How to Get Rid of Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)

Spots and blemishes often leave dark marks behind even after they have healed. You do everything right: you keep your hands off, you treat the blemish, and it clears. But then the mark stays. That lingering discolouration has a name: post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, commonly abbreviated as PIH. It is one of the most frequently searched skin concerns, and one of the most misunderstood.

This blog covers everything you need to know about PIH: what it is, why it happens, how long it lasts, which ingredients treat it most effectively, and how to build a complete skincare routine that targets it from every angle. The hero ingredient throughout is Tranexamic Acid, one of the most targeted and well-tolerated actives available for PIH specifically. If you want to go straight to the products, explore the full hyperpigmentation collection or read the Tranexamic Acid ingredient guide for an in-depth breakdown of how it works.

What Is Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation and What Causes It?

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is the term for dark marks or patches of skin discolouration that appear at the site of a healed blemish or area of inflammation. The spot clears, but the skin is left with a flat, darkened mark that can range in colour from light tan to deep brown or even grey-brown, depending on the individual and the depth of the pigmentation. Understanding the biology behind PIH is genuinely useful here, because it explains exactly why certain ingredients work and others fall short.

When the skin experiences inflammation, whether from a spot, a blemish, or any other source of irritation, it sends a signal to melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in the skin. Those melanocytes respond by producing more melanin than usual. That excess melanin is the skin’s attempt to protect itself. The problem is that even after the inflammation resolves and the blemish heals, that surplus melanin remains in the skin tissue, creating the dark mark that persists long after the spot itself is gone.

PIH sits in one of two layers of the skin, and this distinction matters for treatment. Epidermal PIH sits in the upper layers of the skin. It tends to appear brown or tan in colour and responds well to topical treatment because the active ingredients can reach it relatively easily. Dermal PIH sits deeper, tends to appear grey-brown, and takes considerably longer to fade. It is more resistant to topical treatment, though not impossible to address. According to DermNet NZ, this epidermal versus dermal distinction is one of the most clinically important factors in predicting treatment response and setting realistic expectations.

PIH vs PIE: Understanding the Difference

PIH is frequently confused with another post-blemish mark called PIE, which stands for post-inflammatory erythema. The two look similar on the surface but have entirely different causes and respond to different treatments. PIH is brown or dark in colour and caused by excess melanin, while PIE is pink or red and caused by dilated or damaged blood vessels beneath the skin surface. If you are unsure which one you are dealing with, there is a simple test: press a clear glass firmly against the mark. If the colour disappears under pressure, it is PIE. If it remains visible, it is PIH.

This distinction is worth getting right before you commit to a treatment routine, because brightening and melanin-targeting ingredients like Tranexamic Acid will not significantly help PIE. Our guide on what type of hyperpigmentation you have can help you identify your specific concern more accurately.

Key Causes of PIH

Several factors determine how likely you are to develop PIH and how severe it will be:

Inflammation from spots or blemishes. Any blemish that causes meaningful inflammation beneath the skin can trigger excess melanin production. The deeper and longer the inflammation, the more melanin is released and the darker the resulting mark.
Picking or squeezing blemishes. This is one of the biggest contributors to PIH that is within your control. Squeezing a blemish drives inflammation deeper into the skin and spreads it wider. The resulting melanin response is significantly more intense than it would have been had the blemish been left alone or treated gently.
UV exposure. Sun exposure after a blemish can dramatically darken existing PIH marks and slow the natural fading process. Melanocytes respond to UV by producing more melanin, which compounds the existing excess. SPF is not optional when treating PIH.
Deeper skin tones. People with medium to deep skin tones have higher baseline melanin activity, which means the inflammatory response triggers a more pronounced melanin surge. PIH is more common, more intense, and more persistent in darker skin tones. We address this specifically in the section below.

How Long Does PIH Last?

This is one of the most commonly asked questions about PIH, and the honest answer is: it depends. Superficial epidermal PIH, with consistent SPF use and no further UV exposure, can begin to fade within a few months on its own. Deeper dermal PIH, without any targeted treatment, can persist for a year or more. Untreated PIH that is continually exposed to UV can take several years to fade, or may worsen over time. PIH is not permanent, but it is stubborn without the right approach. The American Academy of Dermatology reinforces that treating active blemishes quickly and effectively is one of the most important steps in reducing the PIH that follows.

