Pigment & Tone
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Brown marks left behind after acne, injury, waxing, burns or aggressive treatment.
01
What it is
PIH is the flat brown or grey-brown discolouration that remains after inflammation has resolved. It is not a scar — the skin's texture is unchanged, only its colour.
PIH is more common and more persistent in medium to deep skin tones, and can take months to fade without intervention.
02
Why it happens
- Inflammation stimulates melanocytes to release excess melanin, which is then deposited in the epidermis and sometimes dropped into the dermis.
- Sun exposure during the healing phase locks the pigment in and deepens it.
- Picking, over-treating or using irritating actives extends the inflammatory phase.
03
The layer involved
Structure
Epidermis, with dermal deposition in stubborn cases
Superficial PIH clears relatively quickly. When pigment has dropped into the dermis after deeper inflammation, resolution is slower and demands a gentler, longer protocol.
04 · What may help
Treatments we may consider
Indicative only. Which of these belong in your plan — and in what order — is decided at your skin analysis, never from a page.
Professional Dermal Peels
Facial Peels
Medical-grade acids and enzymes that reveal a fresh layer of luminous skin beneath.
Non-Ablative Fractional Renewal
1550/1927 Fibre Laser
Deep fractional renewal without removing the surface — smoother skin with minimal downtime.
Photobiomodulation
LED Light Therapy
Wavelength-specific light that energises skin cells, calms inflammation and builds collagen.
Signature Glow Treatment
Hydrodermabrasion
Exfoliate, extract and infuse in one session for instant, undeniable radiance.
05 · When we may need a medical assessment
Some things belong with a doctor first.
- PIH following a burn, a device treatment elsewhere, or a reaction to a product.
- PIH alongside ongoing active acne — the underlying inflammation must be controlled first.
- Grey-blue discolouration, which can indicate drug-induced or dermal pigment requiring diagnosis.
This page is general education, not medical advice. If anything here sounds like your skin, we will tell you honestly at consultation whether we can help or whether you should see your GP or dermatologist first.
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