Ah, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). It’s the one skin condition you don’t want to have and the easiest one to treat — if you know which ingredient is best for it! If not, read on for a guide on the best cosmetic ingredients that can help fight this pesky condition.

What is PIH?

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is the skin condition that occurs following a type of inflammation, which can be caused by certain skin conditions such as acne or rosacea.

Kakadu Plum

First on the list would be Kakadu Plum. This superfood currently holds the highest recorded natural amount of Vitamin C in any food in the world. Vitamin C is one of the most important contributors of collagen production which helps to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and slow down the ageing process of our skin.

Vitamin C in Kakadu Plum helps with skin brightening by reducing the production of melanin which is the main cause of skin discolouration, blemishes and hyperpigmentation. Vitamin C also helps to fight bacteria that leads to acne and it also possesses anti-inflammatory properties which can reduce redness and inflammation on the skin caused by acne and pimples.

Kakadu Plum is found in our Glow Gorgeous Vitamin C Serum.

Licorice Root 

Licorice Root is one of the world’s oldest herbal remedies that comes from the root of the licorice plant. It contains over 300 compounds where some provide anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral effects. 

Glycyrrhizic acid can be found in the roots of the licorice plant. One of the benefits of glycyrrhizic acid would its anti-inflammatory properties which can help to calm our skin. Licorice Roots also helps with hyperpigmentation by restraining the production of melanin and free radicals, preventing skin from having an uneven tone or darkened appearance.

Licorice root helps with brightening of dark spots.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is usually used in the formulation of skincare products used for treating conditions such as acne and eczema.

Niacinamide lightens post inflammatory hyperpigmentation marks and helps regulate oil production, making it the perfect ingredient for acne prone skin.

Niacinamide increases biosynthesis of ceramides as well as other stratum corneum lipids to improve the epidermal permeability barrier.

Ceramides locks moisture into your skin, which helps prevent dryness and irritation. It may also help to protect your epidermis from environmental damage. These benefits may have anti-aging effects.

Niacinamide can be found in our Face Filter 2% Retinoid Serum.

White Willow Bark 

White Willow Bark contains a variety of minerals that benefit the skin including salicin, polyphenols, tannins, and flavonoids.

Salicin possesses anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce wrinkles, help with dark spots and even out skin tone from discoloration. Polyphenols help in hydrating the skin and contain both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties to provide aid in acne and skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea and psoriasis. Tannis helps oil control where it can control excess oil that leads to acne. It also helps to tighten pores and help the skin retain a young & firm skin. Flavonoids are high in antioxidant properties that help protect the skin from damages caused by the environment.

Try out our Acne Eraser Blemish Treatment which contains the goodness of both White Willow Bark and Licorice Root Extract.