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Can PIH hyperpigmentation fade on its own?

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a common problem for people with acne-prone or sensitive skin. These dark marks or patches appear after inflammation has subsided, leaving behind discoloured spots.

Individuals with PIH naturally wonder if these marks will fade. The short answer is yes, but it depends on several factors that influence hyperpigmentation’s natural fading process.

What Is Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)?

PIH develops when the skin responds to inflammation by producing excess melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour. It forms dark patches or spots where acne, rashes, or other skin issues have healed.

Unlike acne scars, which create indentations in the skin, PIH is purely a pigmentation issue and doesn’t involve texture changes.

Factors Influencing the Fading of PIH

Here’s what you need to be mindful of when monitoring PIH and the fading process.

Depth of pigmentation

The depth of the pigmentation plays a crucial role in how quickly PIH will fade. If the pigmentation is superficial, meaning it only affects the top layer of the skin, it is more likely to disappear within a few months.

However, if the pigmentation has penetrated deeper into the dermis, it may take much longer to fade and could require professional treatment.

Skin cell turnover rate

Another important factor is your skin’s ability to renew itself. Skin cell turnover is how new cells replace old, damaged ones. A faster turnover rate can help fade PIH more quickly as new skin cells push out the darker, pigmented ones.

Younger individuals tend to have speedier skin cell turnover, whereas this process slows down as we age, leading to longer-lasting hyperpigmentation.

Sun exposure

Exposure to the sun can exacerbate PIH, making the spots darker and more persistent.

UV rays stimulate melanin production, which can worsen existing pigmentation. For this reason, sun protection is crucial for those dealing with PIH. Using sunscreen regularly can help prevent further darkening and promote faster fading.

Skin type and colour

People with darker skin are more susceptible to PIH because of increased melanin production. While PIH can affect anyone, it tends to be more prominent and long-lasting in individuals with darker skin.

On the other hand, people with lighter skin tones may experience quicker fading of PIH, though they are still vulnerable to hyperpigmentation after inflammation.

Type of inflammation and severity

The cause and severity of the inflammation also play a role in how long PIH lasts. For instance, deep cystic acne or significant skin trauma can result in more pronounced and stubborn PIH than a minor pimple.

The more severe the inflammation, the more likely it is that the resulting pigmentation will be deeper and take longer to fade.

Consistency of treatment

You may see faster results if you are actively treating PIH with skincare products like retinoids, vitamin C, or hydroquinone. Consistency in using these products and adhering to a good skincare routine is essential for fading PIH.

Without proper treatment, even minor hyperpigmentation can persist for months or years.

Natural healing process

While PIH can fade naturally, the time it takes for the skin to heal can vary widely. PIH may fade within three to six months without intervention in mild cases. However, more severe cases of hyperpigmentation may persist for over a year or more.

How Professional Pigmentation Treatment Helps

For individuals dealing with more stubborn or extensive PIH, professional pigmentation treatments can accelerate the fading process by targeting pigmentation at a deeper level than at-home remedies. We recommend the following pigmentation treatments.

Peptide Peel Lumenis M22

The Peptide Peel, combined with Lumenis M22 treatment, targets pigmentation, acne, and other skin concerns. This treatment blends acids and active ingredients that exfoliate the skin, lighten pigmentation, and promote overall health.

Key ingredients in the Peptide Peel include:

Phytic acid: A mild AHA used for exfoliation and skin lightening.
Mandelic acid: A gentle AHA that helps refine fine lines, prevent acne, and lighten pigmentation.
Tranexamic acid: Clinically proven to whiten skin, this acid is 50 times more potent than vitamin C in skin whitening.
Gluconolactone: A PHA that hydrates the skin while improving clarity and elasticity.
Lactobionic acid: A mild exfoliant with excellent hydration properties, improving skin texture and fine lines.
Sodium lactate: A natural moisturising factor that helps prevent dehydration and enhances the efficacy of skin-lightening agents.

Paired with the Lumenis M22, a gold standard for IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) photorejuvenation, this treatment addresses pigmentation, mild to moderate acne, and other skin concerns while rejuvenating the skin.

Iyashi Exosome Nano Needling

The Iyashi Exosome Nano Needling treatment, created in Japan, utilises pure bioactive synthetic exosomes to accelerate skin healing and regeneration. These exosomes repair damaged cells and promote skin renewal, making them ideal solutions for PIH patients.

Key components of the Iyashi Exosomes include:

Exosomes: Crucial for cell repair and regeneration.
Growth Factors: Stimulate the renewal of skin cells.
Chemokines: Aid in wound healing.
Cytokines: Manage inflammation to support skin recovery.

This treatment is also available at our sister brand, SL Aesthetic Clinic. It is performed using a RF Gold Microneedling device and carried out by a doctor. We recommend doing the clinic version of this treatment if you have more obvious pigmentation or want faster results.

Get Pigmentation Treatment in Singapore

PIH is a temporary condition that will fade with time. If you’re struggling with stubborn hyperpigmentation, consider professional pigmentation treatments for brighter, clearer skin.

We offer treatments that target and fade PIH. These include the Peptide Peel with Lumenis M22 and Iyashi Exosome Nano Needling. Combining expert knowledge with technologies, SkinLaboffers a comprehensive approach to treating PIH, helping individuals achieve faster and more consistent results than at-home treatments.

Book an appointment for pigmentation treatment in Singapore now.