What is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)?

Q: What is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)?

Immediate Answer: PIH is temporary darkening after skin inflammation—usually from acne, eczema, or irritation. The good news: it fades on its own within 6-12 months. The better news: targeted products speed this to 4-6 weeks. The Science: When your skin inflames, it overproduces melanin as part of the healing response. This excess melanin settles at the surface as dark marks. PIH is temporary because your skin naturally sheds these pigmented cells through normal cell turnover (every 28 days). Anti-pigmentation products accelerate this shedding process—you're not creating anything new, just helping your skin do its job faster. PIH can be treated with Nordic Formula products: PIH responds faster to our products than sun spots because the melanin is already concentrated: SIMPLE: Dark Spot Treatment patches 3x/week + gentle skincare + sun protection. Results in 6-8 weeks.STANDARD: Patches + Power Glow Serum mornings. Results in 4-6 weeks.COMPLETE: The 9-week Cycling Programmeme. Emphasise recovery nights the first 4 weeks to support healing while treating pigmentation. Critical: Address the inflammation source first. If acne is causing PIH, clear breakouts while treating pigmentation—treating the pigment alone won't prevent new marks if breakouts continue. Pro Tip: PIH fades faster when you avoid picking/touching the area and use consistent sun protection. The cycling programme works beautifully for PIH because alternating treatment/recovery nights prevents irritation while healing—you're not overstressing already-inflamed skin.

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Pigmentation & Dark Spots

What is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)?

Updated 1. January 2024

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Accepted Answer

Immediate Answer: PIH is temporary darkening after skin inflammation—usually from acne, eczema, or irritation. The good news: it fades on its own within 6-12 months. The better news: targeted products speed this to 4-6 weeks.

The Science: When your skin inflames, it overproduces melanin as part of the healing response. This excess melanin settles at the surface as dark marks. PIH is temporary because your skin naturally sheds these pigmented cells through normal cell turnover (every 28 days). Anti-pigmentation products accelerate this shedding process—you're not creating anything new, just helping your skin do its job faster.

PIH can be treated with Nordic Formula products: PIH responds faster to our products than sun spots because the melanin is already concentrated:

SIMPLE: Dark Spot Treatment patches 3x/week + gentle skincare + sun protection. Results in 6-8 weeks.
STANDARD: Patches + Power Glow Serum mornings. Results in 4-6 weeks.
COMPLETE: The 9-week Cycling Programmeme. Emphasise recovery nights the first 4 weeks to support healing while treating pigmentation.

Critical: Address the inflammation source first. If acne is causing PIH, clear breakouts while treating pigmentation—treating the pigment alone won't prevent new marks if breakouts continue.

Pro Tip: PIH fades faster when you avoid picking/touching the area and use consistent sun protection. The cycling programme works beautifully for PIH because alternating treatment/recovery nights prevents irritation while healing—you're not overstressing already-inflamed skin.