PIH is a type of hyperpigmentation of the skin that is mainly triggered by the way skin regenerates after inflammation. It can affect the face and body, typically especially UV-exposed areas, and appears as flat spots of hypercoloration. These range in color from pink to red, brown or black, depending on skin tone and the depth of hypercoloration. The root cause is increased melanin production, the pigment that defines the color of a person’s skin, which is stimulated by inflammatory factors. The blemish triggers melanocytes – the melanin-producing cells – to release excessive melanosomes (pigment granules). The excessive pigment granules darken and discolor the formerly stressed area. Once initial blemishes have subsided, spots of hypercoloration, so-called post-acne marks, can remain.

Additionally, sun exposure can aggravate PIH symptoms, darkening the affected patches and prolonging the time it takes for them to fade. Most acne-related PIH will eventually fade over time, but it can take several years or even a decade until it is fully gone*.

^{*Abad-Casintahan, F. et al., “Frequency and Characteristics of Acne-Related Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation.” J Dermatol. 2016; 43:826–828.}

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is common among many acne sufferers since a root cause for acne is inflammation. Those post-acne marks left behind after blemishes heal can be even more aggravating and emotionally distressing than acne itself. Men and women are equally susceptible, and all skin types can get post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, although it is more prevalent in darker tones of skin, with over 65% of the Black Americans experiencing it, followed by 53% of Hispanics, 47% of Asians and 25% of Caucasians*. This means that we need effective and tolerable skincare fighting both blemishes and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation for consumers all over the world.

^{*Kaufman et al., Am J Clin Dermatol. 2018; 19:489–503, Perkins et al., JEADV. 2011; 25(9):1054–1060.}

PIH is mainly triggered by the way skin regenerates after an inflammation. To prevent it, though there are no guarantees, avoid picking at or pressing your pimples. The best prevention is, however, to target acne-related PIH at the root, meaning preventing blemishes from appearing and getting inflamed. Use a mild but effective cleanser and use light, non-comedogenic skincare with anti-inflammatory ingredients, like licochalcone A and keratolytic salicylic acid, which are used in our Eucerin^® Dermopure Triple Effect Serum to prevent pores from clogging. 

Additionally, sun exposure can aggravate PIH symptoms, so we recommend sun protection. Limit the time you spend in the sun and keep out of the sun during its most intense hours. Wear protective clothing and sun hats whenever possible and apply a sun protection factor of at least 30, to protect marks from darkening and help prevent new marks from appearing by using specialized skincare like Eucerin^® Dermopure Protective Fluid SPF 30.

With a high sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 plus UVA, it effectively protects from harmful ultraviolet rays, which contribute to darkening of post-acne marks and prolonging the time for them to fade. In addition, it contains antibacterial decanediol, which helps to prevent blemishes, and licochalcone A to soothe irritation. It also contains sebum-regulating technology to leave the skin with a long-lasting matte and non-shiny look. 

The products have enhanced efficacy when used in combination. This is one of the findings of our product-in-use study, among other user responses. In an eight-week study, three groups of 100 volunteers each tested the products: one group used Eucerin^® Dermopure Triple Effect Serum alone, one group used Eucerin^® Dermopure Protective Fluid SPF 30 alone, while the third group used a regimen of the two products in combination. 

After eight weeks, the scores for the regimen cell were the strongest – after regular usage twice daily, volunteers even agreed that it has the highest efficacy of any solution they’ve ever tried* In fact, 95% of users say the combination finally beats their post-acne marks*.

^{*Product in use study with 100 volunteers, eight weeks of regular usage twice daily.}