Understanding PIE & PIH
Acne might be gone, but the marks it leaves behind can stick around like that one party guest who doesn’t know when to leave. Post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) are two of the most common leftovers from breakouts. They’re not the same thing, though—and treating them the same way can slow your progress. Let’s dive into what makes them different and how to tackle them with confidence.
PIE: The Red and the Restless
PIE shows up as pink, red, or even purple marks caused by damage to tiny blood vessels under the skin. These marks often appear after inflammatory acne and are more common in lighter skin tones. Think of PIE as a wound, it requires time and optimal healing conditions to improve.
How to Treat PIE:
Focus on soothing: Look for ingredients like niacinamide, beta-glucan, and centella asiatica to calm inflammation and support vascular repair.
Protect your skin: Sunscreen isn’t just for PIH! UV exposure can make redness more pronounced and harder to fade.
Consider treatments: LED therapy, like red or near-infrared light, can speed up healing by promoting collagen and repairing those tiny blood vessels.
PIH: The Dark Side of Acne
PIH appears as brown or black spots caused by excess melanin production triggered by inflammation. It’s more common in darker skin tones and can take longer to fade if not properly addressed. Not only will it take consistent home care product usage, incorporating professional treatments like chemical peels can also greatly improve this form of hyperpigmentation.
How to Treat PIH:
Brighten it up: Ingredients like azelaic acid, tranexamic acid, and kojic acid help reduce melanin production and fade discoloration.
Prevent new marks: Sunscreen is critical here too—UV rays can darken spots and undo all your progress.
Exfoliate gently: Chemical exfoliants like lactic acid or mandelic acid can encourage cell turnover without being too aggressive.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overdoing it: Treating PIE and PIH too aggressively can irritate the skin and make marks linger longer.
Skipping sunscreen: We can’t stress this enough—protecting the skin from the sun is essential for both prevention and treatment.
Impatience: Results take time. Stay consistent and remember that skin regeneration isn’t an overnight process.
Skipping home care: Consistent, daily care is what truly delivers results.
DIYing treatment plans: Estheticians are licensed skincare professionals that specialize in this area. For optimal results, seek out the help of a professional that can curate a home care regimen and perform professional exfoliating treatments.
The Bottom Line
Fading PIE and PIH is a marathon, not a sprint—but with the right products, patience, and professional guidance, your skin can look brighter, healthier, and more even over time. Don’t forget: Your glow-up starts with good home care and a skincare routine tailored to your needs.
Need more skincare advice? Follow us on Instagram @hellaestie for tips, tricks, and all the glow-up inspo you need.
