Quite often removing acne is not the end of the journey to have you back to clear skin. There are 3 types of scarring- dark marks, red mars and pitted.  We can help with all 3 of these conditions.

Understanding Acne Scarring

Acne scarring encompasses various skin changes that persist after acne lesions heal. These can include dark spots (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), red patches (post-inflammatory erythema), and textural irregularities like pitted or raised scars. Such marks result from the skin’s healing response to inflammation, where factors like excess melanin production or collagen imbalance play a role. Recognizing the type of scarring is essential for selecting effective treatments to restore a smoother, more even complexion.
 

PIH: Post inflammatory pigmentation 

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) is the darkening of the skin that can appear after an injury or inflammation—like acne, breakouts, or picking at the skin. When the skin is irritated, it produces extra melanin (the pigment that gives skin its colour) as part of the healing process. This can leave behind flat, dark spots—often light brown to black—even after the original mark has gone. 

Post-Inflammatory Erythema (PIE)

Post-Inflammatory Erythema (PIE) shows up as red or pink marks left behind after a breakout or skin irritation. Just like PIH, but more common in lighter skin tones, where the skin produces more pheomelanin (red based pigment) and the redness becomes more visible. These marks are a sign that your skin is still healing, even after the blemish is gone.

Pitted scarring

Unlike PIH and PIE, pitted scarring leaves a more lasting impression. It’s characterized by pitted or raised scars that result from a loss or overgrowth of tissue. These scars can significantly affect your skin’s texture and appearance. Dermal needling is a promising treatment option to address acne scarring.
There Are Solutions

While PIH and PIE can fade naturally over time, the process is slow and varies depending on your skin type and level of inflammation. At Shine Skin and Body, we can support and speed up this healing with targeted skincare—especially tyrosinase inhibitors to help regulate melanin production and reduce pigmentation (see blog below).

For PIH, IPL or laser treatments can effectively break down excess pigment. For pitted or textured scarring, dermal needling is one of the most effective treatments to stimulate collagen and smooth the skin. If you’re unsure where to start, we’re here to guide you with a personalised plan and expert care.

Layered Peel

Our Layered Peel Series is designed to address lingering redness (PIE) and dark spots (PIH) resulting from acne. By applying a combination of biometic peel including a mixture of acids, antioxidants and calming ingredients these customized peels gently removes damaged skin layers, promoting the growth of new, healthier skin. This process helps to even out skin tone, reduce discoloration, and enhance overall skin clarity and resilience.

Resurfacing Laser Facial

Our 1064nm Q-Switched laser offers a gentle yet effective solution for acne scarring, particularly for pitted or textural scars. It works by delivering rapid pulses of energy deep into the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin production without creating surface damage. Over a series of treatments, this helps remodel deep scar tissue from within, softening indentations and improving overall skin texture and clarity. It’s a safe option for most skin tones, with minimal downtime.

Dermal Needling

Dermal needling creates tiny micro-channels in the skin to trigger collagen and elastin production, helping to smooth pitted acne scars and improve overall texture. It not only softens scarring but also boosts skin health by improving firmness, hydration, and tone—leaving your skin clearer, stronger, and more resilient over time.

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