Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered why the dark marks from old breakouts won’t fade — or why your skin looks uneven even after acne is gone? You’re not alone. Many people in Dubai mistake post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) for true acne scars, and end up using the wrong treatments.
At Genomed Polyclinic, we see this confusion every day. Understanding the difference between pigmentation and scarring is the first — and most important — step toward choosing the right corrective plan. Let’s break down what each looks like, why it happens, and how we treat both safely in multi-ethnic Dubai skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV–VI).
Understanding Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
PIH is your skin’s natural defense mechanism after inflammation. When a pimple, scratch, or irritation occurs, the body sends melanin — your skin’s pigment — to protect the healing area. In darker skin types, this response is stronger, which is why PIH is particularly common among Arab, South Asian, and African skin tones.
Instead of fading quickly, excess pigment becomes trapped in the upper layers of the skin, leaving flat brown or dark marks. The good news? PIH is not a scar — it’s a temporary pigmentation issue that can fade over time or with professional treatments.
Key characteristics of PIH:
Flat, brown, or dark grayish marks
Smooth surface texture (no indent or bump)
Appears soon after acne or injury heals
Gets darker with sun exposure
Fades gradually with pigment control treatments
PIH is primarily a color problem, not a texture problem. That distinction matters because the treatment goal is to suppress excess melanin, not to rebuild collagen.
Understanding True Acne Scars
Unlike PIH, true acne scars result from structural damage to the skin’s collagen network. When severe inflammation destroys the dermis, the body either overproduces or underproduces collagen during healing. The result: visible indentations, uneven texture, or raised scar tissue.
Common types of acne scars:
Rolling scars: shallow, wave-like depressions
Boxcar scars: wider, sharply defined edges
Ice-pick scars: narrow and deep indentations
Hypertrophic or keloid scars: raised, firm bumps (common on chest or jawline)
These scars don’t fade naturally because the collagen structure itself has changed. Effective treatment requires collagen remodeling — something that pigment-targeting creams or peels alone cannot achieve.
Key characteristics of acne scars:
Texture changes (indentations or raised bumps)
May feel rough or uneven to touch
Often persist even after pigmentation fades
Can appear lighter or darker than surrounding skin
Best treated with microneedling, RF, PRP, or laser resurfacing
How to Tell the Difference Between PIH and Acne Scars
Even trained eyes can sometimes confuse the two, especially when both coexist. However, there are reliable signs you can look for.
Feature |
PIH (Pigmentation) |
Acne Scar (Structural) |
|---|---|---|
Color | Brown, dark, or grayish | Flesh-toned, reddish, or white |
Texture | Smooth | Uneven, indented, or raised |
Touch | Flat | Rough or bumpy |
Fading over time | May fade gradually | Permanent without treatment |
Treatment focus | Pigment control | Collagen remodeling |
Still unsure which you have? Most patients actually have both — pigment on top of scars. That’s why at Genomed, your first visit always includes a dermatoscopic skin scan and texture analysis to identify whether pigment, structure, or both are driving your concerns.
How We Treat PIH at Genomed (Pigment-Safe & Dubai-Proven)
Treating PIH safely in Dubai’s sunny climate requires a delicate balance: exfoliate enough to lift pigment, but not enough to trigger more inflammation.
Our dermatologists use layered and pigment-safe acid systems combined with brightening facials to gradually normalize tone while protecting the skin barrier.
Best treatments for PIH:
1. Chemical Peels (Lactic, Mandelic, Azelaic, or Modified TCA)
These controlled acid solutions lift pigment cells, accelerate turnover, and block melanin production.
Lactic acid: hydrates and brightens for dry, sensitive skin
Mandelic acid: perfect for acne-prone and darker tones
Azelaic acid: suppresses pigment enzymes and calms inflammation
Modified TCA: targets stubborn pigment without over-exfoliating
Each peel is customized based on your skin tone and lifestyle in Dubai.
