Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a frustrating skin condition that can linger long after acne, eczema, or dermatological procedures have resolved. The good news? Cold laser therapy, also known as Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), is gaining traction as a gentle, non-invasive way to calm the skin, reduce pigment irregularities, and restore an even skin tone.
🎯 Understanding PIH: What It Is and Why It Happens
PIH is a discolouration of the skin that occurs after inflammation or injury. It’s particularly common after:
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Acne breakouts
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Eczema or psoriasis flares
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Laser treatments or microneedling
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Minor cuts, burns, or skin rashes
In response to inflammation, melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) overreact, releasing excess melanin. This results in dark spots or patches—especially noticeable in people with medium to darker skin tones.
💡 The Role of Cold Laser Therapy in Treating PIH
Cold laser therapy works by modulating cellular function, specifically:
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Calming overactive melanocytes
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Reducing lingering inflammation
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Stimulating microcirculation and lymphatic activity
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Supporting healthy collagen and elastin production
Unlike traditional lasers used for pigmentation (which can sometimes worsen PIH), cold lasers don’t damage the epidermis. Instead, they promote healing from the inside out—making them ideal for sensitive, post-inflammatory skin.
📚 According to a study published in Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery (PMC4126803), photobiomodulation using low-level laser therapy shows promise in modulating melanin production and reducing inflammation in skin conditions involving PIH.
🌿 A Soothing Alternative: Drug-Free, Non-Irritating, Effective
Many topical treatments for PIH—like hydroquinone, retinoids, and acids—can cause irritation or even worsen discolouration if misused.
Cold laser therapy, however, is:
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Pain-free
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Non-thermal
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Suitable for daily use
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Safe for all skin types and tones
This makes it especially helpful for people who have tried traditional pigmentation creams without success, or who experience rashes, peeling, or sensitivity with harsh treatments.
💬 Real Feedback from Real People
Customer Review – Marcil:
“I really like my Pulse Laser! I have had an issue with skin rashes and this has been the answer to that! No more rashes! How I wish I had found this years ago!”
While Marcil’s experience highlights the laser's benefits for rash-prone skin, it’s not a stretch to extend this application to PIH—because both conditions involve inflammation, which LLLT is designed to target and reduce.
🔍 How It Works: The Science of Photobiomodulation
Cold laser therapy triggers photobiomodulation—a biological process where specific wavelengths of light:
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Stimulate cellular mitochondria
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Boost ATP production
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Promote balanced skin cell function
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Reduce oxidative stress
In simpler terms: your skin heals faster, with fewer lingering pigment issues.
The Pulsed Low-Level Laser Therapy device uses an optimal wavelength (around 650 nm) that’s well-documented for calming inflammation and encouraging skin regeneration, without triggering further irritation.
🕒 When & How to Use Cold Laser for PIH
✅ Ideal Use Cases:
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After acne lesions heal to prevent dark marks
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Following eczema or psoriasis flares
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After facial treatments (chemical peels, microneedling, IPL)
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For long-standing dark patches caused by skin trauma
✅ Treatment Protocol:
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Use daily or every second day for 2–4 weeks
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Focus on affected areas for 5–10 minutes per session
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Combine with SPF 50+ to protect against further pigmentation
❓ Not Sure It’ll Work for You? You’re Not Alone
“I’ve tried everything—nothing fades my dark marks.”
We hear that a lot. And we get it—dealing with hyperpigmentation can feel like a never-ending cycle.
We’ve felt that too. Many people try serums, exfoliants, or even prescription creams that promise results but leave the skin irritated or worse.
Here’s what we’ve found:
Cold laser therapy works with your skin, not against it. It helps rebalance the way your skin cells behave after trauma—without chemicals or downtime. And users like Marcil are seeing results not just in rashes but also in smoother, more resilient skin.
🔗 Why Choose Pulse Laser Relief?
The Pulsed Low-Level Laser Therapy device available at Pulse Laser Relief is:
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Designed for home use
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Backed by clinical research
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Drug-free and non-invasive
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Trusted by Australian users with sensitive skin
Plus, it's compact and easy to integrate into your skincare routine—no clinic visits required.
References:
Avci P, Gupta A, Sadasivam M, Vecchio D, Pam Z, Pam N, Hamblin MR. Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2013 Mar;32(1):41-52. PMID: 24049929; PMCID: PMC4126803.
