Recovery
Results
Treatment Time
Aftercare
The science of treating post inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Always address the primary cause of skin inflammation to prevent recurrence
- Pico lasers provide the fastest resolution of pigment
- Lasers are combined with pigment correctors
- Without sunscreen, PIH will be infinitely harder to treat
The Picosure Pro has revolutionized the treatment of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This treatment accelerates pigment clearance by over 10 times the normal speed. Treatments are quick, painless & effective.
Who is prone to pigmentation?
Darker skin types including Asian, Middle Eastern, Islanders & Africans are more prone to PIH pigmentation. Persistent pigment also runs in families. Other risks include those who receive a significant amount of UV & those with active skin conditions like acne & eczema.
What happens to post inflammatory pigmentation if not treated?
Pigmentation can take up to 5 years to fade. A recent paper has shown that PIH persists for longer than one year in 50% of patients, & beyond 5 years in a quarter of cases.
Our Gallery of Results









What is the fastest way to treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation?
Picosecond lasers employ ultrashort pulses of light to safely shatter unwanted pigment without heating the skin. They offer the fastest way to effectively & safely treat post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Pico Lasers can speed up pigment resolution 10 times faster than creams.
- Painless
- Zero downtime
- Highly effective
- Fast removal of all types of pigment
This concept is grasped by only a handful of patients as most melasma patients can not see beyond pigmentation itself. Those who get it will have a much higher probability of long term remission 💯
.
👉Rate limiting factors: ability to understand the cause of melasma beyond pigment, the time required to remodel the dermis, especially in skin of colour, financial constraints as dermal remodelling goes far beyond ‘retinol-retinoids’, RFM, lasers & EBDs or the ubiquitous & over-rated Cosmelan peel
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#melasma #melasmatips #photoaging #melasmaclinic #celluaraging #drdavinlim

This concept is grasped by only a handful of patients as most melasma patients can not see beyond pigmentation itself. Those who get it will have a much higher probability of long term remission 💯
.
👉Rate limiting factors: ability to understand the cause of melasma beyond pigment, the time required to remodel the dermis, especially in skin of colour, financial constraints as dermal remodelling goes far beyond ‘retinol-retinoids’, RFM, lasers & EBDs or the ubiquitous & over-rated Cosmelan peel
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#melasma #melasmatips #photoaging #melasmaclinic #celluaraging #drdavinlim
Though we practice prescriptive methodology at The Melasma Clinic, we do adopt some aspects of natural medicine, in particular polypodium fern extract (usually in resistant cases of melasma). Additionally we prescribe the usual vitamin C, B, licorice root & azelaic acids especially during the maintenance phase of melasma treatment. For the primary treatment phase there are far better options (covered on our website & in previous posts)
.
🍅Diet: Summarised as; eat lots of tomato salads, drizzle with olive oil, snack on #lentils or lentil dips & melonseeds. This diet high in antioxidants can reduce your risk of cardiovascular events & possibly increase your longevity. It can definitely reduce BMI & if you are lucky, melasma
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#melasma #melasmatips #melasmadiet #melasmafood #naturalmedicine #melasmanaturalremedies #melasmaclinic #melasmaskincare #melasmacure #polypodium

Though we practice prescriptive methodology at The Melasma Clinic, we do adopt some aspects of natural medicine, in particular polypodium fern extract (usually in resistant cases of melasma). Additionally we prescribe the usual vitamin C, B, licorice root & azelaic acids especially during the maintenance phase of melasma treatment. For the primary treatment phase there are far better options (covered on our website & in previous posts)
.
🍅Diet: Summarised as; eat lots of tomato salads, drizzle with olive oil, snack on #lentils or lentil dips & melonseeds. This diet high in antioxidants can reduce your risk of cardiovascular events & possibly increase your longevity. It can definitely reduce BMI & if you are lucky, melasma
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#melasma #melasmatips #melasmadiet #melasmafood #naturalmedicine #melasmanaturalremedies #melasmaclinic #melasmaskincare #melasmacure #polypodium
The use of antioxidants such as glutathione can lighten & brighten skin. Glutathione can be a useful adjunct in some cases of #melasma
.
🔫Pico lasers: can safely be used to treat various types of pigmentation. A series of 3-5 sessions produce the best results, however in this patient only one treatment was performed. Settings matter
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#sunscreen #picolaser #picosurepro #drdavinlim #davinlim #sydneydermatologist #themelasmaclinic #glutathione #skinlightening

