Understanding and addressing PIH can help individuals, especially those with darker skin tones, achieve clearer, more even-toned skin. With the right treatments and preventive measures, managing PIH becomes more effective and less daunting. At Skin Renewal, our doctor-led approach ensures that we provide you with a customised treatment solution for optimal results.
What Are The Causes of PIH?
Several factors can contribute to the development of PIH, including:
Acne Vulgaris
Atopic Dermatitis
Impetigo
Contact Dermatitis
Psoriasis
Lichen Planus
Insect Bites
Burns
Laser Treatments
Chemical Peels
Cryotherapy
Injury to the skin
How PIH Affects Dark Skin
PIH is particularly prevalent in darker skin types, including individuals of mixed backgrounds with darker pigmentation. Darker skin tones are more susceptible to hyperpigmentation or dark spots due to insults to deeply pigmented skin. Common triggers include acne, cuts, psoriasis, or eczema. Additionally, shaving rash or ingrown hairs treated harshly in male patients can lead to discolouration in the beard area.
Treatment Options for PIH at Skin Renewal
While PIH often resolves on its own, this process can take months or even years. Several treatment options can help accelerate the fading of these discoloured patches:
Topical Treatments:
Azelaic Acid: Reduces pigmentation and inflammation.
Retinoids: Promote skin turnover and reduce pigmentation.
Vitamin C: Brightens the skin and reduces pigmentation.
Niacinamide: Prevents melanin transfer and reduces discolouration.
Advanced Procedures:
Chemical Peels: Exfoliate the skin and reduce pigmentation.
Laser Treatments: Target and break down hyperpigmented areas.
Microdermabrasion with TA (Tranexamic Acid): Exfoliates and reduces pigmentation.
Transdermal Mesotherapy with TA (Tranexamic Acid): Delivers active ingredients directly into the skin.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) with TA (Tranexamic Acid): Uses light-activated compounds to treat pigmentation.
Dermapen with TA (Tranexamic Acid): Microneedling to enhance skin absorption of active ingredients.
Deep Treatments for Severe PIH:
Endymed FSR (Fractional Skin Resurfacing): Resurfaces the skin and reduces deep pigmentation.
MesoBrite™ and MesoBrite Lite™: Brightening treatments for pigmentation.
Brightening IV Infusions: Glutathione and Vitamin C infusions to brighten the skin from within.
Importance of Sun Protection
Sun protection is crucial in managing and preventing further PIH. Broad-spectrum sunscreens should be used daily to prevent the darkening of existing hyperpigmented areas and protect the skin from UV-induced pigmentation.
Types Of Pigmentation
Skin Pigmentation Disorder | Description | Common Triggers | Affected Areas |
Freckles (Ephelides) | Small, flat brown spots that appear after repeated sun exposure, especially in people with fair skin. They tend to become darker in summer and fade in winter. In fair skins and particularly blonde/red haired individuals, some are born with a predisposition for developing freckles. | Sun exposure/Genetics | Common on face, shoulders, and arms |
Age Spots (Solar Lentigines) | Flat, tan, brown, or black spots with a distinct edge that occur due to sun exposure over many years. | Prolonged sun exposure | Common on sun-exposed areas like the face, hands, and arms |
Melasma | Larger patches of brown or greyish pigmentation, often on the face. It is more common in women and can be triggered by hormonal changes. Although rare, melasma can occur in men. | Hormonal changes (e.g., pregnancy, birth control pills) | Common on the face |
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation | Darker spots or patches that occur after skin injury or inflammation from conditions like acne, eczema, or lupus. | Skin injury or inflammation | Can appear anywhere on the body |
Albinism | A genetic condition resulting in little or no pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes due to lack of melanin production. | Genetic mutation | Entire body |
Vitiligo | Patchy loss of skin pigmentation, resulting in irregular white patches on different areas of the body. It is an autoimmune disorder where melanocytes are destroyed. | Autoimmune disorder | Can appear on different areas of the body |