Now that you understand what PIH is and what drives it, the next section focuses on the ingredients that have the most meaningful impact on fading it.

The Best Ingredients to Fade Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Treating PIH effectively requires targeting the right part of the process. Some ingredients block melanin production at the source. Others interrupt the transfer of pigment into surrounding skin cells. Others accelerate the shedding of pigmented surface cells. The best routines combine more than one of these mechanisms for a multi-pathway approach. Here is a breakdown of the ingredients that matter most, starting with the one that is most directly targeted at PIH specifically.

Tranexamic Acid: The PIH Specialist

Tranexamic Acid is widely regarded as one of the most effective topical ingredients for PIH, and for good reason: it targets the root cause directly. While many brightening ingredients work at the surface level, Tranexamic Acid works at the cellular level. It inhibits plasminogen activation, which blocks the interaction between keratinocytes (the cells on the surface of the skin) and melanocytes (the pigment-producing cells deeper down). That interaction is the specific trigger that causes excess melanin production after inflammation. By interrupting it, Tranexamic Acid prevents new pigment from forming while also gradually fading existing marks.

What makes it particularly well-suited to PIH is not just its efficacy but its tolerability. Unlike exfoliating acids, Tranexamic Acid does not resurface the skin, so it carries no risk of causing the kind of irritation that could trigger further melanin production. It causes no photosensitivity, which means it can be used in both morning and evening routines without restriction. It is gentle enough for sensitive skin, suitable for all skin types and tones, and compatible with almost every other skincare ingredient. According to NCBI/NIH clinical data on post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, Tranexamic Acid is among the most evidence-backed topical options currently available for this specific concern.

The INKEY Tranexamic Acid Serum contains 2% Tranexamic Acid alongside a 2% Acai Berry antioxidant complex and 2% Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, a stable Vitamin C derivative that adds brightening activity without the instability of pure L-ascorbic acid. Apply a pea-sized amount to the face and neck after cleansing and your Hyaluronic Acid Serum, morning and evening. Most people notice visible improvement within 4 to 6 weeks of consistent twice-daily use, with more significant results by weeks 6 to 8. For a complete deep dive into how it works and how to layer it, visit the Tranexamic Acid ingredient guide.

Niacinamide: The Melanin Transfer Blocker

Niacinamide works through a different mechanism to Tranexamic Acid, which is precisely why the two work so well together. Rather than targeting melanin production, Niacinamide inhibits the transfer of melanin from melanocytes into the surrounding skin cells at the surface level. Less melanin transferred to the skin surface means a visible reduction in the appearance of dark marks over time.

For skin recovering from blemishes, Niacinamide brings additional benefits beyond its pigmentation action. It helps regulate excess oil production, visibly minimises the appearance of pores, and calms redness, making it a natural fit for blemish-prone skin that is simultaneously dealing with PIH. Used alongside Tranexamic Acid, it addresses PIH through two complementary pathways: one blocking production, one blocking transfer. The INKEY Niacinamide Serum contains a clinically relevant 10% concentration and sits well within a layered PIH routine.

Vitamin C: The Brightening Antioxidant

Vitamin C contributes to PIH treatment in two ways: it brightens overall skin tone and provides antioxidant protection against the environmental triggers, particularly UV and pollution, that cause and worsen pigmentation. It works synergistically with Tranexamic Acid: while Tranexamic Acid works to block melanin production at the cellular level, Vitamin C provides a layer of environmental defence that reduces the stimuli that drive melanin production in the first place.

The INKEY 15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum uses Ascorbyl Glucoside, a stable form of Vitamin C that converts on the skin to deliver brightening, target sun damage and hyperpigmentation, and is gentler and less reactive than pure L-ascorbic acid. This makes it a more reliable choice for daily use, particularly for those with sensitivity concerns. Best used in the morning routine, paired with Tranexamic Acid for a comprehensive brightening and protective combination. For more on how Vitamin C works in skincare, visit the INKEY Vitamin C ingredient guide.

Azelaic Acid: The Multi-Tasker

Azelaic Acid occupies a unique position in the PIH treatment toolkit because it addresses two problems simultaneously: it targets both the pigmentation itself and the underlying inflammation that caused it. For PIH specifically, this dual action is particularly relevant. By calming inflammation and inhibiting melanin synthesis at the same time, Azelaic Acid works on the problem from both ends.

