PIH, PIE and melasma: practical distinctions
SESH ACADEMY · INTERMEDIATE SKINCARE
PIH, PIE and melasma: practical distinctions
Identify the type of change being tracked before choosing an active.
Melanocytes produce pigment and transfer it to surrounding cells. The diagram explains a mechanism; colour alone does not diagnose a dark spot.
Open full-size image ↗Not all post-acne marks are melanin
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation often appears brown or gray after inflammation. Post-inflammatory erythema reflects residual redness and vascular changes. Melasma commonly creates broader, relatively symmetric patches influenced by UV and other factors. Color varies with skin tone, and appearance alone cannot establish the disorder.
Why brighteners have limits
An ingredient aimed at melanin production may not meaningfully change predominantly vascular redness. Nor does it replace acne control or an appropriate melasma plan. Aggressive brightening and peeling can generate more inflammation and new discoloration.
Record the correct endpoint
Use comparable photographs to track color and area, separately from pores and texture. A depressed scar is structurally different from flat post-inflammatory pigmentation. A changing or bleeding lesion needs clinical evaluation, not a brightening routine.
Melasma relapse and uneven results: assess triggers — a published visual reference for the topic, not SESH product-test data.
Open full-size image ↗Apply this to a realistic case
Case: two marks after acne
A brown mark sits beside a pink-red mark after acne. The same pigment-focused serum cannot be assumed to change both equally.
Reasoned next step: Decide whether the relevant outcome is brown pigment, redness or scarring.
The pitfall to avoid
Calling every mark melasma and escalating peels.
Related Ingredient Dictionary entries
Related SESH product examples
These illustrate product roles and ingredient lists, not proof that the products clinically treat every condition described.
Evidence and further reading
Educational information for understanding decisions. It does not diagnose or replace medical advice.