The use of antioxidants such as glutathione can lighten & brighten skin. Glutathione can be a useful adjunct in some cases of #melasma
.
🔫Pico lasers: can safely be used to treat various types of pigmentation. A series of 3-5 sessions produce the best results, however in this patient only one treatment was performed. Settings matter
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#sunscreen #picolaser #picosurepro #drdavinlim #davinlim #sydneydermatologist #themelasmaclinic #glutathione #skinlightening
If the proper amount of sunscreen is used, anything over an SPF of 40 is fine (in the context of melasma). Other than SPF factor (a measure of UVB), UVA ratings & attenuation of visible light is super important in the management of pigmentary disorders such as melasma & post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, especially in skin of colour
.
👉Cosmetic elegance & colour matching: is often the rate limiting factor
.
👉Why tint? Iron oxides protect against visible light, this band of light stimulates pigment
.
👉How to use? Two fingerlengths, twice daily, regardless of exposure💯
.
👉Our pick? Elta MD, acknowledging there are many good brands with a wider range of colour matching
.
Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#sunscreen #melasmatips #bestsunscreen #spf #drdavinlim #davinlim #sydneydermatologist #themelasmaclinic #elta #eltaMD #eltasunscreens

If the proper amount of sunscreen is used, anything over an SPF of 40 is fine (in the context of melasma). Other than SPF factor (a measure of UVB), UVA ratings & attenuation of visible light is super important in the management of pigmentary disorders such as melasma & post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, especially in skin of colour
.
👉Cosmetic elegance & colour matching: is often the rate limiting factor
.
👉Why tint? Iron oxides protect against visible light, this band of light stimulates pigment
.
👉How to use? Two fingerlengths, twice daily, regardless of exposure💯
.
👉Our pick? Elta MD, acknowledging there are many good brands with a wider range of colour matching
.
Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#sunscreen #melasmatips #bestsunscreen #spf #drdavinlim #davinlim #sydneydermatologist #themelasmaclinic #elta #eltaMD #eltasunscreens
The peak of the #microcurrent trend was around 2 years ago, however there are new companies who herald microcurrent as an effective melasma treatment. Here are some facts-
.
👉Microcurrent does not treat melasma
.
👉Microcurrent has a very low potential of flaring up melasma
.
👉Microncurrent has a extremely low potential for collagen building
.
👉In a minority of cases it can ‘firm’ the skin for variable periods of time
.
👉There are many more effective treatments for #melasma
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#themelasmaclinic #melasmaclinic #melasma #skin #drdavinlim #sydneydermatologist
#microcurrent #foreobear #foreo #micocurrentdevices

The peak of the #microcurrent trend was around 2 years ago, however there are new companies who herald microcurrent as an effective melasma treatment. Here are some facts-
.
👉Microcurrent does not treat melasma
.
👉Microcurrent has a very low potential of flaring up melasma
.
👉Microncurrent has a extremely low potential for collagen building
.
👉In a minority of cases it can ‘firm’ the skin for variable periods of time
.
👉There are many more effective treatments for #melasma
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#themelasmaclinic #melasmaclinic #melasma #skin #drdavinlim #sydneydermatologist
#microcurrent #foreobear #foreo #micocurrentdevices
Antioxidants offer the second layer of defence against UV, visible light & environmental damage. Being second in line means that in the context of protection, they are way behind sunscreens💯
.
👉Tip: spend your time, effort & money getting photoprotection correct, from there you can move to antioxidants. If you have not mastered the basics of melasma treatment, go back to your foundations, namely how to effectively protect your skin
.
👉Antioxidants: our pick? Ascorbic acid, tocopherol & ferulic acid in the one convenient serum mix
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
@the_melasma_clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#themelasmaclinic #melasmaclinic #melasma #skin #drdavinlim #sydneydermatologist
#melasmaskincare #antioxidants #spf #melasmasunscreen #ceferulicacid

