Dark marks after acne,
faded without making them worse.
PIH is your skin's way of reacting to inflammation, and melanin-rich skin reacts strongly. The good news is that PIH usually fades. The plan is to speed that up without adding the heat or irritation that creates new marks.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is dark marks left after the skin is inflamed or injured, such as after acne, bug bites, razor bumps or a past treatment. It's very common in darker skin. PSRx treats PIH with skincare, sun protection, Precise Peels and carefully chosen in-office treatments, and works to stop new marks. Most PIH fades over months.
Every mark
has a starting point.
PIH can follow almost anything that inflames the skin. Finding the source matters, because new marks keep forming until it's treated.
PIH is a flat color change, not a scar. Dents or raised areas are scarring and need a different approach.
Who it's for —
and who it isn’t.
Your provider confirms what's right for you at your consultation.
We look closely
before we treat.
Dark marks usually have a clear cause, but we confirm it and check for anything that needs medical care first.
Darker skin marks easily,
so we treat it gently.
Melanin-rich skin makes extra pigment whenever it's inflamed, so the wrong treatment can create new marks while fading old ones. PSRx is an industry leader in pigment-safe care for darker skin and trains other providers to do the same.
- ✦Every plan avoids the extra heat and irritation that trigger new marks.
- ✦Precise Peels are custom-blended for melanin-rich skin.
- ✦We treat the cause, like acne or razor bumps, so marks stop forming.
- ✦Our team trains other providers in pigment-safe care for Fitzpatrick IV–VI.
Fade what's there,
stop what's coming.
Plans combine treating the cause with fading existing marks, chosen for your skin type.
From consultation
to lasting results.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation FAQ.
How long do dark marks after acne last?
Without treatment, dark marks after acne can last months to a year or more, especially on darker skin. With the right skincare, sun protection and in-office treatment, most fade faster. Stopping new breakouts matters just as much, because each pimple can leave a new mark.
Is PIH the same as an acne scar?
No. PIH is a flat color change, while acne scars change the skin's texture and leave dents or raised areas. PIH usually fades with time and treatment. Scars need treatments that rebuild or smooth the skin, like those in our Advanced Acne Scar Reconstruction program.
Why does my skin get dark marks so easily?
Darker skin has more active pigment cells, and they respond to inflammation by making extra pigment. That's why a pimple, bite or scratch can leave a mark that lasts months. It's normal for melanin-rich skin, and it means treatment needs to be gentle and careful with heat.
Can laser make dark marks worse?
Yes, the wrong laser or too much heat can make dark marks worse on darker skin. That's one of the main reasons people come to PSRx after treatment somewhere else. When laser is part of your plan, we choose the device and pacing for your skin type and prepare your skin first.
What's the best way to prevent new dark marks?
Treat breakouts and ingrown hairs early, avoid picking, and wear sunscreen every day, because sun darkens marks while they heal. If you shave and get bumps, laser hair reduction can stop the cycle of bumps and marks. Your provider will build prevention into your plan.
Do dark marks on the body fade too?
Yes, dark marks on the body can fade, but they often take longer than marks on the face. The back, legs, underarms and bikini line are common areas. We build a plan that treats the cause and fades the marks with treatments suited to body skin.
right diagnosis.
Book a consultation at our South Loop clinic, or take the free 60-second Skin Assessment and our clinical team will build your personalized skin summary.