Acne Scars (PIE/PIH)
Acne Scars & Marks
Acne is gone but left some 'memories'? That's called post-inflammatory marks. There are two types: PIE (red/pink, due to blood vessels) and PIH (brown/dark, due to melanin). Both can fade with the right care, just be patient!
Common Causes
- •Popping pimples (please don't! 🙏)
- •Severely inflamed acne
- •Not using sunscreen during recovery
- •Skin that is prone to hyperpigmentation
- •Excessive sun exposure
Signs
- •Flat red/pink spots (PIE)
- •Flat brown/dark spots (PIH)
- •Depressed scars (atrophic scars)
- •Raised scars (hypertrophic/keloid)
- •Uneven skin tone
Active Ingredients That Work
These ingredients are effective for dealing with acne scars (pie/pih):
Niacinamide
Vitamin
The multitasker that can do almost everything
Vitamin C
Antioxidant
The brightener and free-radical fighter
Retinol
Retinoid
The gold standard of anti-aging with the most scientific backing
Centella Asiatica
Soothing
The skin-soother from Asia that's been used for centuries
AHA & BHA
Exfoliant
Chemical exfoliants for smoother and brighter skin
Alpha Arbutin
Brightening
A gentle brightener safe for all skin types
Ingredients to Avoid
- ⚠️Products that are too abrasive
- ⚠️Lemon/citrus directly on skin (photosensitizing)
- ⚠️Harsh scrubs on acne scar areas
Care Tips
✅ What To Do
- •SUNSCREEN is key! UV makes marks darker
- •Use vitamin C in the morning to fade marks
- •Retinol at night for cell turnover
- •Be patient! PIE takes 3-6 months, PIH can take longer
- •Consistency with your routine is more important than expensive products
- •Consider professional treatment for deep scars
❌ What To Avoid
- •DON'T pop active pimples (so you don't add more scars)
- •DON'T skip sunscreen, ever!
- •DON'T expect instant results
- •Avoid picking at marks that are healing
- •DON'T mix too many actives at once
Sample Routine
🌅 Routine Pagi
- 1Gentle cleanser
- 2Hydrating toner
- 3Vitamin C serum or Niacinamide
- 4Moisturizer
- 5Sunscreen SPF 30+ (reapply if outdoors)
🌙 Routine Malam
- 1Double cleanse
- 2Gentle toner
- 3Treatment serum (retinol/azelaic acid) - alternate nights
- 4Hydrating serum
- 5Moisturizer
💡 Did You Know?
How to tell PIE and PIH apart: press the area with your finger. If the color disappears temporarily when pressed, it's PIE (red because of blood vessels). If it stays the same, it's PIH (melanin). Knowing this helps you choose the right treatment! 🔍
Who Tends to Experience This?
Often experienced by those who have struggled with acne - can be any persona! Urban Hustlers and Night Owls who are prone to stress-related acne usually also have to deal with acne marks.
Curious about your skincare persona?
Take the quiz and find the character that fits you!
Related Skin Concerns
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Other Skin Concerns
Want more personalized recommendations?
Take the Peelsonality quiz and find a skincare routine that fits you, based on your personality and your skin's needs!
Start the Free Quiz