👉 Learn more about Chemical Peels in Dubai.
2. Medical Brightening Facials
Gentle resurfacing with enzymes, antioxidants, and Vitamin C helps lighten PIH gradually. These facials maintain results between peels and are safe year-round, even in Dubai’s intense summer months.
👉 Explore our Medical Facials in Dubai.
3. Topical Pigment Regulators
For home maintenance, dermatologists may prescribe serums with tranexamic acid, niacinamide, or alpha arbutin to keep melanin production under control between sessions.
How We Treat True Acne Scars (Texture & Collagen Remodeling)
Once pigment is under control, we can address structural scars. Since no topical can rebuild lost collagen, we use advanced energy and stimulation technologies that work deep within the dermis.
Best treatments for acne scars:
1. Microneedling (Biosome Skin Pen)
Microneedling creates controlled microchannels that trigger new collagen and elastin formation. It’s the gold standard for boxcar and rolling scars and is fully safe for Fitzpatrick IV–VI tones.
Each session is customized for scar depth and combined with growth-factor serums for enhanced healing.
👉 Read more about Microneedling in Dubai.
2. PRP + Microneedling
Adding Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) infuses growth factors that accelerate tissue repair and fade lingering pigment. The synergy between PRP and microneedling delivers faster and more uniform results — particularly for mixed scar and pigment cases.
👉 Learn more about PRP Face Rejuvenation.
3. RF Facial Contouring (VFR)
This advanced radiofrequency system tightens the dermis while resurfacing irregular texture. It’s ideal for patients with mild laxity and post-acne scarring who prefer minimal downtime.
4. Skin Booster Treatments
Injectable boosters replenish hydration and restore luminosity, making scarred skin appear plumper and smoother. They also enhance collagen activity when used after microneedling sessions.
👉 Discover Skin Booster in Dubai.
Why Treating Both Together Yields Best Results
Most patients in Dubai’s diverse skin demographic have a mix of scars and pigment. Treating one without the other often leads to frustration — the skin may look smoother but still uneven in color, or brighter but still pitted.
That’s why Genomed’s dermatologists create combination plans, alternating pigment-targeting peels with collagen-inducing microneedling or PRP. This multi-layered approach ensures both tone and texture are addressed safely, with visible improvement every few weeks.
Typical 3-month combination plan:
Month 1: Light mandelic peel → fade pigment
Month 2: Microneedling + PRP → rebuild collagen
Month 3: Maintenance facial + pigment regulator serum
This strategy maintains barrier strength, reduces inflammation, and builds sustainable clarity — not just temporary brightness.
Aftercare & Prevention: Keeping PIH and Scars from Returning
Healing is only half the journey. Preventing recurrence is what keeps your results lasting.
Post-treatment essentials:
Always wear broad-spectrum SPF 50+ (reapply every 2–3 hours outdoors).
Avoid scratching or squeezing new pimples.
Use gentle cleansers and hydrating serums daily.
Incorporate antioxidants (Vitamin C, niacinamide) to fight inflammation.
Schedule monthly maintenance facials to preserve clarity.
At Genomed, aftercare is personalized — we guide you on exactly what products to use and when to reintroduce actives safely.
The Genomed Approach: Precision Diagnosis for Confident Skin
What makes Genomed different is our diagnostic-first philosophy. Before we recommend any treatment, we analyze the skin under LED and digital magnification to distinguish pigment from scar tissue — something that can’t be done accurately by the naked eye.
From there, we create a structured plan targeting both root causes: melanin regulation and collagen regeneration. Every protocol is adapted for Dubai’s heat, humidity, and sunlight exposure, ensuring long-lasting, pigment-safe outcomes for all skin tones.
Whether your concern is dark marks, uneven texture, or both, our clinicians help you achieve clearer, smoother, and more radiant skin — safely and sustainably.
👉 Book your expert skin analysis at Genomed Polyclinic, Dubai
