Yes, mild cases of both PIE and PIH can often be treated at home with over-the-counter products. For PIE, topical treatments like Vitamin C, niacinamide, and azelaic acid can help reduce redness. For PIH, ingredients like hydroquinone, retinoids, and exfoliating acids (AHAs, BHAs) can lighten dark spots.
Vitamin C will not only protect your skin from environmental elements that may make your PIH worse, it also lightens, brightens, and evens out your skin tone. Vitamin C + AHA + BHA is a winning combo against the PIH fight. I use my vitamin C products in the morning, and save my exfoliants for night.
Topical vitamin C has strong evidence to improve PIH but is lacking evidence in treating PIE. Although you can utilize it to enhance sun protection, vitamin C is known to be difficult to tolerate, especially for sensitive skin. Your options for treating PIE are:
The Bottom Line
The difference between PIH and PIE is that PIH is characterized by red or brown patches on the skin, while PIE is characterized by discoloration or lightening of the skin. The best way for you to treat both conditions is to avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen from Pink Foundry religiously.
Minimalist Tranexamic 3% Serum is a powerful serum to effectively diminish the appearance of melasma, PIE, PIH and hyperpigmentation. With the power of 3% tranexamic acid and 1% hydroxyphenoxy propionic acid, this serum inhibits melanin transfer with great efficacy and prevents UVB damage.
Effective treatment for PIE often involves laser therapy, especially Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL), which targets blood vessels. Topical treatments such as niacinamide and azelaic acid can also help reduce redness.
PIE can take several months to fade, especially without intervention, while PIH may take longer, up to a year or more, especially if untreated. Consistent use of appropriate treatments along with sun protection can significantly speed up the healing process for both conditions.
Taking vitamin C can increase your absorption of aluminum from medications containing aluminum, such as phosphate binders. This can be harmful for people with kidney problems. Chemotherapy. There is concern that use of antioxidants, such as vitamin C, during chemotherapy might reduce the effect of chemotherapy drugs.
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant proven to help protect the skin against signs of aging—especially from UV exposure. ⁷ Its anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce redness associated with post-inflammatory erythema. Vitamin C is a popular ingredient in skin-brightening creams and serums.
"The reason is because azelaic acid is good for pigmentation, it's anti-inflammatory and evens out skin tone." In other words, it works similarly to vitamin C but is arguably more effective.
Vitamin C can help reduce hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone, with noticeable results in as little as 3-4 weeks.
Currently, no safe or proven method exists to increase melanin – the pigment, or color, in a person's skin, hair, and eyes. A person's genetics determine their natural melanin levels and skin color. In general, people who have darker skin tones have more melanin than those with lighter skin tones.
The bigger the contrast between the dark area and your natural skin tone, the longer it will take to fade. PIH doesn't always fade away on its own. In some cases, it's more or less permanent. Some treatments will help.
Patients should be encouraged to avoid picking or irritating affected areas, as trauma can exacerbate postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Sunscreen is essential, as ultraviolet exposure can worsen pigmentation and prolong healing; daily broad-spectrum sunscreen use should be a foundational part of treatment.
5) Vitamin C
Yes, this star ingredient can treat both your PIE and PIH marks. It is known for its brightening properties and hence comes in handy for your PIH marks too. Vitamin C has been pretty much like a staple for your skin to address all your skin needs.
Erythema multiforme is a skin disorder that's considered to be an allergic reaction to medicine or an infection. Symptoms are symmetrical, red, raised skin areas that can appear all over the body. They do seem to be more noticeable on the fingers and toes.
Tranexamic 3% Face Serum. A powerful serum to effectively diminish the appearance of Melasma, PIE, PIH, and hyperpigmentation.
As the skin begins to heal, tiny blood vessels (aka capillaries) can dilate and become damaged — resulting in that telltale redness. Even though post-inflammatory erythema can linger for months (or years), its temporary nature sets it apart from true acne scarring.