Antioxidants offer the second layer of defence against UV, visible light & environmental damage. Being second in line means that in the context of protection, they are way behind sunscreens💯
.
👉Tip: spend your time, effort & money getting photoprotection correct, from there you can move to antioxidants. If you have not mastered the basics of melasma treatment, go back to your foundations, namely how to effectively protect your skin
.
👉Antioxidants: our pick? Ascorbic acid, tocopherol & ferulic acid in the one convenient serum mix
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
@the_melasma_clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#themelasmaclinic #melasmaclinic #melasma #skin #drdavinlim #sydneydermatologist
#melasmaskincare #antioxidants #spf #melasmasunscreen #ceferulicacid
Groundhog day. Without adequate photoprotection, your chances of improving melasma is markedly reduced. Over 90% of melasma patients prioritize ‘ skin treatments’ over adequate sun protection
.
👍🏻Best sunscreen: one that matches your skin tone, preferably SPF 50+, has to be TINTED (protects against visible light), however the key is the application frequency (at least twice daily) & the amount, namely two fingerlengths
.
👉Pigment correctors: invest in theses, after sunscreen. Mentioned in previous posts in great detail
.
👉Antioxidants: our pick? Ascorbic acid
.
👉Anti-aging: comes last. If you prioritise your usual over-rated topicals such as retinols over pigment inhibitors, chances are you will over shoot your skin’s irritant threshold, leading to compromise in skin barrier. This means you can’t use your antioxidants & pigment correctors💯
.
👉Tips: keep it simple
.
😎Davin Lim, Dermo
@the_melasma_clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#themelasmaclinic #melasmaclinic #melasma #skin #drdavinlim #sydneydermatologist
#melasmaskincare

Groundhog day. Without adequate photoprotection, your chances of improving melasma is markedly reduced. Over 90% of melasma patients prioritize ‘ skin treatments’ over adequate sun protection
.
👍🏻Best sunscreen: one that matches your skin tone, preferably SPF 50+, has to be TINTED (protects against visible light), however the key is the application frequency (at least twice daily) & the amount, namely two fingerlengths
.
👉Pigment correctors: invest in theses, after sunscreen. Mentioned in previous posts in great detail
.
👉Antioxidants: our pick? Ascorbic acid
.
👉Anti-aging: comes last. If you prioritise your usual over-rated topicals such as retinols over pigment inhibitors, chances are you will over shoot your skin’s irritant threshold, leading to compromise in skin barrier. This means you can’t use your antioxidants & pigment correctors💯
.
👉Tips: keep it simple
.
😎Davin Lim, Dermo
@the_melasma_clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#themelasmaclinic #melasmaclinic #melasma #skin #drdavinlim #sydneydermatologist
#melasmaskincare
Skin quality & the ‘glow’ is achievable if you break down what is required to get there💯
.
👉Pigment: best addressed with lasers & peels, with helping hand from skincare
.
👉Vessels: addressed with laser
.
👉Hydration: Polynuclotide & HA injectables, skin care, hydrators & humectants
.
👉Shadows: fillers
.
👉Blemishes: medical therapy including creams & tabs, lasers for raised lesions
.
👉The road to ‘the glow’ depends what each patient has that requires correction, as always, a tailored program will give best outcomes
.
😎Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney🇦🇺
.
#glowingskin #picosure #picolaser #drdavinlim #davinlim #sydneydermatologist #themelasmaclinic

Skin quality & the ‘glow’ is achievable if you break down what is required to get there💯
.
👉Pigment: best addressed with lasers & peels, with helping hand from skincare
.
👉Vessels: addressed with laser
.
👉Hydration: Polynuclotide & HA injectables, skin care, hydrators & humectants
.
👉Shadows: fillers
.
👉Blemishes: medical therapy including creams & tabs, lasers for raised lesions
.
👉The road to ‘the glow’ depends what each patient has that requires correction, as always, a tailored program will give best outcomes
.
😎Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney🇦🇺
.
#glowingskin #picosure #picolaser #drdavinlim #davinlim #sydneydermatologist #themelasmaclinic
How many laser sessions will I require & when will I see results?
Results can be seen within one treatment session, however a series of 4 treatments will yield optimal outcomes.
Treatments are spaced 2-4 weeks apart. Above all, it is important to stop further pigmentation by treating the source of inflammation, most commonly acne.
The Melasma Clinic difference
Our specialist clinic is overseen by dermatologists who provide a comprehensive & bespoke approach to skin care. We take into account the complexity and individuality of your skin. Our pigment solutions include preventing future recurrences of melasma. Our ethos is to improve & maintain your skin’s health & vitality as an ongoing commitment to our patients.


