What is Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: Causes, Prevention & Treatments

What is Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: Causes, Prevention & Treatments

Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) occurs after an injury or inflammation of the skin. These dark spots and pigmentation appear after nasty breakouts, eczema, psoriasis, cuts, and even wounds. For those unaware, as skin heals from trauma, it produces excess melanin, leading to the said discoloration. However, several treatments, home remedies, and professional procedures can wane these patches for an even skin tone.    

Aside from making your complexion patchy, PIH can also be a constant reminder of skin trauma or discomfort. So, keep reading for surefire solutions for PIH. 

Who Are More Prone To PIH (Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation)?  

Studies show that certain people are more susceptible to PIH or Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH). That’s right. Folks with deeper complexions are more prone to spots and pigmentation after injury to the skin – due to the excess melanin production.  

Additionally, here are some factors that can lead to or exacerbate Hyperpigmentation  

1. Acne: PIH can develop after your skin heals from an acne outbreak. 

2. Sun exposure: Continued solar exposure can aggravate Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation or PIH. 

3. Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes can also increase melanin production, making your skin more prone to PIH. 

Prevention Tips For PIH (Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation)  

If you’re prone to Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (or PIH) here are some ways to prevent it altogether     

1. Don’t pick on your acne: If you have active acne, avoid popping pimples at all costs. Picking on your zits can aggravate hyperpigmentation, leading to an uneven complexion.    

2. Use sunscreen daily: To prevent your PIH from worsening, apply two fingers’ worth of sunscreen in your morning routine. If you plan on staying outdoors for a long time, reapply every two hours. 

3. Treat inflammation and skin conditions early on: To prevent PIH, treat inflammatory conditions like acne early on. We recommend using gentle yet meticulous ingredients like Salicylic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide, or Niacinamide for your skincare routine.  

Effective Treatments For Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)  

You can opt for one of the following treatments based on the severity of your PIH or Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation-

1. Topical treatments 

Ingredients like Vitamin C, Niacinamide, and Tranexamic Acid wane pigmentation albeit via different pathways. Keep scrolling to learn more about these actives

- Vitamin C: Topical application of Vitamin C inhibits melanin production to fade hyperpigmentation. Additionally, using this ingredient in your AM routine shields the skin against aggressors, pollutants, and harmful UV rays.  

- Niacinamide: Another ingredient that works wonders on hyperpigmentation is Niacinamide. This skincare workhorse curbs the melanin distribution across skin cells to fade spots and patches over time. 

- Hydroquinone: The skin lightening agent inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase, which is responsible for melanin production. Use it topically to fade dark spots and pigmentation and prevent further discoloration.

2. Professional Treatments 

If you’re grappling with severe Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation or (PIH), you can opt for the below professional treatments under the guidance of a board-certified dermatologist.

- Chemical peels: This process involves the use of high concentration Glycolic Acid or Lactic Acid to exfoliate the dermis. Results? Reduced spots and blemishes.  

- Laser Therapy: Also known as skin resurfacing, laser therapy uses directed beams of light to boost Collagen production for an even complexion.

3. Home remedies   

Folks with mild PIH can opt for the following home remedies. The best part about using these DIY recipes? They are effective, easy on the pocket, and don’t have any side effects. 

- Aloe vera: Aloe vera inhibits melanin production to fight pesky dark spots and patches. If you have an aloe vera plant at home, use its gel overnight to wake up to even, bright, and beautiful skin in the AM.  

- Licorice extracts: Gladbirdin-rich licorice interferes with melanin production to wane spots and pigmentation. You can mix licorice extract with yogurt and honey for a DIY brightening mask at home.  

- Turmeric: Curcumin (a compound in turmeric) breaks down melanin for a smooth, even-toned complexion. You can whip up a paste with honey, yogurt, or milk. Apply this turmeric concoct on the affected areas and wash it off after 10 to 15 minutes. 

Dos And Don’ts For PIH  

Here are some dos and don’ts for PIH that you should bear in mind  

DOs 

1. Always wear sunscreen. Experts suggest that Indian skin needs SPF 30 or more. 

2. Be consistent with your skincare routine for quick and long-lasting results. 

3. Remember to moisturize in your morning and nighttime routine. 

DON’TS

1. Refrain from using harsh cleansers and exfoliants 

2. Don’t layer redundant active ingredients  

3. Don’t expect overnight results  

Conclusion  

Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation can appear after acne outbreaks, eczema, psoriasis, cuts, and even wounds. Luckily, there are several topical treatments, home remedies, and professional procedures to help wane these spots and patches over time. 

