🌿 Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) Treatment in New Zealand 🌿
A Gentle, Inflammation-First Approach That Actually Works
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is one of the most common pigmentation concerns in New Zealand, especially for people dealing with acne, eczema, insect bites, or skin irritation. If you’re searching for a safe, natural way to fade post inflammatory hyperpigmentation without harsh chemicals, you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place.
What is PIH? 🤔
Post‑Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) refers to those stubborn dark marks left behind after your skin heals from external inflammation, like acne, eczema, or a bug bite. It’s not a scar (your skin texture stays the same), but melanin stays where inflammation once lived. 🟤
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation refers to dark marks or discolouration left behind after skin inflammation heals. These marks are not scars, your skin texture remains smooth, but excess melanin remains in the area that was inflamed.
Common names you may also see:
- Post-acne marks
- Dark spots after acne
- Hyperpigmentation after inflammation
- PIH pigmentation
- Inflammatory pigmentation
In simple terms:
👉 Inflammation heals, pigment stays behind.
As a pharmacist, I view inflammation as the root cause of all hyperpigmentation, but in this article, we focus on PIH in its conventional clinical sense.
What Does PIH Look Like? 🟤
The colour of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation depends on how deep the pigment sits in the skin:
| Pigment Depth | Colour | Skin Layer | Typically found in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epidermal PIH | Light to dark brown | Upper skin | Lighter skin |
| Dermal PIH | Blue-grey or slate | Deeper skin | Darker skin |
✨ PIH is more common in skin of colour, which contains more active melanocytes. However, lighter skin tones often experience sunspots and premature aging instead.
What Causes Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation? 🔍
PIH can develop after any form of skin inflammation or trauma, including:
- 🔥 Acne (even if you don’t pick)
- 🌿 Eczema, dermatitis & rashes
- 🐜 Insect bites (especially when scratched)
- 💥 Cuts, burns, waxing & friction
- 🧪 Chemical peels, lasers & microneedling
- ☀️ Sun exposure (a major trigger)
⚠️ High-UV environment, and sun exposure significantly worsens PIH, making daily sun protection essential.
How Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation Develops 🧬
When skin becomes inflamed, it releases inflammatory mediators that stimulate melanocytes to produce more melanin as a protective response.
- Mild inflammation → superficial pigment
- Deeper or repeated inflammation → long-lasting dermal pigment
⏳ With excellent sun protection:
- Mild PIH may fade in 6–12 months
- Deep PIH may take 1–2 years or longer
How to Prevent Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation 🛡️
Prevention is always easier than treatment.
✔️ Don’t pick, squeeze or scratch
✔️ Avoid harsh skincare (scrubs, alcohol, fragrance)
✔️ Treat acne and eczema early and gently
✔️ Cool inflammation with calming botanicals
✔️ Use sunscreen daily—even indoors
💡 If a product stings, tingles, or burns, it is inflaming your skin.
Why Harsh PIH Treatments Often Make Things Worse ❌
Many PIH treatments, like strong acids, retinoids, peels, and lasers, can worsen pigmentation, especially for sensitive or melanin-rich skin.
Here’s why:
| Treatment Type | Short-Term Effect | Long-Term Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Strong acids | Fast exfoliation | Rebound PIH |
| Scrubs | “Smoother” feel | Micro-tears & inflammation |
| Retinoids | Cell turnover | Barrier damage |
| Lasers | Pigment targeting | New or worse PIH |
👉 Inflamed skin produces more pigment.
Aggressive treatment = repeated inflammation = ongoing PIH.
What Actually Works for PIH (Long-Term) 🌿
The most effective way to treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is not bleaching or stripping the skin, but calming it consistently.
✔️ Reduce inflammation
✔️ Support the skin barrier
✔️ Allow natural regeneration
✔️ Protect from UV exposure
This approach is far more reliable, especially for long-term results.
Our Natural PIH Treatment Approach 🌸
Made in New Zealand
At Beauty Fields, we focus on inflammation-led hyperpigmentation care, not aggressive correction.
Our soaps and creams are:
- 🌿 100% natural & handmade in New Zealand
- 🚫 Free from hydroquinone, steroids & bleaching agents
- 💚 Designed for long-term daily use
- ☀️ Safe to use during summer
Instead of attacking pigment, we:
- Calm inflammation at the source
- Support detox and skin repair
- Help the skin regulate melanin naturally
✨ No rebound pigmentation. No irritation cycles.
Why Our PIH Treatment Is Different 💚
I created these formulas not just as a pharmacist, but as someone who has personally lived with pigmentation.
Many PIH solutions promise fast fading but create long-term dependency or damage. Our philosophy is different:
- Gentle enough for daily use
- Effective without trauma
- Designed for sensitive & melanin-rich skin
This is about restoring balance, not fighting your skin.
🌿 People Also Ask: Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is a condition where dark marks remain after the skin heals from inflammation such as acne, eczema, insect bites, or irritation. It is not a scar. The skin texture stays smooth, but excess melanin is produced in response to inflammation.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is caused by skin inflammation that stimulates melanocytes to produce extra melanin. Triggers include acne, rashes, cuts, burns, cosmetic procedures, harsh skincare, and sun exposure, which can worsen pigment formation.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can last from several months to several years. Superficial pigment often fades within 6–12 months, while deeper pigment may take 1–2 years or longer, that is only with a very strict sun protection. Otherwise, the skin is repeatedly irritated.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can fade on its own over time, It would take a miracle though. Healing is faster with proper care. Reducing inflammation, protecting the skin barrier, and using daily sun protection significantly improves fading and prevents dark marks from worsening.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation worsens with repeated inflammation. Picking, scrubbing, strong exfoliants, chemical peels, laser treatments, and sun exposure can all increase melanin production and prolong dark spots.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is not permanent, but it can persist for years if the skin continues to be inflamed. With gentle skincare and consistent sun protection, most cases gradually fade.
Chemical peels may temporarily lighten post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, but they often worsen it long term. Because peels inflame the skin, they can trigger rebound pigmentation, especially in sensitive or darker skin tones.
Yes. Laser treatments can worsen and even create post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation because heat causes inflammation, which stimulates further melanin production. Rebound pigmentation is a known risk, particularly for melanin-rich skin.
The safest treatment for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation focuses on calming inflammation, strengthening the skin barrier, and preventing sun damage rather than aggressively removing pigment. Our products do exactly that!
Yes. our Gentle, non-irritating treatments can be used during summer, including in high-UV environments like New Zealand, as long as daily sun protection is applied consistently.
Ingredients that cause irritation should be avoided, including harsh scrubs, strong acids, bleaching agents, and products that sting or burn, as these can worsen inflammation and pigmentation.
No. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is triggered by skin injury or inflammation, while melasma is hormonally driven and worsened by heat and sun exposure. Both conditions can coexist and our approach treats both.
Final Thoughts on Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation 💭
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is normal, common, and treatable with the right approach.
🌿 Calm skin heals better
🌿 Gentle care prevents relapse
🌿 Consistency always beats intensity
If you’re looking for a natural PIH treatment in New Zealand that works with your skin – not against it, this is where your healing journey begins.