The INKEY 10% Azelaic Acid Serum for Redness Relief is a well-tolerated option that works well alongside Niacinamide. If you are wondering whether you can use the two together, the answer is yes: see the full guidance on using Azelaic Acid and Niacinamide together for layering advice.

Starter Retinol and Advanced Retinal: The Cell Turnover Accelerators

Retinoids support PIH treatment by accelerating skin cell renewal. As the skin sheds pigmented surface cells more quickly and replaces them with fresher, unpigmented skin, PIH marks fade faster. This is an indirect but meaningful contribution, and retinoids bring additional benefits for skin ageing and texture that make them worth including in a broader routine.

Two things to know before you choose your retinoid. First, which formula is right for you depends on your experience with retinoids. If you are new to them, the INKEY Starter Retinol is clinically proven to smooth fine lines in 7 days with twice the effectiveness of standard retinol and minimal irritation. It is the right entry point for anyone who has not used retinoids before. For those with retinoid experience looking for a more advanced option, the INKEY Advanced Retinal Serum uses 0.2% retinal (retinaldehyde), clinically proven to work 11 times faster than standard retinol, with visible results in as little as one week.

Second, retinoids are for evening use only. They increase photosensitivity, so PM application and consistent morning SPF are both essential. Introduce gradually, starting with two to three evenings per week, and build up frequency as your skin adjusts. Those with sensitive or reactive skin, or with deeper skin tones, may prefer to establish a Tranexamic Acid and Niacinamide routine first before adding a retinoid. For comprehensive guidance, visit the INKEY Retinol ingredient guideor read the blog on retinol for scarring and post-acne marks.

Glycolic Acid: The Exfoliator

Glycolic Acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), resurfaces the skin by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells, which brings fresher, less pigmented skin to the surface more rapidly. The INKEY Glycolic Acid Toner can support PIH treatment as part of a broader routine, but it is worth introducing with care. Over-exfoliation or irritation caused by exfoliating acids can itself trigger melanin production, which works against the goal. For deeper skin tones in particular, Tranexamic Acid is the safer and more targeted first-line choice. Glycolic Acid works best as a supporting ingredient once a stable PIH routine is already in place.

SPF: The Step That Makes Everything Else Work

Every ingredient listed above will deliver slower, weaker results without daily SPF. UV exposure is the single biggest factor that slows PIH fading and can actively worsen existing marks. UV stimulates melanocytes regardless of whether inflammation is present, which means any marks you are working to fade will darken again every time you go outside without protection. SPF protects the results that your treatment actives are working to create.

The INKEY Dewy Sunscreen SPF 30 is lightweight, hydrating, and non-greasy, making it realistic for daily use, including under makeup. Even on overcast days, UV rays penetrate cloud cover and reach the skin. Applying SPF every morning is not an optional extra when treating PIH. It is the foundation on which everything else depends. Read the Essential Guide to Suncare and SPF for further detail.

With a clear picture of the ingredients that work, the next step is putting them together into a routine you can follow morning and evening.

Your INKEY PIH Routine: Step-by-Step for AM and PM

Knowing which ingredients work is only useful if you know how to combine them. This section brings the products together into a concrete, actionable routine that targets PIH consistently across the full day. The Tranexamic Acid Serumanchors both the morning and evening routine, applied twice daily for maximum effect.

Quick-Reference: INKEY Products for PIH

Tranexamic Acid Serum: hero treatment, morning and evening, all skin types and tones
Niacinamide Serum: melanin transfer blocker, morning and evening, particularly effective for oily or combination skin
15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum: brightening antioxidant, morning routine
360 Skin Clearing Serum: treats active blemishes to prevent PIH forming before it starts
Dewy Sunscreen SPF 30: non-negotiable daily protection, every morning
Shop the full hyperpigmentation collection or browse the blemish scars collection for the complete range

Morning Routine for PIH

Cleanse. Start with a gentle cleanser suited to your skin type. For blemish-prone skin, a Salicylic Acid Cleanser helps manage breakouts while keeping the skin barrier intact.
Hyaluronic Acid Serum. Apply to slightly damp skin for deeper hydration. This step prepares the skin and supports barrier health before actives are applied.
Tranexamic Acid Serum. Apply a pea-sized amount to the face and neck. Wait 30 minutes before applying moisturiser to allow full absorption and avoid dilution of the active.
Niacinamide Serum or 15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum. If your priority is overall brightening and antioxidant protection, reach for the Vitamin C in the morning. If oil control and melanin transfer inhibition are the focus, use Niacinamide. Both work well alongside Tranexamic Acid.
Moisturiser. Choose based on your skin type: a lightweight option for oily skin, or a richer formula for drier skin.
Dewy Sunscreen SPF 30. The final step, every single morning, without exception.