Dr Jushya Sarin

Passionate about beauty, Srishty’s body of work spans 5 years. She loves novel makeup techniques, latest skincare trends, and pop culture references. When she isn’t working, you will find her reading, Netflix-ing or trying to bake something in her k...

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Passionate about beauty, Srishty’s body of work spans 5 years. She loves novel makeup techniques, latest skincare trends, and pop culture references. When she isn’t working, you will find her reading, Netflix-ing or trying to bake something in her k...

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Pigmentation is a common condition that affects people of all skin types. It occurs when certain parts of the skin appear darker than the rest. This is due to the unregulated production of melanin in skin cells, the pigment responsible for your complexion. Not only does pigmentation cause uneven skin tone but it also takes a toll on your mental well-being. Therefore, we are bringing you an exhaustive guide on pigmentation treatment – a mix of home remedies, professional procedures, and topical serums . Keep reading and say hello to an even, radiant complexion. What Are The Different Types Of Pigmentation? Before we delve deeper into the treatments, it's important to understand the different types of pigmentation - 1. Sun or liver spots: This type of pigmentation appears in tan, black or brown spots on the skin –caused due to continued sun exposure. Liver (or sun) spots are more common in adults. 2. 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Niacinamide’s versatility makes it a fan favourite. You can use this active ingredient for fading dark spots, enhancing your skin’s brightness, cutting excess shine, and minimizing pores – among many things. But does this serum only work for a specific skin type? The answer is a resounding no. In this blog, we take you through the benefits of Niacinamide for different skin types. We then introduce you to the best Niacinamide serum that will elevate your skincare game exponentially. So, what are you waiting for? Keep reading to make an informed decision. Is Niacinamide Only For Dry And Oily Skin? No, every skin type can find a use for this active ingredient. Scroll ahead for the benefits. Niacinamide for dry skin: While buying products for dry skin, Niacinamide should be on your radar. The skincare active ensures long-lasting hydration for the skincare by preventing TEWL or transepidermal water loss. Niacinamide for oily skin: Niacinamide is a Godsend for folks with oily skin. 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Get oil-free radiance: We understand the struggle of maintaining oily skin – the never-ending shine, massive pores and makeup that doesn’t stay intact. With our Niacinamide Serum, you can bid farewell to all these woes. The topical application of this formula cuts shine and regulates sebum production, ensuring an oil-free radiance for your skin. 2. Prevents clogged pores, blackheads: Using Niacinamide in your daily routine prevents clogged pores, blackheads, and whiteheads. It helps administer even, smooth skin. 3. Soothes redness: Is your skin prone to flare-ups? If yes, add our Niacinamide Serum to your skincare routine. Packed with anti-inflammatory properties, the active ingredient visibly reduces redness and swelling. How To Use This Niacinamide Serum Once you get your mitts on the Clarifying Seurm, here’s how you can make the most of it 1. Start by cleansing: Only apply serum on a thoroughly cleansed face. 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Moisturize generously: After the serum infuses into the skin, follow up with a moisturizer. For those unaware, a potent moisturizing formula forms a protective barrier on the skin to help seal treatment and hydration. It also softens signs of ageing, reduces inflammation and makes your skin super smooth. If your skin type is dry, use Foxtale’s Hydrating Moisturizer. It contains Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer and Olive Oil that boost your skin’s moisture bank. Moreover, Ceramides and Vitamin E sit on the skin barrier, averting free radicals, pollutants, and aggressors. For oily and combination skin, the Oil Balancing Moisturizer is the perfect match. This lightweight formula soaks up excess grease, reduces acne, and calms inflammation. People who struggle with sensitive skin should try our Skin Repair Cream. It uses ERS technology to nourish, heal and hydrate the skin. 4. Don’t forget SPF: Foxtale’s Niacinamide Serum doesn’t cause photosensitivity. But one must remember that sunscreen is non-negotiable across skincare regimes. It shields the skin against harmful UV rays, preventing tanning, burns, pigmentation and more. Lucky for us, Foxtale carries a range of SPF formulas For dry skin, we recommend our innovative Dewy Sunscreen. It carries D-Panthenol and Vitamin E that keep your skin moisturized without budging on skin protection. People with oily skin should try Foxtale’s Mattifying Sunscreen. It contains Niacinamide that blots sebum and prevents clogged pores while ensuring infallible sun protection. Conclusion Niacinamide is a versatile ingredient that treats dark spots, and ageing lines, minimizes pores and soothes inflammation across all skin types. If you wish to add this active to your skincare, get your hands on Foxtale’s Niacinamide Serum. The creamy yet lightweight formulation travels into the deepest layers of the skin for the best results. FAQs 1. Can I use Niacinamide without sunscreen? We recommend wearing sunscreen after using an active-infused formulation. This prevents any accidental flare-ups. 2. Can I use Niacinamide without a moisturizer? No. A moisturizer helps seal the Niacinamide into the skin, ensuring better efficacy. 3. Can I use Niacinamide to remove pimple marks? Yes, Niacinamide fades pimples marks over time by improving overall skin texture.

