Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation Treatments

What causes dark marks

When skin is inflamed, from a spot, a burn, a cut or irritation from a product or wax, it can respond by making extra pigment in that area. The result is a flat brown, grey or dark mark that stays after the original problem has healed. This is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or PIH. It is common on all skin types and often lasts longer on darker skin.

Dark marks are not scars. A mark is flat; a scar changes the skin's texture. Telling them apart matters, because they need different treatment.

What helps marks fade

• Daily sunscreen. Sun exposure darkens marks and slows fading. This is the single most important step.
• Stop new marks forming. Treat the cause, such as active breakouts, and avoid picking or squeezing spots.
• Brightening ingredients. Vitamin C, niacinamide and gentle exfoliating acids can help even out tone over time. Introduce one at a time.
• Avoid irritation. Harsh scrubs and too many actives cause more inflammation, which can create more pigment.

Expect gradual change over several months rather than quick results.

Professional treatments

For stubborn marks, professional treatment can speed things up. At Galeo Beauty, Dermalogica Pro Bright targets dullness and uneven tone, the Pro Power Peel is customised for resurfacing, and Melanopro is a comprehensive clinical peel system for hyperpigmentation. Darker skin tones need treatments chosen carefully to avoid further pigmentation, so your therapist will assess your skin before recommending one.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if a mark changes shape or colour, bleeds, itches or grows, or if you are not sure what it is. Pigmentation that appears without any previous spot or injury, such as melasma, may need a different approach.