What Is Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation — and How Do You Treat It?

If you’ve had a breakout, flare-up, or skin injury that’s left behind a dark mark long after it healed, you’re likely dealing with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

At Platinum Cosmetics, we see PIH frequently — especially in clients with medium to deeper skin tones, or those with acne-prone or reactive skin. While it’s not permanent, it can be persistent and frustrating.

Here’s what causes it, how we treat it, and how to prevent it from worsening.

What Is Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)?

PIH is the flat, brown, pink, or grey mark that remains after a wound or inflammation — like a pimple, burn, or rash — has healed. It’s not scarring (there’s no textural change), but it’s still part of the skin’s trauma response.

Why it happens:

  • Inflammation stimulates melanin production

  • More melanin = more pigment in the healing area

  • Skin tone and genetics influence how visible and long-lasting the mark will be

PIH is especially common after acne, waxing, picking, or overuse of active skincare ingredients.

How We Treat PIH at Platinum Cosmetics

We always start with a consultation to understand what triggered the pigmentation and assess your skin tone, barrier condition, and treatment history.

Then we build a tailored plan using one or more of the following:

1. Laser for Pigmentation

Our Fotona laser treatments allow us to target excess pigment gently and precisely. Over a series of sessions, we help break up pigmented areas and stimulate skin turnover — without damaging surrounding tissue.

2. Skin Needling

Skin needling can help lift PIH by stimulating collagen, improving circulation, and supporting healthy skin renewal. It’s especially effective when combined with targeted skin care.

3. Skin Care to Support Brightening and Repair

We recommend a combination of:

  • SPF (daily, always — no exceptions)

  • Niacinamide or azelaic acid

  • Gentle exfoliation (introduced gradually)

  • Barrier repair to reduce inflammation triggers

Explore our skin care options if you’re not sure where to start.

What Not to Do When Treating PIH

  • Don’t over-exfoliate — it often worsens inflammation

  • Don’t skip sunscreen — UV exposure will make pigment darker and last longer

  • Don’t use too many brightening actives at once — it can damage your barrier and delay healing

  • Don’t treat pigment without treating inflammation — otherwise it keeps coming back

Book a PIH Consultation in Port Melbourne

If you’re dealing with dark marks after breakouts or skin trauma, you don’t have to guess your way through it. Book a consultation and we’ll create a personalised plan to fade pigmentation safely and effectively — while supporting your skin long-term.

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Laser vs Skin Needling: What’s Better for Scarring and Skin Texture?