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Niacinamide soothes inflamed skin: This skincare workhorse possesses anti-inflammatory properties. It works wonders on redness, rashes, hives and other flare-ups. 4. Niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier: The active ingredient bolsters the lipid barrier by boosting Ceramide production. 5. Niacinamides reverses skin ageing: You can use Niacinamide to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, crow’s feet and more. Does Niacinamide fade dark spots? We already know that Niacinamide reduces the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation. However, it follows a different pathway compared to Vitamin C. Vitamin C fades dark spots and pigmentation by curbing melanin synthesis. On the other hand, Niacinamide reduces melanin concentration in skin cells to deliver similar results. So, which active ingredient should you use? What should I pick, Niacinamide or Vitamin C? How about both? If you want to double down on efforts to reduce dark spots and pigmentation, we recommend using the two ingredients together. You can use the two actives at different times during the day, just as a precautionary measure. If you still want to pick only one ingredient, try to zero in on your skin’s secondary concerns. Case in point, if you want to beat dark spots with formidable sun protection – try our Vitamin C Serum. Alternatively, to conquer skin greasiness with pigmentation, our Niacinamide Serum is the way to go. The Best Niacinamide Serum If you want to integrate Niacinamide into your daily skincare, try Foxtale’s innovative formula. It is high-performing and safe – making it the perfect choice for all skin types. Here’s why this Foxtale formula towers over other serums in the market. 1. It works as a primer: Who doesn’t love an efficient multitasker? We know we do. Our Niacinamide Serum adroitly blurs pores and cloaks blemishes, creating a smooth surface. 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For folks with oily skin, we recommend the Acne Control Face Wash with Salicylic Acid. Alternatively, for dry and sensitive skin, you can try the Hydrating Face Wash with Sodium Hyaluronate (HA) and Red Algae. 2. Apply Niacinamide: Our Niacinamide Serum sits in a pump bottle format. So, take 2 to 3 pumps of the formulation and dab it onto your skin. Maintain a light hand to avoid any stress and strain on the skin. Let the serum infuse into the skin and only then follow up with your secondary treatment like Retinol, acne spot treatment and more. 3. Seal the goodness: Next, lather a generous amount of moisturizer to seal in the serum and hydration. If you have dry skin, we recommend our Hydrating Moisturizer with Ceramide. For oily and combination skin, Foxtale Oil Free Moisturizer is the way to go. If your skin is prone to inflammation, redness, hives and more, place your trust in our Skin Repair Cream. 4. Sunscreen: Niacinamide doesn’t trigger photosensitivity, but that doesn’t give you a license to skip SPF. A potent formula shields the skin against UV rays, preventing tanning, burns, pigmentation and ageing. Luckily Foxtale carries four amazing formulas for formidable sun protection. Pick from our Mattifying, Dewy, Glow and Ultra-Matte Sunscreen. FAQs 1. Is 10% Niacinamide good for your skin? If you are a skincare beginner, we recommend using 5% Niacinamide in your morning/nighttime skincare routine. 2. Can I use 10% Niacinamide Serum twice daily? Yes, you can use 10% Niacinamide Serum twice daily.

