If you have melanated skin (MST 5-10), chances are you've dealt with dark spots that linger long after a breakout heals. That's post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), and it's the #1 skin concern for people with higher melanin levels.
What Is PIH?
PIH occurs when inflammation (acne, eczema, cuts, burns, or even aggressive skincare) triggers excess melanin production. On lighter skin, this fades in weeks. On melanated skin, it can persist for 6-18 months — sometimes longer.
Why Standard Skincare Advice Fails
Most PIH advice is written for lighter skin tones and can actually worsen the condition on darker skin:
- Hydroquinone >2% — Can cause paradoxical darkening (ochronosis) in melanated skin
- Strong chemical peels — TCA peels and high-concentration glycolic acid can trigger MORE PIH
- Aggressive retinoids — Starting too strong causes irritation → inflammation → more PIH
What Actually Works
- Sunscreen, always — SPF 30+ daily, even on cloudy days. UV exposure darkens existing PIH spots.
- Vitamin C serum (10-15%) — Inhibits tyrosinase (the enzyme that makes melanin) without irritation.
- Niacinamide (5%) — Prevents melanin transfer to skin cells. Gentle and effective for all MST levels.
- Azelaic acid (10-20%) — Clinically proven for PIH in melanated skin. Start with 10%.
- Gentle retinol — Start LOW (0.025%) and build up slowly over 3-6 months.
- Tranexamic acid — Newer ingredient showing excellent results for stubborn PIH.
Tracking Progress with GlowLog
PIH improvement is gradual — often too slow to notice day-to-day. That's why GlowLog's PIH Tracker is a game-changer: it tracks your PIH score over time, monitors individual dark spots by zone, and shows you the improvement trajectory you can't see in the mirror.