Pigmentation in darker skin
Dark marks left after acne, eczema or irritation are more common, and often more persistent, in darker skin tones. Dr Jinah Yoo treats them with lasers and settings chosen for your skin type, alongside medical and brightening treatments.
The outlook
Slow to fade, faster with treatment.
Sometimes it may fade with time over months to years but there are treatments to speed up this process such as laser toning, prescription cream or iontosonophoresis combined with skin lightening ingredients to deliver the lightening actives to deeper layer of the skin where the pigmentation tends to be found.
What it is
Dark marks after inflammation.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) refers to the development of dark marks or patches on the skin following inflammation or injury. PIH can present as epidermal hyperpigmentation, affecting the upper layers of the skin, or dermal hyperpigmentation, where excess melanin deposits deeper in the skin.
PIH is particularly common in darker skin types due to higher melanin activity, but it can affect individuals across all skin types. Factors such as inadequate sun protection, improper treatment, or persistent skin irritation can worsen the condition, leading to uneven skin tone and prolonged pigmentation.
How we treat it
Matched to skin type and depth.
At Dr Jinah Yoo Dermatology, we utilise advanced technologies and personalised care plans to effectively treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Our treatments target pigmentation at different depths, ensuring safe and precise results tailored to your skin type.
Laser treatments
Devices chosen for your skin.
We utilise state-of-the-art laser devices to treat PIH, targeting excess melanin precisely and enhancing collagen production to improve the skin's texture and tone. Each device is selected based on the patient's skin type and the depth of pigmentation.
These premium Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers are highly effective for targeting pigment-producing cells and breaking down melanin clusters. This treatment is safe for darker skin types, reduces pigmentation, and enhances the skin's natural brightness over time.
With dual-wavelength capabilities, Clarity II works by effectively targeting superficial and deeper pigmentation. Its laser-precise energy treats stubborn pigmentation without causing any damage to the skin around it, offering noticeable improvements with minimal downtime.
Combining radiofrequency (RF) and microneedling, Sylfirm X addresses complex pigmentation issues, including dermal PIH. This advanced treatment stimulates collagen and elastin production, supporting the skin's natural healing processes and improving overall skin resilience.
Using dual wavelengths, Excel V+ targets pigmentation across multiple layers, making it ideal for treating both surface-level dark marks and deeper pigmentation. It also addresses redness and inflammation, promoting a more even skin tone.
Medical treatments
Prescribed after assessment.
Evidence-based prescription treatments, such as bespoke compounded creams, can be prescribed following assessment of your general health and skin.
Brightening & skin rejuvenation
Actives delivered deeper.
Our brightening programme infuses the skin with brightening actives such as Vitamin C to reduce melanin production and lighten pigmentation. Techniques like iontophoresis and sonophoresis deliver active ingredients deep into the skin, ensuring maximum efficacy.
Skinboosters provide deep hydration and nourishment through microinjections of skin-supporting nutrients. These treatments are not only effective in improving skin texture but also help prevent the recurrence of pigmentation by strengthening the skin barrier.
Our toning protocol uses low-energy laser treatments specifically designed to deal with complex pigmentation issues, including melasma. This toning process has been developed in Korea over a decade ago and not only helps with deep pigmentation but also improves overall skin texture, brightness, and firmness with minimal downtime, creating Korean glass skin.
Who it's for
Recommended for persistent dark marks.
- Have dark marks or uneven skin tone usually caused by acne, eczema, scars, skin injury, or cosmetic procedures
- Struggle with persistent facial post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that does not fade naturally over time
- Have darker skin tones and require specialised care to address pigmentation safely
- Seek professional treatments to complement topical solutions
- Aim for an overall skin tone and texture improvement, as well as a reduction in the appearance of dark spots and uneven pigmentation
- Are looking for non-invasive solutions with minimal downtime to treat pigmentation disorders effectively
- Require a personalised approach to address pigmentation at different skin depths, including both epidermal and dermal PIH
- PIH may fade with time, over months to years
- Sun exposure and inadequate protection can make it worse
- Broad spectrum sunscreen helps stop pigmentation worsening
- Each laser is selected for your skin type and pigment depth
- Prescription creams follow an assessment of your general health and skin
Prices
Clear prices, in writing.
◇Your plan and its cost are confirmed in writing after your consultation. Course discounts are available on most programmes.
Your consultant
Led by Dr Jinah Yoo.
Dr Jinah Yoo
MBChB FRCP · Consultant Dermatologist · FounderDr Yoo has a special interest in cosmetic dermatology, hyperpigmentary disorders and skin lymphoma. She spent the final year of her MSc researching facial hyperpigmentation, which equipped her with scientific knowledge on aetiology and an evidence-based approach to management.
She has extensive experience in hyperpigmentation from her clinical work as well as observerships in the world's leading pigment centres in the USA, South Korea and Singapore, and established the first NHS-based hyperpigmentation service at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in 2018.
- GMC-registered consultant dermatologist
- Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (FRCP)
- Founded the first NHS hyperpigmentation service, 2018
- Observerships in USA, Singapore and South Korea
The clinic
45 Albemarle Street, Mayfair.
Questions
Asked before booking.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is caused by an overproduction of melanin in response to skin injury or inflammation, such as acne, eczema, or cosmetic procedures. This excess melanin can deposit in different layers of the skin, resulting in dark spots or uneven pigmentation. Factors such as sun exposure, lack of proper care, and inadequate protection can worsen the condition, making it harder to fade naturally.
PIH can fade over time, but the process may take several months to years depending on the severity and depth of the pigmentation. However, persistent facial post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation often requires professional treatments to accelerate the fading process and prevent further skin discolouration.
At home, treating post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation involves using products with active ingredients like azelaic acid or glycolic acid to reduce melanin production and remove dead skin cells. Incorporating topical retinoids can also help improve uneven skin tone. It is important to use broad spectrum sunscreen regularly, to protect your natural skin tone and prevent pigmentation from worsening. While these steps can help, chemical peels and professional treatments deliver faster, more effective results by targeting deeper pigmentation and promoting long-term skin health.
Yes, our professional treatments are designed to help patients regain their natural skin tone by targeting excess pigmentation and supporting skin health. Advanced laser devices, brightening therapies, and personalised care work together to minimise discolouration and create a more even complexion.
Next step
Treatment chosen for your skin.
Each device is selected based on your skin type and the depth of pigmentation, so your skin is assessed before any treatment is recommended.
