If a pimple, ingrown hair, or scratch seems to leave a mark that lingers for months, you’re not imagining it. That lingering dark spot is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), and it’s especially common in Fitzpatrick IV–VI skin. The reason is biological: when melanin-producing cells (melanocytes) are triggered by inflammation, they make extra pigment in the healing area—creating a spot that can outlast the original issue.
At Minalone, our approach is science-first and prevention-focused, blending dermatology-backed actives with Middle Eastern botanicals long used across the region to calm, protect, and restore.
What PIH Is (and How It’s Different From PIE)
-
PIH (brown to gray-brown): Extra melanin is produced after inflammation. Spots can be epidermal (usually lighter brown, fade faster) or dermal (deeper, gray-brown, fade more slowly).
-
PIE (pink/red): Residual redness from dilated blood vessels—more common in lighter skin. In deeper skin, inflammation tends to translate into pigment rather than redness.
Why PIH Is More Common in Melanin-Rich Skin
-
More reactive melanocytes - In deeper skin tones, melanocytes respond more robustly to inflammatory signals (e.g., prostaglandins, endothelins, cytokines), upregulating tyrosinase, the key enzyme in melanin synthesis.
-
Inflammation–UV synergy - UV exposure amplifies pigment pathways, darkening existing spots and “sealing in” new ones.
-
Barrier vulnerability - A compromised barrier increases irritation sensitivity. Even small irritants (friction, harsh exfoliants) can spark pigment.
-
Deeper pigment deposition - In some cases, melanin drops into the dermis and is “eaten” by melanophages—dermal PIH that fades slowly.
Common PIH Triggers to Watch
-
Acne and picking (squeezing = more inflammation)
-
Ingrown hairs & shaving irritation (face, bikini, underarms)
-
Eczema/dermatitis flare-ups
-
Friction & heat (tight masks, straps, hats; hot yoga/saunas)
-
Over-exfoliation & harsh peels
-
Photosensitizing products + sun exposure
PIH Prevention: The Science-Backed Playbook
-
Sun protection daily (SPF 30+) - Broad-spectrum protection cuts UV-amplified pigment. Tinted/mineral SPFs with iron oxides can help shield from visible light, which may also deepen spots in darker skin.
-
Treat inflammation fast - Keep acne, ingrowns, and rashes calm early on to reduce pigment signaling.
-
Barrier first - Use humectants and barrier-supportive actives (e.g., niacinamide, ectoin) to lower irritation thresholds.
-
Smart, gentle exfoliation - Prefer PHAs and measured frequency over aggressive scrubs. More is not better.
-
Hands off - No picking, squeezing, or “scraping” tools. For shaving, prep with warm water, use light pressure, and soothe immediately after.
-
Patch test new actives - Especially brighteners and acids—avoid compounding irritation.
Proven Topicals for PIH (Safe for Fitzpatrick IV–VI)
-
Azelaic Acid (10–15%) — Anti-inflammatory + pigment modulation; helpful for acne-PIH.
-
Tranexamic Acid (2–5%) — Interferes with pigment signaling pathways; great for diffuse patches.
-
Niacinamide (2–5%) — Reduces pigment transfer and strengthens barrier.
-
Vitamin C (stable forms like Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, THD Ascorbate) — Antioxidant + brightening with lower irritation risk.
-
Kojic Acid, Alpha Arbutin, Hexylresorcinol, Licorice, Ellagic Acid — Tyrosinase and downstream pathway modulators; best in combinations.
-
Retinoids (adapalene OTC; tretinoin Rx) — Improve cell turnover; introduce slowly to avoid irritation-driven setbacks.
Expect realistic timelines: visible improvement in 6–12 weeks, more for dermal PIH. Consistency matters.
How Minalone Targets PIH at Every Step
1) Mediterranean Milk — Essence
-
5% PHAs for gentle, hydration-forward exfoliation
-
Tranexamic Acid to curb pigment signaling
-
Fermented pomegranate, olive extract, turmeric liposomes, licorice, brightening mushrooms, coriander to calm, protect, and even tone
2) Saha-radiance Rewind — Serum
-
14% Azelaic Acid + Brightenyl®, Kojic Acid, Alpha Arbutin, Hexylresorcinol to fade spots
-
Mastic Gum, Centella, Date Extract, Glutathione to reduce irritation and oxidative stress
3) Miracle Mirage — Moisturizer
-
10% Vitamin C complex (Ethyl Ascorbic Acid + THD Ascorbate)
-
Niacinamide, Ferulic Acid, Frankincense, Ectoin, Ergothioneine, Ellagic Acid, Rose Hip Seed Oil, Tetrapeptide-30 for barrier support, antioxidant defense, and tone uniformity
Rooted in Middle Eastern tradition and built on modern dermatology, the trio tackles inflammation, melanin signaling, and barrier repair when used together.
A Simple PIH-Safe Routine (AM/PM)
Morning
-
Cleanse (gentle, non-stripping)
-
Mediterranean Milk (daily or 3–5×/week if sensitive)
-
Saha-radiance Rewind (thin layer over uneven areas or full face)
-
Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ (reapply every 2 hours outdoors)
Evening
Pro tips
-
New to actives? Start every other night for 2 weeks, then increase.
-
Irritation = pause actives, lean on Miracle Mirage until calm, then reintroduce.
-
Keep a photo log every 2–4 weeks to track progress objectively.
In-Office Options (Choose Providers Experienced with Skin of Color)
-
Superficial chemical peels (mandelic, lactic, low-strength salicylic) in a series
-
Microneedling (professional) for texture + mild PIH
-
Lasers: in expert hands, 1064-nm Nd:YAG is often preferred for deeper tones; avoid IPL for PIH-prone skin
Always pre-treat with sun protection and follow conservative protocols to avoid rebound pigmentation.
The Bottom Line
PIH is common—and predictable—in melanin-rich skin because inflammation supercharges pigment production. The solution is prevention first, then targeted brightening with gentle, evidence-based actives and diligent sun protection. With a consistent routine, most spots fade meaningfully over time.
Honor the science. Protect the barrier.
➡️ Shop the Minalone PIH Routine: Mediterranean Milk, Saha-radiance Rewind, Miracle Mirage—a trio designed to prevent, treat, and outsmart dark spots.
