How to Fade Acne Scars: A Focus on Post Inflammatory Erythema and Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Acne scars are a common concern among individuals who have struggled with acne breakouts. Scarring can manifest in various forms, causing changes in color, texture, or depth on the skin's surface. This article will delve into two prominent types of acne scars: Post Inflammatory Erythema (PIE) and Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH). We will explore the causes of these scars, discuss various remedies to fade them, and provide resources for further information and professional help.
Overview of Post Inflammatory Erythema and Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Post Inflammatory Erythema (PIE) refers to redness or pinkish discoloration that occurs after injury or inflammation to the skin caused by acne. This type of acne scar is prompted by the dilation and damage of superficial blood vessels in the skin. Typically, PIE is more common in individuals with fair skin but can occur in any skin type.
Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH), on the other hand, manifests as dark spots or patches on the skin resulting from increased melanin production following inflammation or injury, such as acne breakouts. PIH is more prevalent in those with darker skin tones due to their higher melanin content.
Remedies to Fade Post Inflammatory Erythema
Below are some remedies that have been shown to be effective in reducing the appearance of PIE:
1. Anti-Inflammatory Treatments
This soothing spray contains hypochlorous acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties that calm irritated skin and reduce redness *.
Maximum Strength Acne Treatment Ointment
Containing 10% sulfur, this ointment has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate redness and inflammation associated with acne *.
Cicapair Tiger Grass Collar Correcting Treatment
This treatment combines centella asiatica extract (tiger grass) with color-correcting green pigment to help neutralize redness and promote skin healing.
This gel contains onion extract and allantoin, which have both been shown to have anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties *.
2. Azealic Acid
10% Azelaic Acid Booster and Azealic Acid 10% Suspension
Both of these products contain Azelaic acid, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to reduce redness and promote skin healing*.
Remedies to Fade Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Eryfotona Ageless Ultralight tinted mineral sunscreen
A powerful, lightweight sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. This product contains antioxidants to help protect the skin from environmental aggressors, and also offers an SPF 50+ with a sheer tint for subtle coverage. It's suitable for all skin types and leaves the skin feeling soft, smooth, and radiant.
PHYTO A + BRIGHTENING TREATMENT
A brightening serum formulated with high-potency vitamin C to help even out skin tone and reduce discoloration from sun damage or aging. It contains plant extracts such as licorice, mulberry, and grape seed to help inhibit melanin production and boost skin luminosity. This product is non-irritating and can be used on all skin types.
A lightweight serum formulated with alpha arbutin to target dark spots and even out the skin tone. It helps to fade discoloration and hyperpigmentation, while its antioxidant properties protect the skin from free-radical damage. The serum is also suitable for all skin types and can be used both morning and night for best results.
Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum
A fast-acting serum that targets discoloration and dark spots. It contains a potent blend of hydroquinone, glycolic acid, and phytic acid to help even out skin tone, reduce discoloration, and improve skin clarity. This product is ideal for those looking for fast-acting results against acne scars or sun damage-related hyperpigmentation.
A powerful serum formulated with tranexamic acid and kojic acid to reduce the appearance of discoloration from sun damage or aging. It helps brighten the skin, fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation, and improve skin tone. This product is suitable for all skin types and can be used both morning and night. It is also formulated with a hyaluronic acid complex to help keep the skin hydrated.
Post Inflammatory Hypopigmentation (white spots)
Post-inflammatory hypopigmentation is a type of acne scarring that results in a decrease in skin pigmentation. It presents as white spots or patches on the skin, and is caused by the destruction of melanocytes - cells responsible for producing melanin pigment - due to inflammation from an acne breakout. People with lighter skin tones are more susceptible to this type of scarring, as the lack of pigment can be more easily seen. Treatment for post-inflammatory hypopigmentation involves using topical lightening agents such as hydroquinone, topical retinoids or chemical exfoliants, and avoiding sun exposure to prevent further damage. Laser treatments have also been found to be an effective method of removing white spots.
TODAY'S TOP CLICKED
RELATED STORIES
