Post-Acne Marks? We explain the terms Skin PIE and PHI and how to treat them

If you consider yourself one of those people who worries about the state of your skin when you are going through an acne breakout or a period of pimples, what we tell you today will interest you ;)

Acne is a skin disease caused by an overproduction of sebum by the sebaceous glands that affect the hair follicles. Excess sebum thickens the skin, accumulating on the surface, giving way to comedones and because of the accumulated sebum, dirt and dead cells, acne bacteria develop. When these comedones reach an inflammatory phase, 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, which we know as red marks, known under the term Skin PIE (Post Inflammatory Erythema), leaving a characteristic reddish or pinkish color, and in others Sometimes they appear brown, also known as PIH (Post Inflammatory Hyper pigmentation).

These types of marks can disappear over time, however, if we help ourselves with good guidelines and adequate daily care treatment we will ensure that they do not worsen and fade before their time.

We define Skin PIE and PHI and their differences

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

PIH (Post Inflammatory Hyper pigmentation) are post-inflammatory brown spots, they also appear after having gone through an acne outbreak, however, their origin is different, this type of spots are produced by an excess production of melanin due to 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 overstimulated in response to inflammation and by producing excess melanin (pigment that gives color to our skin). It reveals itself in a darker spot right in the area of ​​the pimple during the healing process.

How do we treat them?

Below we indicate 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 of all is to avoid touching the pimples , this bad habit can cause deeper skin lesions and could produce a permanent scar.
   2. A basic and essential step is to use soft and well-formulated products that are respectful of the skin. One of the essential steps to begin to notice an improvement is undoubtedly the cleansing step. For this we recommend products to clean the skin that are effective and that do not damage the protective barrier of our skin.
   3. Do not use exfoliating scrubs, with this type of granular exfoliants what can happen is that we worsen the skin because performing mechanical exfoliation breaks the capillaries, and even spreads the acne bacteria to adjacent follicles. Instead, the ideal is to use leave-in liquid exfoliants , based on exfoliating agents, such as Salicylic Acid, a Beta-Hydroxy Acid that not only exfoliates the surface of the skin, but is oil-soluble, so it is capable of It penetrates into the pore, dissolving the congestion that causes acne, and is also a powerful anti-inflammatory that reduces redness, it is the most effective for treating acne and enlarged pores. On the other hand, we have the liquid leave-in exfoliants of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids , such as Glycolic, Mandelic, Lactic, Phytic Acid, thanks to their exfoliating properties that work on the surface of the skin and depigmenting, so they help with marks, spots and scars. For post-acne marks, the best are formulations that combine different types of Hydroxyacids. We leave you some special recommendations:
      1. Sensitive and acne-prone skin Calm Down by Geek & Gorgeous
      2. Combination and oily skin Cheer up by Geek & Gorgeous
      3. Combination, oily and sensitive skin Lumion by Skintegra
   4. Incorporate products such as toners , serums and 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 future damage. We highlight:
      1. Products with Azelaic Acid since it stands out for its anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce inflammation. It also has sebum-regulating, antibacterial and depigmenting properties, ideal even for the most sensitive skin, even with acne Rosacea.
      2. Products with Niacinamide, an active ingredient with anti-inflammatory, sebum-regulating properties, with antioxidant action and that helps improve the texture of the skin and reinforce the hydrolipid barrier.
      3. Products with Retinol and Retinal , two forms of Vitamin A, activate cell renewal, repairing the damage caused, they treat pigmentation and damaged skin caused by marks very well, improving irregular texture, products with Retinal (A game) have properties Anti-bacterial, ideal for combination, oily and acne-prone skin.
      4. Products with Vitamin C cannot be missing, 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) they are good constrictors to help proper blood circulation, ideal for post-acne red marks (Skin PIE).
   5. Using a sunscreen daily is a step that we must not forget, it is very important, especially when our first concern is to eliminate post-acne marks, we do not protect against sun damage, it 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, making them darker or prolonging them over 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 in-depth treatments, if what we are looking for is a more advanced treatment with professional and medical techniques combining them with our daily care routine.

In conclusion

In conclusion, to treat post-acne marks , whether PIE or PHI , red or brown marks, 3 basic steps will always be essential: Cleansing to maintain respectful and effective hygiene, hydration based on specific active ingredients that help treat Effective way and protection from sun damage.

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

Thank you and see you soon