Evening Routine for PIH

Double cleanse. Begin with an oil-based cleanser, such as an Oat Cleansing Balm, to dissolve SPF and any makeup. Follow with a second, water-based cleanse to clear the skin fully.
Hyaluronic Acid Serum. Again on damp skin for best absorption.
Tranexamic Acid Serum. Pea-sized amount, face and neck. Wait 30 minutes before the next step.
Retinoid (on rotation, not every night if you are new to them).
- Beginners: Starter Retinol. Gentle, non-irritating, and clinically effective. Start with two to three evenings per week.
- Experienced retinoid users: Advanced Retinal Serum. 0.2% retinal, significantly faster results, ideal for those already comfortable with retinoids.
Moisturiser. Applied over the retinoid to lock in hydration and support the skin barrier overnight.

“Amazing product! I used it consistently for around two months and saw amazing changes to my dark pigmentation.” — Molly, INKEY community

Routine notes worth keeping in mind:

Tranexamic Acid is the one active in this routine with no time-of-day restriction. It works morning and evening without causing photosensitivity.
Retinoids are strictly PM only. Introduce gradually and always follow with SPF the next morning.
Without SPF in the morning, the progress your PM routine is building will be undermined every time you step outside.
For detailed layering guidance and compatibility information, visit the full Tranexamic Acid routine guide.

A good routine treats the marks that already exist. But preventing new ones from forming in the first place is equally important, and equally within your control.

How to Stop Blemishes Leaving Dark Marks

The most effective long-term strategy for managing PIH is reducing the depth and duration of the inflammation that triggers it. That means treating active blemishes quickly, gently, and without making them worse. Prevention and treatment are two sides of the same approach, and the products you use while a blemish is still active directly affect the severity of the mark it leaves behind.

The single most impactful thing you can do is to stop picking. We know the urge is real. But squeezing a blemish drives inflammation deeper into the skin and spreads it to surrounding tissue. The melanin response that follows is significantly more intense than it would have been if the blemish had been treated properly and left alone. The result is a darker, wider, and more persistent PIH mark. INKEY’s guide on whether you should squeeze your spots explains this in detail and offers better alternatives.

Instead of picking, treat the blemish directly. Speed up healing, reduce the inflammatory load, and protect the skin from further damage. Here is what to use:

360 Skin Clearing Serum: This is the most comprehensive single product for blemish-prone skin at every stage of a breakout cycle. It works before blemishes form, during an active breakout, and on the post-blemish marks that remain. Formulated with Dioic Acid and 2% Salicylic Acid, it reduces oil, helps clear active blemishes, and works to fade the discolouration left behind. One product that covers all three stages makes it a practical anchor for any blemish-focused routine.

Hydrocolloid Invisible Pimple Patches: Pimple patches serve a dual purpose. They protect active blemishes from being touched or picked, and they create a moist healing environment that speeds up the resolution of the spot itself. The INKEY patches combine 99% Hydrocolloid with 0.4% Salicylic Acid and 0.4% Succinic Acid for active treatment while the patch does its job. They sit invisibly under makeup, so there is no reason not to wear them during the day.

Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Serum: BHA works by penetrating into the pore lining and dissolving the build-up of dead skin cells and excess sebum that can lead to blocked pores and blemishes. Reducing the frequency and severity of breakouts at the source means fewer inflammatory episodes and, therefore, fewer opportunities for PIH to form.

Salicylic Acid Cleanser: A gentle but effective daily cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid and 1% Zinc, designed for blemish-prone skin. It helps manage breakouts and blackheads without stripping the skin barrier. A compromised or over-stripped skin barrier increases the risk of inflammation, which in turn increases the risk of PIH.

