What are post-acne marks (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or PIH for short)?
PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) is a type of skin hyperpigmentation that can occur after inflammation. It can affect the face and body and appears as flat areas of discolouration. These may range in colour from pink or red to brown or darker shades, depending on skin tone and the depth of pigmentation.
The root cause is an increase in melanin production triggered by inflammation. Once a blemish has subsided, areas of hyperpigmentation, often referred to as post-acne marks, can remain.
Sun exposure may worsen PIH by darkening affected areas and prolonging the fading process.
Who is affected by post-acne marks?
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can affect anyone who experiences skin inflammation, including people who experience blemishes. All skin types can develop PIH, although it is generally more common in darker skin tones.
The appearance and duration of post-acne marks can vary from person to person depending on skin type, skin tone and the severity of the original inflammation.
How can post-acne marks be prevented?
While there are no guarantees, avoiding picking or squeezing blemishes may help reduce the likelihood of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation developing.
Sun exposure can also worsen the appearance of existing marks, so appropriate sun protection and limiting excessive UV exposure may help reduce darkening of existing marks.
What is so special about Thiamidol?
Thiamidol is an exclusive and patented active ingredient developed over a 10-year research project. It reduces post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation by targeting the root cause—the production of melanin in the skin. Many known ingredients have been tested on mushroom enzymes rather than on human skin enzymes. The efficacy of Thiamidol in our Eucerin® DERMOPURE CLINICAL Triple Action has been demonstrated in real-life testing. Clinical trials* and other results have shown that our formulation effectively reduces post-acne marks.
*Clinical efficacy study, 12 weeks, twice daily use, 40 female and male patients, aged 18–40 years.
