Acne scars are hard to get rid of? You may need to learn about PIH. PIH (Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation) is a pigmentation phenomenon that occurs after inflammation or injury. PIH usually appears as darker spots or patches on the skin, which is common in the repair process after acne, eczema, contact dermatitis or other skin inflammation. PIH is more common in skin types with darker pigmentation.
1. Three stages of post-inflammatory pigmentation
Skin surface inflammatory response:
Due to the inflammatory response of the skin epidermis, arachidonic acid is secreted and oxidized to produce cytokines such as prostaglandins (PG) and leukotrienes (LT). In vitro studies have shown that leukotriene C4, leukotriene D4, prostaglandin E2, histamine and thromboxane B2 have the characteristics of stimulating melanocytes. These cytokines increase the activity of melanocytes and immune cells, increase the synthesis of melanin and the transfer of melanin to surrounding keratinocytes.
Basal layer destruction:
The basal layer is destroyed by inflammation. Melanocytes or keratinocytes containing melanin in the basal layer sink to the upper dermis and are engulfed by macrophages. The phenomenon that melanin should not appear in the dermis but appears in the dermis is called "pigment incontinence".
Various cell interactions:
Various cells including keratinocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells and inflammatory cells interact to regulate pigmentation.
2.Preventing PIH:
Don’t squeeze the skin: Avoid squeezing or scratching acne, wounds, etc. to reduce the risk of pigmentation.
Use sun protection: UV rays can aggravate and prolong pigmentation, and sun protection can significantly prevent the occurrence of PIH.
Deal with inflammation in a timely manner: Early treatment of skin inflammation and controlling the inflammatory process can reduce the chance of PIH.
3.Treatments for PIH:
Whitening and anti-pigmentation products:
Whitening products containing vitamin C, niacinamide, kojic acid, arbutin or licorice extract can help lighten spots and brighten skin tone.
Chemical exfoliation:
Using chemical exfoliation products containing ingredients such as fruit acid (AHA), salicylic acid (BHA) or retinol (retinoic acid) can help accelerate skin cell renewal and lighten pigmentation.
Laser treatment:
Laser treatment (such as intense pulsed light IPL, pigment laser, etc.) can improve the performance of PIH by destroying melanin, but it needs to be carried out under the guidance of a professional doctor.
Sun protection:
Avoid irritating ingredients or excessive scrubbing to prevent further damage to the skin or increased inflammation.
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