On the topic of SPF and blemish-prone skin: one of the most common concerns is whether SPF will contribute to breakouts. With the right formula, it will not. The INKEY Dewy Sunscreen SPF 30 is non-comedogenic and designed for everyday use on skin that is prone to breakouts. Skipping SPF because of a fear of congestion is one of the most counterproductive choices when managing PIH. UV exposure will darken existing marks and create new ones simultaneously.

Browse the full blemishes and breakouts collection for a complete view of INKEY’s targeted blemish range.

PIH affects every skin tone, but its impact is not evenly distributed. For those with medium to deeper skin tones, the challenge of PIH is often greater, and the approach to treatment needs to reflect that reality.

PIH on Deeper Skin Tones: What You Need to Know

PIH does not affect all skin tones equally. To understand why, it helps to first understand how hyperpigmentation works at the cellular level - people with medium to deep skin tones are significantly more prone to PIH, and when it develops, it tends to be more intense and more persistent

The reason comes down to baseline melanin activity. In deeper skin tones, the melanocytes are already producing melanin at a higher level. When inflammation triggers an additional melanin surge, the response is proportionally greater. The resulting marks are darker and, particularly when dermal PIH is involved, may persist considerably longer than they would in lighter skin tones. Grey-brown dermal PIH is more commonly seen in medium to deep skin tones and is one of the more challenging aspects of this skin concern to address.

There is a further risk that is important to understand: harsh or irritating skincare ingredients can make PIH worse. This is particularly relevant for deeper skin tones. If an exfoliating acid causes irritation, that irritation is itself a form of inflammation, which triggers more melanin production. The result is a cycle of treatment causing the very problem it was supposed to solve. This does not mean exfoliating acids should be avoided entirely, but it does mean that gentle, non-irritating ingredients should take priority, especially at the start of a treatment routine.

According to the Skin of Color Society, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is one of the most common dermatological concerns in patients with skin of colour, and one of the most frequently under-addressed in standard skincare guidance.

This is exactly why Tranexamic Acid is the most recommended ingredient for PIH in deeper skin tones. It targets the melanin production pathway directly, without exfoliating the skin, without causing photosensitivity, and without any meaningful risk of triggering further inflammation. It is suitable for all skin tones, including the deepest, and it works consistently as a twice-daily treatment with no requirement to build up gradually or manage irritation risk. For full guidance on how it works and how to use it safely across all skin tones, the Tranexamic Acid ingredient guide is the most comprehensive resource available.

Alongside Tranexamic Acid, Niacinamide and the 10% Azelaic Acid Serum for Redness Relief are both well-suited to deeper skin tones. Niacinamide’s melanin transfer-blocking action is gentle and non-irritating, and Azelaic Acid’s anti-inflammatory properties make it useful for calming the inflammatory environment that drives PIH in the first place.

If you want to introduce a retinoid into your routine, the Starter Retinol is the recommended entry point for deeper skin tones. Its gentle, non-irritating formulation minimises the risk of the kind of inflammation that could worsen PIH during the adjustment period. Once your skin is fully comfortable with retinoid use, the Advanced Retinal Serum offers a more powerful option. Always introduce retinoids slowly, always follow with SPF in the morning, and always give Tranexamic Acid the lead role in your PIH routine.

The most important thing to affirm here is this: PIH in deeper skin tones is treatable. It requires patience, the right ingredients, and a consistent approach. But visible improvement is achievable, and the evidence supports it. Consistent daily use of targeted ingredients, SPF every morning, and a commitment to not picking active blemishes are the three most reliable foundations of an effective PIH routine for any skin tone.

With the treatment, routine, prevention, and skin-tone angles all addressed, the next section brings together the most frequently asked questions about PIH in one clear, searchable format.

Frequently Asked Questions About Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Does post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation go away on its own?

Yes, PIH can fade on its own over time. However, without targeted treatment and daily SPF, this process can take many months to several years, depending on the depth of the pigmentation and your skin tone. Superficial epidermal PIH may begin to improve within a few months with consistent sun protection alone. Deeper dermal PIH, without any active treatment, can take a year or more. Treatment with ingredients like Tranexamic Acid significantly accelerates the fading process and gives you a much more predictable timeline.

Is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation permanent?

