker for two reasons; either exposure to UV rays or deeper skin tones.
How to Prevent PIH
- Use a gentle cleanser
- Add retinol in your skincare routine
- Use a mild moisturizer (fewer add-ons, no fragrance)
- Use a good physical sunscreen
Prevention is better than treatment. You need to treat your active acne to prevent PIH.
How to Treat Hyperpigmentation and Acne Scars
- Start treating your scars from the time you get them
- Avoid UV rays
- Use products specific to acne scars
- Give your skin the time it needs
With the right products and time, you can lighten those dark spots. Use ingredients and products to prevent breakout and fade acne scars. Also, layer fewer products during your breakout to avoid further inflammation.
Eight Skincare Ingredients to Fade PIH Acne Scars
Use ingredients that target lightening and reducing the production of the skin pigment i.e. melanin. Below are the eight pigment inhibitors that fade PIH acne scars plus blemishes, melasma, atopic dermatitis, and shingles.
1. Vitamin A (Retinol or Retinoids) — An active ingredient that increases skin cell turnover, evens out pigmentation, treats acne, and is anti-aging.
2. Vitamin C — The most powerful antioxidant that fades hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and especially melasma. It also prevents the skin from UV damage and is anti-aging.
3. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) — Acids such as glycolic and lactic acids, exfoliate the outermost layer of skin and evens out pigmented skin tone.
4. Arbutin — Prevents the production of melanin.
5. Galactomyces (or fermented yeast) — A gentle brightener and hydrator.
6. Snail mucin — Brightener, hydrator, and anti-aging. (more in the next post)
7. Licorice — A gentle brightener, and anti-aging.
8. Kojic acid — A gentle brightener.
As all skin types are different, it is recommended to always carry out a patch test, especially for stronger ingredients.
Hyperpigmentation and acne scars take time to go away. And that is why I cannot emphasize it enough that you need to treat it on time and stay patient. I hope you enjoyed this post. If you did, Pin it, and share it. Check out my dedicated skincare board on Pinterest. The next couple of posts are also centered on skincare but after that, I intend to give this niche a little break and do a few posts on lifestyle and shopping. So let me know your thoughts and what you would like to see in the upcoming posts. Don’t forget to subscribe to my Blog for the latest content. Connect with me on my socials. Thank you so much for being here. Stay safe. Bye!
