Discussing Skin Discolouration: Post Inflammatory Pigmentation

A common and sensitive issue I often have to treat is post inflammatory pigmentation (also known as Hyperpigmentation), which can affect the skin on the face and body, and commonly happens after suffering inflammation such as acne. It can also develop after a chemical peel or laser-therapy, naturally occurring as the body produces more melanin as a reaction to external irritators, appearing in different forms such as freckles, age spots and melasma.

Who can suffer from hyperpigmentation?

Absolutely everyone can suffer from post inflammatory pigmentation at one point in their life – it is does not discriminate! Too much time spent in the sun, those who are genetically more likely to have discolouration and acne can all lead to hyperpigmentation occurring – with sun spots often the most common within lighter skin tones. Melasma can also happen during pregnancy or due to a hormonal imbalance.

I find that with darker skin tones, post inflammatory pigmentation is more common. Post inflammatory pigmentation occurs after an inflammation on the skin causes malanocytes (cells which produce pigment within the skin and hair) to release an excess of the melanosomes pigment, which gradually darken and discolour the initial area. After the initial inflammation has settled, the discoloured areas remain, leading to many people feeling discomfort with their skin’s overall tone and appearance.

What can you do to treat it?

Treating post inflammatory pigmentation can take a long time, so the best results come from daily skincare and plenty of SPF as an additional preventative method. Sun worshipers – I always recommend staying out of strong, direct sunlight as much as possible as UV rays does tend to make post inflammatory pigmentation worse! The daily use of specific skincare ingredients containing active ingredients can also help to reduce post inflammatory pigmentation.

How can you protect against further damage?

Regular use of skincare including Vitamin C, Glycolic acid and Retinoic acid can all help to prevent post inflammatory pigmentation. My Radiant Light Facial Oil Serum is rich in Vitamins A, C & E to protect and it also contains Sea Buckthorn to promote the healing of damaged skin and to soften existing scar tissue. Using the serum in conjunction with the Bright + Light Eye Cream which contains Strelitzia Extract, can brilliantly brighten and illuminate any areas of darkness and shadow. Two wonderfully harmonious products designed to give illumination, combat and reduce the effects of skin discolouration, leaving you with your most beautiful and natural skin.