No. PIH is not permanent. Even dermal PIH, which is the more stubborn of the two types, can be faded with targeted treatment and consistent SPF use. The key word is consistency: there is no single-use fix for PIH. Daily use of the right ingredients over a sustained period is what delivers lasting results. Without treatment and without sun protection, PIH can persist for years, but it does respond to the right approach.

How long does post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation take to fade?

Superficial, epidermal PIH can begin to show visible improvement within 4 to 8 weeks of consistent twice-daily treatment. Deeper, dermal PIH may take anywhere from 3 to 12 months or longer to fade significantly. The main variables are your skin tone, the depth of the pigmentation, how consistently you apply your actives, and whether you are wearing SPF every morning. Without SPF, the timeline extends considerably regardless of what else you are using.

Does niacinamide help with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation?

Yes. Niacinamide works by inhibiting the transfer of melanin from pigment-producing cells to the surrounding skin cells at the surface level. Over time, this reduces the visible appearance of dark marks. It works well alongside Tranexamic Acid Serum for a multi-pathway approach to PIH treatment, and the INKEY Niacinamide Serum provides a clinical 10% concentration for meaningful results.

Does azelaic acid help with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation?

Yes. Azelaic Acid addresses both the pigmentation and the underlying inflammation that caused it, which makes it a particularly well-suited ingredient for PIH specifically. The INKEY 10% Azelaic Acid Serum for Redness Relief can be used alongside Niacinamide for a complementary routine that targets multiple aspects of post-blemish discolouration.

Is PIH the same as acne scarring?

No. PIH is a form of pigmentation: a flat discolouration of the skin caused by excess melanin after inflammation. It does not involve any structural change to the skin. True acne scars involve physical changes to the skin’s texture, including indentations (atrophic scars such as ice pick or boxcar scars) or raised tissue (hypertrophic scars), caused by disruption to the skin’s collagen structure. PIH responds to brightening and melanin-targeting ingredients. Structural scars respond to ingredients that support collagen remodelling, including retinoids. If you are new to retinoids, start with Starter Retinol. If you have retinoid experience, Advanced Retinal Serum offers a more advanced option. See the full guide: retinol for scarring and post-acne marks.

Can I use Tranexamic Acid and Niacinamide together?

Yes, and they work well as a pair. They operate through complementary mechanisms: Tranexamic Acid blocks melanin production at the cellular level, while Niacinamide inhibits the transfer of melanin to the skin surface. Apply the Tranexamic Acid Serum first, allow it to absorb, then apply the Niacinamide Serum. Follow with moisturiser after a further 30 minutes.

Can I use Tranexamic Acid and a retinoid together?

Yes. Use Tranexamic Acid Serum in both your morning and evening routines. Use your retinoid in the evening only: Starter Retinol if you are new to retinoids, or Advanced Retinal Serum if you are an experienced retinoid user. You can apply them in the same evening routine with Tranexamic Acid going on first, followed by the retinoid after absorption. Alternatively, if your skin is new to retinoids, you can use them on alternate evenings while you build up tolerance. Always follow with SPF the next morning. For detailed layering guidance, visit the Tranexamic Acid ingredient guide.

PIH Is Manageable: The Knowledge Makes the Difference

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is caused by the skin’s inflammatory response to spots and blemishes triggering excess melanin production. The marks that remain after a blemish heals are not damage in the permanent sense: they are a residue of that process, and they respond meaningfully to the right ingredients used consistently. PIH is not something you have to simply wait out.

With the right approach, led by Tranexamic Acid and supported by Niacinamide, Vitamin C, and daily SPF, visible improvement is achievable within 4 to 8 weeks of consistent use. The depth of your pigmentation and your skin tone will shape the timeline, but the direction of travel is clear: targeted ingredients, applied twice daily, with SPF every morning, will fade PIH more effectively than any single treatment or shortcut.

The other half of the equation is prevention. Treat active blemishes early and gently, protect your skin from UV exposure, and resist the urge to pick. Every blemish you treat effectively at the source is a PIH mark that does not form. That is the most efficient use of your routine and your results.

INKEY’s approach is grounded in one belief: knowledge makes skincare more effective. Effective skincare should not require compromise on price. The Tranexamic Acid Serum starts at £16. Explore the full hyperpigmentation range to build a routine that is targeted, evidence-backed, and genuinely within reach.

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For a full breakdown of hyperpigmentation types, causes, and treatment options, visit our complete hyperpigmentation guide.

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