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May 15, 2024

Treating Hyperpigmentation With Foxtale’s Vitamin C Serum

If you wish to fight the dark spots and patches on your skin, Vitamin C should definitely be on your shopping list! This active ingredient grants the user a single-tone, glowing complexion in a matter of days. The best part? It is extremely easy to use and has little to no side effects (on most skin types). Now, admittedly looking for the right Vitamin C product can be slightly challenging. It is present in face washes, moisturizers, face packs – there is an endless sea of options in the market. However, in this blog, we are rallying for a Vitamin C Serum for your vanity. Scroll ahead to learn why. We also brush up our basics on the popular active ingredient and answer many of your burning questions. What Is Vitamin C? Vitamin C is a water-soluble active that possesses incomparable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Its popularity in skincare is attributed to its multitasking nature. That's right. Vitamin C works on concerns ranging from ageing to dullness to dark spots and pigmentation. Why Should I Use Vitamin C In The Serum Format? If you want to tackle specific concerns like dark spots and pigmentation, picking a face serum is recommended. For those unfamiliar with the term, a serum is supercharged with the cardinal active ingredient – in this case, Vitamin C. Owing to its weight and semi-liquid state, the serum travels into the deepest layers of the skin to nip the problem in the bud. Faster results and better efficacy is guaranteed. How Vitamin C Serum Works On Pigmentation and Dark Spots? Dark spots and pigmentation can occur due to a flurry of reasons like sun-induced damage, ageing, the wrath of an acne outbreak, and more. Luckily, a Vit C Serum helps inhibit melanin production, administering a more even and bright complexion. The active also ensures a healthy cellular turnover process to unveil a clearer surface sitting underneath. More Reasons To Love Vitamin C Vitamin C extends a gamut of other benefits for your skin, other than treating spots and patches. Ahead, we list all the reasons to add Vitamin C to your skincare rotation. 1. Reduces Fine Lines And Wrinkles: While ageing is natural and honestly a privilege, its early onset w.r.t the skin can bog down your spirit. If you wish to stay a step ahead, add Foxtale’s Vitamin C Serum to your skincare routine. The meticulous active boosts collagen to fade fine lines, wrinkles, crow’s feet and more. 2. Prevents Radical Damage: As discussed earlier, Vitamin C carries antioxidant properties that neutralise free radicals. 3. Reduces Blemishes And Scarring: Topical application of Vitamin C also ensures a healthy cellular turnover process,, revealing a brighter surface sans texture. Why Should I Pick Foxtale’s Vitamin C Serum ? If you are still scouring the market for a Vitamin C serum, here’s why you should consider Foxtale. Reasons Why Foxtale’s Vitamin C Serum Stands Out 1. Sits an airtight, tinted container: For all our skincare beginners, Vitamin C is prone to oxidation. Upon continued contact with heat, light, and air, Vitamin C turns into a rust-hued liquid with reduced efficacy. Luckily, Foxtale’s formula sits in an airtight, tinted container. It also features a pump instead of a dropper on the brim, directing the perfect amount of product for one wear. 2. Emollient-Based Formula: Foxtale’s Vitamin C Serum boasts an emollient-rich formula that doesn’t make your skin uncomfortably dry. It also shields your skin against pollutants and environmental aggregators. 3. Leverages Gel-Trap Technology: Foxtale’s unique formula brings forth a conjunction of Vitamin C and E to your vanity. Oil-soluble Vitamin E facilitates better absorption of the brightening agent across the skin’s lipid barrier. How To Use Foxtale’s Vitamin C For Your Skin? Now that you have your hands on our Vitamin C Serum, follow the below steps to reap its maximum benefits. 1. Cleanse Your Face: To ensure that the Vitamin C Serum reaches the deepest layers of your skin, meticulously wash your face. Use Foxtale’s Hydrating Face Wash if you have dry, brittle skin. On the other hand, you can use our Acne Control Cleanser with Salicylic Acid to cut excess shine from the dermis. 2. Apply Your Serum: Once your skin is dry, apply 2 to 3 pumps of your Vitamin C Serum. If your vitamin C is not pumping, flip the bottle, give it a little shake and then try to dispense the formula. 3. Lather A Moisturiser: Once your serum completely absorbs into the skin, add a thin, even layer of your favourite moisturiser. A potent moisturising formula forms a protective layer on the skin, retaining its water content. 4. Top Off With SPF: Whether you’re stepping outdoors or staying indoors, SPF is non-negotiable. A broad-spectrum formula shields your skin against UVA and UVB rays, preventing episodes of burns, pigmentation, ageing and more. FAQs 1. Why should I start using Foxtale’s Vitamin C Serum? Ans) You should use Foxtale’s Vitamin C Serum if > you want to fade dark spots and pigmentation from your skin > you want to boost your skin’s luminous glow > you wish to soften fine lines, wrinkles and, crow’s feet > you want to protect your skin against UV rays, pollutants, and environmental aggressors 2. How to understand if my Vitamin C Serum has oxidised and needs to be replaced? Ans) The following signs will help you determine if your Vitamin C has oxidised > smells different >has a different texture from the time of purchase > boasts an orangish-rust colour rather than a milky hue 3. My skin is allergic to Vitamin C, can I use a different pigmentation serum from Foxtale? Ans) If your skin is allergic to Vitamin C, try Foxtale’s Rapid Spot Reduction Drops. This tranexamic-based serum fades dark spots and localised discolouration by curbing melanin production. Furthermore, the serum contains oligopeptide 68 and niacinamide that act as brightening agents for your skin. 4. Can I use Foxtale’s Vitamin C Serum at night? Yes. You can use the Vitamin C serum in your morning/evening skincare routine.

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