Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: Causes, Treatments, and What Actually Works

When your skin heals from a pimple, cut, burn, or rash, it sometimes leaves behind a dark spot that won’t go away. That’s post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a common skin condition where excess melanin is produced after inflammation or injury. Also known as PIH, it’s not scarring—it’s discoloration—and it affects everyone, but shows up darker and lasts longer on brown and Black skin. Unlike acne scars that change the skin’s texture, PIH is flat and just changes color. It can show up after anything that irritates the skin: picking at a pimple, a bad sunburn, even a bug bite. The darker your natural skin tone, the more likely you are to get it—and the longer it might stick around.

What makes PIH tricky is that it doesn’t respond to the same treatments as acne. Slathering on acne cream won’t fade the dark spot. Instead, you need ingredients that target melanin production. hydroquinone, a skin-lightening agent approved by the FDA for short-term use is still the gold standard for many dermatologists, but it’s not for long-term use. niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3 that reduces pigment transfer to skin cells is gentler, works well with other products, and is safe for daily use. vitamin C, an antioxidant that blocks melanin synthesis brightens skin over time and helps prevent new spots. And don’t skip sunscreen—UV exposure makes PIH worse. Even on cloudy days, if you’re not wearing SPF 30+, those dark spots will stay stubborn.

Some people try chemical peels or laser treatments, but those can backfire if done wrong, especially on darker skin tones. The safest path is consistent, gentle care: stop picking at your skin, use proven topical ingredients, and protect your skin from the sun. What you’ll find in the posts below are real, practical guides on what works—not hype, not quick fixes. From how to combine retinoids with sunscreen to why some OTC brighteners fail, these articles cut through the noise. You’ll learn what to buy, what to avoid, and how long to wait before you see real change.