Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
It is caused by inflammation of the skin, usually after some type of blemish (comedo, blackhead, etc.) that causes inflammation of the skin. This inflammation is considered an unwanted reaction but our skin produces it to protect us from infections, bacteria and viruses.
This reaction causes excess melanin production and agitates the capillaries and blood vessels, making the skin appear dark red, brown, or purple. The more inflammation your skin has, the more hyperpigmentation you will have and it will take longer to lighten your skin.
These spots are more common on medium to dark skin tones.
Post-inflammatory erythema (PID)
This form of hyperpigmentation is similar to the previous one, but it is caused by trauma to the skin such as cuts, aggressive exfoliation, and wounds, among others. It occurs when capillaries in the skin break and the skin try to heal them by dilating blood vessels and increasing blood flow to repair the trauma.
For this reason, the marks are red or dark pink. This type of hyperpigmentation is more common in light skin.
Melasma
This hyperpigmentation differentiates it because it causes a dark brown or grey colour and appears in different places on the skin, it can appear on the cheeks, on the nose, on the forehead, on the chin, and above the lips, among others.
These spots are more common in women than in men and are caused by excessive production of melanin. Unlike the previous types of hyperpigmentation that are the result of inflammatory processes or some type of trauma, this one is caused by genetic factors, sun exposure and hormonal changes.
It is also known as the pregnancy mask because it can appear temporarily during this period. This hyperpigmentation is more difficult to treat, but with the right treatment and consistency in the application of the right products, you will see very good results.
How to differentiate if I have Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), Post-inflammatory erythema or melasma pigmentation?
You can gently press any of your spots and if they turn white, it means you have PID (Post-Inflammatory Erythema) while if they don’t change colour, it is more likely that you have PHI (Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation) or melasma.
Differentiating between post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma is easier because IPH is related to some type of imperfection, that is, if the spots you have are the product of some imperfection, pimple, or comedon, they are IPH, while if they have appeared almost without realising it and in different areas of your skin are melasma.
How to lighten the skin?
If you suffer from IPH or melasma, we recommend components that inhibit the production of melanin. If you suffer from PID, the best will be components that calm and deflate your skin. Avoid alcohol, aggressive ingredients, high concentrations of essential oils, and tea tree, among others.
