Summary
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, PIH, is the dark mark that lingers after acne or a skin procedure. It is more persistent in darker skin types and in sunny, hot environments like Dubai, so the smartest plan is prevention first, then a calm, staged fade routine with conservative in-clinic steps and airtight photoprotection. For grounding, see the American Academy of Dermatology’s public guidance on dark spots in skin of color and DermNet’s medical overview of PIH.
What PIH is and why it affects skin of color more
PIH happens when inflammation triggers excess melanin production, melanin then deposits in the epidermis or dermis. In darker skin, melanocytes are more reactive, so marks last longer and look darker, especially if UV or heat keeps stimulating new pigment. This is common after acne and can follow peels, lasers, or even minor irritation.
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Why Dubai’s climate makes PIH stubborn
Intense year-round UV, visible light, and heat increase melanocyte activity, so even good sunscreen fails if sweat, humidity, and temperature spikes shorten its wear time. Tinted sunscreens with iron oxides reduce visible-light induced pigmentation, which matters in Fitzpatrick IV to VI. Plan shade, reapplication, and cooling, not only SPF.
Prevention after acne and procedures
Treat the inflammation early, avoid picking, and protect from light and heat to prevent new marks. After procedures, strict photoprotection and gentle aftercare lower PIH risk, while tinted SPF helps against visible light. Device heat and overly strong peels increase risk in darker skin, so prevention is part product, part protocol.
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Your at-home rescue routine, AM and PM
AM, protect and calm: antioxidant serum, tranexamic acid or azelaic acid leave-on, tinted SPF 50+, reapply every 2 to 3 hours outdoors, sooner with sweat. PM, fade without irritation: azelaic acid or a mild retinoid; consider short, doctor-guided hydroquinone cycles, then long-term non-HQ maintenance. These actives have the best evidence base for PIH in skin of color.
Related reading:
In-clinic options at Genomed, conservative first
Chemical peels at low to medium strength, spaced every 3 to 4 weeks for 3 to 6 sessions, are a mainstay for epidermal PIH, especially when the home routine is already stable. Devices can help selected cases, but they carry a PIH risk in darker skin if heat or energy settings are not conservative, so we prioritize peels and gentle maintenance first.
Learn more, Chemical Peel in Dubai
After-procedure care that reduces PIH
Follow the exact protocol, strict tinted SPF from day one once allowed, cooling and sun avoidance in the first week, and avoid friction. Some protocols include short courses of topical steroids to reduce post-laser inflammation, which may lower PIH risk in skin of color. Your regimen will be individualized after assessment.
How long does PIH take to fade, what to expect
Epidermal PIH can fade over months with consistent care, dermal PIH is slower and may need procedural support. Measure progress at 8 to 12 weeks, plan maintenance through Dubai’s hottest months, and prevent new lesions by keeping acne and irritation under tight control.
Book a consultation
Ready to prevent and fade PIH with a plan that fits Dubai’s climate, book a consult and get a staged routine plus conservative in-clinic options.
Start here: Chemical Peel in Dubai and Hydrafacial Dubai
Call us, WhatsApp, or book online now to book a skin and facial structure assessment.
