#pih

Dapsone, Azelaic Acid, Tranexamic Acid: Why Hydroquinone Is No Longer First-Line for SoC PIH

Hydroquinone has been the default first-line PIH treatment for thirty years. In 2026, three actives — dapsone, azelaic acid, tranexamic acid —…

Post-Laser Care for Darker Phototypes: The 90-Day PIH Window Nobody Talks About

Most published 'post-laser care' guides were written for Fitzpatrick I-III patients. SoC patients have a 90-day PIH risk window, not 14, and…

Benzoyl Peroxide and PIH in Skin of Color: The 1986 Evidence Mainstream Acne Care Skips

Benzoyl peroxide treats acne and causes hyperpigmentation in darker skin tones. The concentration that minimizes the trade-off has been known since 1986…

Melasma vs PIH vs Hori’s Nevus: The Differential Diagnosis Nobody Teaches Consumers

OTC marketing lumps melasma, PIH, and Hori's nevus together as 'dark spots.' The treatments aren't interchangeable, and getting the differential wrong is…

Tretinoin in Skin of Color: The Paradox Most Coverage Misses

Tretinoin is the gold-standard retinoid for hyperpigmentation, and one of the more common iatrogenic causes of hyperpigmentation in darker skin tones. Both…