Post-Acne Marks? We explain the terms Skin P.I.E and P.H.I and how to treat them.

If you consider yourself one of those people who worry about the state of their skin when going through an acne outbreak or a period of pimples, what we are telling you today will interest you ;)

Acne is a skin pathology caused by an overproduction of sebum from the sebaceous glands affecting the hair follicles. The excess sebum thickens the skin and accumulates on the surface giving way to comedones and because of the accumulated sebum, dirt and dead cells the acne bacteria develop. When these comedones reach an inflammatory stage they close and give rise to red spots, in some cases inflamed and painful.

All of us who go through acne breakouts or periods of pimples know that the worst is yet to come.

One of the biggest concerns when acne comes to an end are the residual post-acne marks it leaves behind, which we know as red marks, known under the term Skin P.I.E (Post Inflammatory Erythema) leaving a characteristic reddish or pinkish color, and on other occasions they appear brown, also known as P.I.H (Post Inflammatory Hyper pigmentation).

This type of marks can disappear with the passage of time, however, if we help ourselves with good guidelines and an adequate daily care treatment, we will be able to prevent them from worsening and fading before their time.

We define Skin P.I.E and P.H.I and their differences

Skin P.I.E. (Post Inflammatory Erythema) this term refers to red inflammatory spots, a type of irritation that appears after having gone through a process of acne, in which an irritation has manifested itself, sometimes even accompanied by swelling. This is due to a rupture of capillaries, micro blood vessels, which appear in the form of an erythema and we identify it as a reddish or pinkish spot.

P.I.H (Post Inflammatory Hyper pigmentation) are post inflammatory brown spots, they also appear after having gone through an outbreak of acne, however, their origin is different, this type of spots are produced by an excess production of melanin due to the response of the skin to inflammation (acne), Its defense mechanism is to produce more melanin to protect itself, let's say that the melanocyte has been over stimulated in response to inflammation and by producing excess melanin (pigment that gives color to our skin) is revealed in a darker spot right in the area of the pimple during the healing process.

How do we treat them?

Here are the steps to eliminate acne marks and we recommend which products to use:

1. 1. In order not to worsen the situation, the first thing to do is to avoid touching the pimples, as this bad habit can cause deeper skin lesions that can lead to permanent scarring.
   2. A basic and essential step is to use soft and well formulated products that respect the skin, one of the essential steps to start noticing an improvement is undoubtedly the cleansing step, for this we recommend products to clean the skin that are effective and do not damage the protective barrier of our skin.
   3. Do not use Exfoliants scrubs, with this type of granulated Exfoliants what can happen is that we make the skin worse because the mechanical exfoliation breaks the capillaries, and even spread the acne bacteria to adjacent follicles. Instead, the ideal is to use Exfoliants no-rinse liquidsbased agents Exfoliants, such as Salicylic Acid, a Beta Hydroxy Acid that not only exfoliates the surface of the skin, but is oil-soluble, so it is able to penetrate inside the pore, dissolving the congestion that causes acne, and is also a powerful anti-inflammatory that reduces redness, it is the most effective to treat acne and enlarged pores. On the other hand, we have the Exfoliants Alpha-Hydroxy Acids no-rinse liquidsThe hydroxy acids, such as Glycolic Acid, Mandelic, Lactic, Phytic, thanks to their properties Exfoliants that work on the surface of the skin and depigmenting, so they help with marks, blemishes and scars. For post acne marks the best are formulations that combine different types of hydroxy acids, we leave you some special recommendations:
      1. Sensitive and acne-prone skin Calm Down de Geek & Gorgeous
      2. Combination and Oily Skin Cheer up from Geek & Gorgeous
      3. Combination and Oily and Sensitive Skin Lumion de Skintegra
   4. Incorporate products such as Toners, serums e moisturizers with formulas designed for this type of skin that are loaded with active ingredients, antioxidants and vitamins, these components are essential to help recover damaged skin and defend it from further damage. Highlights:
      1. Products with Azelaic Acid as it stands out for its anti-inflammatory properties helping to reduce inflammation, it also has seboregulating, antibacterial and depigmenting properties, ideal for even the most sensitive skins, even with acneic Rosacea.
      2. Products with Niacinamide, an active ingredient with anti-inflammatory, seboregulating and antioxidant properties that helps to improve skin texture and strengthen the hydrolipidic barrier.
      3. Products with Retinol and Retinal, two forms of Vitamin A, activate cell renewal by repairing the damage produced, treat pigmentation and damaged skin caused by blemishes very well and improve irregular texture. Products with Retinal (A game) have anti-bacterial properties and are ideal for combination, oily and acne-prone skin.
      4. Products with Vitamin C are a must, the most powerful antioxidant thanks to its protective action against free radical damage and helps to even out skin tone.
      5. We also recommend products with Vitamin K(PLC Vitamin K), which are good constrictors to help proper blood circulation, ideal for post-acne red marks (Skin P.I.E.).
   5. Using a sunscreen daily is a step that we should not forget, it is very important, especially when our first concern is to eliminate post-acne marks, we do not protect from sun damage causes damage that will take longer to reverse, red marks if exposed to the sun can turn brown when exposed, causing hyperpigmentation, and in the case of brown marks sun exposure can aggravate them, darkening them more or prolong them in time, so it is essential to use sunscreen daily.
   6. Consider going to a professional specialist if we are looking for much more specific and deeper treatments, if we are looking for a more advanced treatment with professional and medical techniques combined with our daily care routine.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, to treat post-acneic marks, whether they are P.I.E or P.H.I, red or brown marks, 3 basic steps will always be essential: cleansing to maintain a respectful and effective hygiene, moisturizing with specific active ingredients that help to treat effectively and protection from sun damage.

The good news is that by complying with this, there is a solution, of course! as with every treatment we must be constant and disciplined ;) So don't get discouraged, with perseverance and good products this can be achieved!

Thank you and see you next time