Have you ever noticed those red or pink marks on your skin after a pimple? That's called Post Inflammatory Erythema, or PIE for short. It can stick around and make you feel a bit self-conscious. But don't worry; we’re here to help! This article will explain what PIE is and why it happens, and, most importantly, how you can prevent your skin from this.

Explanation of How PIE Develops After Skin Inflammation

When your skin gets hurt or irritated, it is from a pimple or a scratch on your skin that’s trying to heal itself. Sometimes, even after the hurt or marks are gone, it leaves a pink or red spot behind. That spot is called Post Inflammatory Erythema (PIE).

When your skin gets inflamed or when you have a breakout, your body sends special cells to fix it. These cells can dilate the tiny blood vessels under your skin, making them wider. This dilation can stick around even after the inflammation is gone, creating a red or pink mark.

Imagine it like a little traffic jam in your skin. Even after the cars are gone, the road still looks a bit crowded for a while. The good news is that your body usually calms down over time, and the redness fades away.

But if you want to speed things up, some creams and treatments can help make your skin look even again.

Causes

Here are some significant causes of PIE.

• Pimples – When you have a pimple on your skin, it gets slightly irritated. Even after the pimple is healed, it can leave a red or pink mark behind.
• Scratches or Cuts – Your skin gets inflamed if you accidentally scratch or cut your skin. This leads to a colored mark after the scratch or cut has healed.
• Messing with Your Skin – Sometimes, picking at your skin a lot or popping pimples can upset your skin. This irritation can also leave marks behind.

Characteristics

Here are some major characteristics of PIE.

• Red or Pink Marks – PIE marks show up as areas of your skin that are red or pink. They look like little spots or patches.
• Persistent Marks – Even when the irritation is gone, the redness or pinkness still stays on your skin for a while. It's like a reminder that your skin went through something.
• Differences in Skin Tones – PIE marks might look a bit different depending on your natural skin color. On darker skin, they could appear darker, and on lighter skin, they might seem lighter.

Is PIE any Different from PIH?

PIE is a relatively new term in the pimple department where people typically are aware of Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation or PIH. Post PIE, you get pink or red marks, while in PIH, these are grey, brown, or dark marks. PIH typically happens when wounds heal due to injury or cut or after the pimple subsides. Whereas PIE happens for fairer skin, while PIH is experienced chiefly in darker skin colors.

How to Treat PIE Without Having Side Effects?

Treating PIE can be challenging, but with several effective methods, you can help your skin manage and reduce PIE appearance. Below are some notable treatment methods.

Topical Therapies

Topical treatments are often the first line of defense against PIE. These formulations may include azelaic acid, niacinamide, kojic acid, and licorice root extract.

These ingredients can help reduce inflammation, regulate pigmentation, and promote skin healing. Following a dermatologist's recommendation, over-the-counter and prescription creams or gels can be applied directly to the affected areas. Consistent and cautious use is vital to avoid potential skin irritation.

Laser and Light Therapies

Laser and light therapies have gained popularity in treating PIE. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and pulsed dye lasers are commonly used to heal the redness associated with PIE.

These treatments work by emitting specific wavelengths of light that target the blood vessels causing the redness, ultimately helping to fade the discoloration. Multiple sessions may be required to achieve optimal results, and it's essential to consult a qualified dermatologist before undergoing such treatments.

Chemical Peels for PIE

Chemical peels involve the application of a chemical solution to exfoliate the top layer of the skin, revealing a fresher layer beneath. In the case of PIE, superficial peels containing ingredients like glycolic acid, lactic acid, or salicylic acid can help improve skin texture and tone.

These promote skin cell turnover, which aids in reducing the appearance of redness and enhancing overall skin appearance. A dermatologist will determine the appropriate peel strength and regimen based on individual skin needs.

Microneedling and Dermabrasion

Microneedling uses tiny needles to create micro-injuries, while dermabrasion uses a rotating device to remove the top layer of skin gently. Both approaches can aid in fading redness and improving overall skin quality.

What Are Comedones & How You Can Get Rid of Them?

Avarelle is a skincare company specializing in developing effective solutions for pimple-related concerns. With a strong focus on catering to sensitive skin, Avarelle offers a range of products designed to address various aspects of acne and its aftermath, including PIE. Their products are formulated to provide targeted treatments for comedones while maintaining skin health and integrity.

Coming to comedones, these are a common type of acne characterized by clogged hair follicles forming small skin bumps. They can be broadly categorized into two main types: open comedones, commonly known as blackheads, and closed comedones, known as whiteheads.

Blackheads

Blackheads occur when the pores are clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. The oxidation of this mixture gives blackheads their characteristic dark color.

Whiteheads

Closed comedones are formed when the pore's opening is partially blocked, accumulating sebum and dead skin cells beneath the skin's surface. Avarelle's approach to tackling whiteheads involves treatments that promote gentle exfoliation and pore clearance, preventing the formation of closed comedones. Some practical solutions include in the following section.

Effective Solutions for PIE with Avarelle

If you are facing PIE, then here are some easy medical treatments like using Acne Patches, which you can easily get from Averelle!

Pimple Patches

Avarelle's hydrocolloid Pimple Patches are designed to absorb excess fluids and protect blemishes from external irritants. These patches accelerate the healing process of acne breakouts, minimizing the risk of developing PIE.

Blemish Patches

Avarelle's blemish patches contain active ingredients that reduce inflammation and redness. They provide a barrier against bacteria and help to flatten the affected area, potentially reducing the risk of PIE formation.

Microneedle Pimple Patches

Avarelle's microneedle Pimple Patches have tiny needles penetrating the skin's surface. These needles facilitate the delivery of potent ingredients to the affected area, promoting faster healing of PIE.

Brightening Complex Cream

Brightening complex cream is specially formulated to target red and pink discoloration caused by PIE. It contains ingredients that help even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of residual redness.

Hydrocolloid Patches

Hydrocolloid patches create a moist environment that helps accelerate the healing process of whiteheads. These patches also absorb excess oil and impurities, aiding in their resolution.

Salicylic Acid Treatments

Avarelle's salicylic acid-based treatments penetrate the pores and exfoliate the inner lining, helping to clear out the clogs responsible for whiteheads.

Whether it's blackheads or whiteheads, Avarelle's targeted treatments cater to specific comedone types, offering a comprehensive approach to achieving clearer and healthier skin.

Conclusion

Post-Inflammatory Erythema can be a distressing concern for those who experience it, but its appearance can be minimized with the proper knowledge and products. Avarelle offers comprehensive solutions to address various comedones and prevent or minimize PIE formation.

Their commitment to providing sensitive skin-safe solutions ensures that individuals with varying skin types can experience the benefits of their products without worrying about adverse reactions. Do check out their website for more information about the offered products!