Dr Davin Lim
645K subscribersHow to treat PIGMENTATION
If I can identify the cause of pigmentation, chances are I can treat it. This can only be achieved with careful real time examination…
What skin care ingredients are there to reduce pigmentation?
PIH pigment can be improved treated with key ingredients designed to reduce the production of melanin they include-
Ingredients to reduce melanin production
Kojic acid, hydroquinone, arbutin, azelaic acid, botanicals & vitamin C
Ingredients to exfoliate the skin, removing excess pigment
Citric acid, salicylic, lactic, glycolic & mandelic acids.
Ingredients with antioxidants
Ferulic acid, tocopherol, green tea & ascorbic acid
The ideal formulation will be prescribed to you by your clinician at The Melasma Clinic.
What is a simple skin care routine to treat PIH pigment?
AM: Antioxidants incl. Vitamin C & E, SPF 50+ Iron oxide
PM: Azelaic acid (option for vitamin C, arbutin, kojic acid, HQ)
The biggest traction you will receive is to get your sunscreen application correct. This means using the right amount of sunscreen (2.5 to 5 mls), twice daily, regardless of sun exposure.
Why is sunscreen essential in managing PIH pigment?
UV & visible light stimulates your cells to produce pigment. Without sunscreen your PIH journey will be slow & frustrating. Tinted sunscreen is essential as visible light stimulates pigment production.
Here is how to effectively employ sunscreens; apply two fingerlengths of sunscreen, twice daily, SPF 40 & above, tinted.
What are the best lasers to cure post inflammatory hyperpigmentation?
Picosecond lasers are the most effective way to remove pigmentation, including cases of PIH. We employ both Picoway & Picosure Pro. Our pico program consists of –
- 4 sessions of laser, spaced 2-4 weeks apart
- Treatments are painless & take 5 minutes to perform
- Laser have no recovery period
Can microneedling treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation?
Yes, if done correctly. Here is how to safely perform microneedling at home–
- Use a 0.1 to 0.2 mm roller or stamper. eBay or Amazon. Do NOT go deeper than this.
- Roll the affected areas with 3-5 passes, apply traction to the skin, or stamp 2-4 times to the affected areas.
- Add your pigment corrector of choice after microneedling (vitamin C, azelaic acid, arbutin).
- Repeat 1-2 times a week.
The aim of microneedling is to increase the absorption of topicals in addition to increasing the shedding of pigment in the upper layers of skin. With microneedling you can expect some pigment to shift within 4 to 12 months; much slower than with lasers, but faster than just creams alone.
*Caution: do not go deeper than 0.2 mm or you will push pigment deeper into your skin, making the condition worse.
More of our mostFrequently asked questions
What are some natural remedies to treat post-inflammatory pigmentation?
What are the best products to treat post inflammatory hyperpigmentation?
How to manage PIH due to acne?
How does Picosure Pro compare to Fraxel for post inflammatory pigment?
What if my pigment does not respond to pico lasers?
Can Rejuran treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation?
How much better are pico lasers compared to older Q switch lasers?
How to treat post inflammatory hypopigmentation?
Can I lighten pigmentation with supplements?
Can exosomes treat post inflammatory pigmentation?
Why is my hyperpigmentation not going away?
A SummaryTreating post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Dr Davin Lim | Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic, Brisbane | Sydney
PIH treatment requires a two stage approach. Firstly absolute termination of the inflammatory process. The first stage is done via the help of a medical dermatologist (the subspecialty of dermatology that looks into prescribed medication to treat skin conditions). Depending on the type of inflammation, your dermatologist may elect to use-
- Steroids: oral, intralesional or potent topical corticosteroids.
- Non-steroidal topicals: tacrolimus, pimecrolimus, other agents
- Tablets: plaquenil, isotretinoin, oral anti-inflammatories & immune modulators
Special cases of PIH as they have vastly different rates of success. PIH due to acne has the highest hit rate, whilst PIH due to trauma or lichenoid conditions have a much lower chance of resolution, despite advances in picosecond lasers.
PIH due to lichenoid cases (lupus, lichen planus, PPD,)
- Lupus PIH: hard to treat, can be treated (see or before & after), variable results
- Lichen planus PIH including Ash Dermatosis: very hard to treat.
- PIH due to lichen aureus, pigmented purpuric dermatosis: variable responses
PIH due to surgical scars: hard to treat if scars are thick, easier in thinner scars.
PIH due to non-lichenoid inflammatory causes (eczema, insect bites): variable responses, good with eczema & insect bites.
In our experience the use of pico lasers provides the best clearance of PIH pigment- somewhere in the order of 80% with 2-5 sessions, depending on the depth of pigment.