Post-Inflammatory Erythema (PIE) and Post-Inflammatory Redness

What is Post-Inflammatory Erythema (PIE)?

• Definition: PIE refers to redness caused by dilated or damaged blood vessels following skin inflammation, while post-inflammatory redness often describes a broader category of redness persisting after inflammatory skin conditions.
• Key Characteristics: Unlike hyperpigmentation, PIE and post-inflammatory redness do not involve brown discolouration or contour changes, as seen in scarring.

Causes of Post-Inflammatory Erythema and Post-Inflammatory Redness

1. Acne:
   • The most common cause of Post-inflammatory erythema. Inflammation from papules and pustules damages tiny blood vessels, leading to visible redness.
2. Other Skin Conditions:
   • Rosacea: Chronic inflammation exacerbates persistent redness.
   • Eczema and Psoriasis: Prolonged inflammation leads to ongoing erythema and redness.
3. Skin Injuries and Irritations:
   • Cuts, scrapes, burns, over-exfoliation, and harsh treatments.
4. Prolonged Healing and Blood Vessel Damage:
   • Inflammation causes increased blood flow, damages capillaries, and delays healing, resulting in lingering redness.

Prioritising LED Light Therapy as a First-Line Treatment

Why LED Light Therapy?

• Red and Infrared Light: Proven to be highly effective in calming skin inflammation and reducing both PIE and post-inflammatory redness.
• Mechanism of Action:
  • Reduces inflammatory cytokines and supports cellular repair.
  • Boosts collagen production and strengthens capillaries, improving skin tone.
  • Encourages healing by promoting increased blood flow and oxygenation to the skin.

When to Use LED Light Therapy

• Early Intervention: Ideal as a first-line treatment for settling inflammation and calming active redness, including post-inflammatory redness.
• Supporting Active Skin Healing: Combine LED therapy with topical treatments to enhance results and expedite recovery

Comprehensive Treatment Approach for PIE and Post-Inflammatory Redness

1. Settle the Underlying Cause

• Control active acne or skin irritation to prevent new inflammation and the recurrence of PIE.
• Use anti-inflammatory skincare tailored to your skin type, focusing on soothing and repairing the barrier.

2. Lifestyle and Preventive Care

• Sun Protection: Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen daily to prevent exacerbation of post-inflammatory erythema

Topical Treatments to Complement LED Therapy

Core Active Ingredients:

1. Azelaic Acid:
   • Reduces redness and inflammation while supporting the skin barrier. It is ideal for PIE and post-inflammatory redness.
2. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3):
   • It soothes inflammation, strengthens the skin barrier, and improves persistent redness.
3. Centella Asiatica (Madecassoside):
   • Repairs the skin barrier and calms redness caused by irritation.
4. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid):
   • Brightens the skin and reduces red and brown discolouration, targeting healing and preventing pigmentation and scar formation.
5. Tranexamic Acid:
   • Modulates inflammation and reduces redness from pigmentation.

Skincare Routine:

• Cleanse Gently: Use a fragrance-free cleanser that does not irritate post-inflammatory redness.
• Hydrate: Apply a ceramide-rich moisturiser to support barrier function.
• Protect: Sunscreen is non-negotiable to prevent further damage and worsening of post-inflammatory erythema.

In-Clinic Treatments

1. LED Therapy
2. Vascular Lasers (e.g., Pulsed Dye Laser):
   • Specifically, it targets blood vessels responsible for PIE and post-inflammatory redness.
3. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL):
   • Addresses redness and broken capillaries to restore an even complexion, effectively treating post-inflammatory erythema.
4. Microneedling:
   • Stimulates collagen production and enhances penetration of active ingredients for better PIE and redness outcomes.
5. Combination Therapy:
   • Use lasers or IPL with LED light therapy for faster and more effective results in reducing post-inflammatory redness.

Why Early LED Therapy is Key

• Immediate Impact:
  • Reduces active inflammation and calms the skin before redness becomes chronic.
• Safe and Non-Invasive:
  • Suitable for all skin types, with minimal downtime and no risk of irritation.
• Enhances Topical Treatments:
  • Improves the absorption and efficacy of azelaic acid, niacinamide, and other actives, accelerating the resolution of PIE and post-inflammatory redness.

FAQ About PIE and Post-Inflammatory Redness Treatment

1. How long do PIE and post-inflammatory redness take to heal?

• Mild cases resolve in 3–6 months, but severe cases may persist for 2 years. Treatment significantly shortens recovery time.

2. Why is sunscreen so important?

• UV exposure worsens redness and delays healing. Sunscreen prevents further damage and allows treatments to work effectively.

3. Can LED light therapy prevent PIE and post-inflammatory redness?

• Yes, it calms inflammation at the source and prevents damage to blood vessels that cause redness.