Do topical retinoids treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation?

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is darker colouring left after acne, eczema, a wound, or another inflammatory skin problem. Retinoids can increase turnover of surface skin cells and may help uneven pigment fade over time. They do not remove the original trigger, and improvement is gradual rather than immediate.

Irritation matters because redness, burning, peeling, or excessive dryness can prolong inflammation and deepen visible marks, especially in more melanin-rich skin. A suitable product, strength, and schedule depend on the area treated and your skin history.

A clinician may suggest applying a small amount to completely dry skin on a limited schedule, then adjusting as your skin adapts. Use a gentle cleanser and moisturiser, and protect exposed skin from daylight with broad-spectrum sunscreen. Avoid layering several irritating products unless a clinician has planned the routine. Do not apply a retinoid to broken or actively inflamed skin without advice.

Treating the acne, rash, bite, or other cause that created the mark helps prevent new patches while existing colour fades. Read more about [Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation](/conditions/post-inflammatory-hyperpigmentation/) and [Topical Retinoids](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-retinoids/).

Contact a dermatologist if the colour is spreading, changing quickly, painful, itchy, bleeding, or accompanied by a new rash. Seek advice if treatment causes marked swelling, blistering, severe burning, or persistent peeling. A clinician can check that the diagnosis is correct and distinguish post-inflammatory pigment from conditions that need different treatment.

Ask which retinoid and starting schedule suit your skin, what irritation should prompt a pause, and how to protect the area from daylight. You can also ask whether another treatment is needed for the original inflammation or for stubborn pigment.