Post-Acne Redness & PIE Treatment in Maidenhead
Doctor-led treatment for post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) and persistent red or pink marks left behind after acne. We use targeted LED phototherapy, skin boosters and medical skincare to calm vascular inflammation and restore an even, healthy skin tone.
At Berkshire Aesthetics, PIE treatment is supervised by Dr Selena Langdon. Every treatment plan is developed following a clinical assessment of your redness pattern, skin type and medical history. See our Acne & Scarring overview for a full guide to the conditions we treat within this service.
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Who is PIE treatment for?
Post-inflammatory erythema treatment is suitable for patients who have persistent red, pink or purple flat marks on the skin following acne breakouts. These marks are caused by vascular damage beneath the skin surface and are distinct from the brown or dark spots associated with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). If your acne has resolved but left behind visible redness that does not fade with time, you may be a candidate for targeted PIE treatment.
PIE is particularly common in patients with lighter skin tones (Fitzpatrick types I–III), where damaged capillaries and dilated blood vessels are more visible through the skin. However, it can occur in all skin types. Patients who have had inflammatory acne — including papules, pustules, nodules or cysts — are most likely to develop PIE marks once the active lesion has healed. If you are still experiencing active breakouts, we recommend addressing those first through our acne treatment programme before focusing on residual redness.
Understanding PIE: causes and diagnosis
Post-inflammatory erythema occurs when the inflammatory process of acne damages the small blood vessels (capillaries) in the dermis. As an acne lesion develops, the body's immune response causes inflammation, which dilates and sometimes ruptures these delicate vessels. Once the acne lesion resolves, the damaged vasculature remains visible through the overlying skin as a flat red, pink or purple mark.
Unlike acne scars, PIE does not involve textural changes to the skin surface — the skin feels smooth to the touch, but the colour irregularity persists. The redness is caused by damaged or newly formed blood vessels that have not yet remodelled, and by residual inflammation in the surrounding tissue. Without intervention, PIE can take anywhere from several months to over a year to fade naturally, and in some cases the marks persist indefinitely.
Diagnosing PIE is straightforward in a clinical setting. Your doctor will perform a visual assessment and may use a simple blanch test — pressing a glass slide or finger against the mark. If the redness temporarily disappears under pressure, this confirms the discolouration is vascular in origin (PIE) rather than melanin-based (PIH). This distinction is clinically important because the two conditions require different treatment approaches. A thorough consultation ensures accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.
Factors that influence the severity and duration of PIE include the depth and duration of the original acne inflammation, skin type, genetic predisposition to vascular reactivity, and sun exposure. Patients with a history of acne that involved deeper inflammatory lesions tend to develop more pronounced PIE marks.
PIE vs PIH: key differences
Post-acne marks fall into two distinct categories, and understanding the difference is essential for selecting the right treatment. Many patients are unsure whether their marks are PIE or PIH, which is why a clinical assessment is always the first step.
Post-Inflammatory Erythema (PIE)
- Appears as flat red, pink or purple marks
- Caused by damaged or dilated blood vessels (vascular origin)
- Blanches (fades temporarily) when pressed with a glass slide
- More common in lighter skin tones (Fitzpatrick I–III)
- Treated with vascular-targeted therapies: LED, skin boosters, polynucleotides
- Does not respond well to traditional pigmentation treatments
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
- Appears as flat brown, tan or dark marks
- Caused by excess melanin production (pigment origin)
- Does not blanch when pressed
- More common in darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV–VI)
- Treated with chemical peels, laser therapy and depigmenting agents
- Requires strict sun protection to prevent recurrence
Some patients have both PIE and PIH, particularly those with medium skin tones. In these cases, your doctor will develop a treatment plan that addresses both vascular redness and pigment irregularity. For more information about pigmentation treatment, visit our pigmentation & melasma page.
Treatment options for post-acne redness
PIE responds best to treatments that target vascular inflammation, support tissue healing and improve overall skin quality. Unlike aggressive resurfacing treatments used for acne scars, PIE treatment focuses on gentle, reparative modalities that calm the underlying vascular damage without causing additional trauma to the skin.
Dermalux LED Phototherapy
LED phototherapy is a cornerstone of PIE treatment. Red light (633nm) and near-infrared (NIR, 830nm) wavelengths penetrate the skin to reduce vascular inflammation, stimulate cellular repair and accelerate the healing of damaged capillaries. Red light calms the inflammatory response that perpetuates redness, while NIR energy promotes tissue regeneration at a deeper level. LED therapy is entirely non-invasive, painless and requires no downtime, making it suitable for use alongside active acne management and other treatments.
Learn more about Dermalux LEDSkin Boosters: Profhilo
Profhilo is a bio-remodelling injectable that delivers highly concentrated hyaluronic acid into the skin to stimulate collagen, elastin and natural hydration from within. For PIE patients, Profhilo improves the overall quality and resilience of the skin, supporting the healing of damaged vasculature and creating a healthier environment for redness to resolve. The treatment involves five injection points per side of the face, administered across two sessions four weeks apart.
Learn more about ProfhiloPolynucleotides
Polynucleotides are injectable biostimulators derived from purified DNA fragments that promote tissue regeneration at a cellular level. They stimulate fibroblast activity, enhance cell turnover and improve the structural quality of skin that has been compromised by inflammation. For PIE, polynucleotides support the repair of damaged blood vessel networks and improve the skin's capacity to heal, leading to a gradual reduction in visible redness over a course of treatments.
Learn more about polynucleotidesGentle Chemical Peels
Carefully selected, low-concentration chemical peels can support PIE resolution by promoting gentle exfoliation and accelerating cell turnover without aggravating the underlying vascular damage. Mandelic acid and lactic acid peels are particularly well-suited to PIE-affected skin because they are less irritating than stronger acids. Peels also prepare the skin to absorb medical-grade topical products more effectively, enhancing the overall treatment outcome.
Learn more about chemical peelsMedical Skincare
A prescribed medical-grade skincare regimen is an essential component of PIE management. Key active ingredients include azelaic acid (anti-inflammatory and anti-redness), niacinamide (strengthens the skin barrier, reduces redness and improves skin tone), and centella asiatica (promotes wound healing and calms irritation). Your doctor will recommend specific products and concentrations based on your skin's sensitivity and the severity of your PIE. Consistent use of targeted skincare alongside clinical treatments delivers the best long-term outcome.
Treatment pathways
Your treatment pathway will be tailored to the severity of your PIE, your skin type and your response to initial treatments. Below are the key modalities we use, often in combination, to address post-acne redness effectively.
Expected results
PIE fades gradually as the damaged blood vessels heal and the skin's vascular network normalises. Treatment accelerates this natural process, but patience is important — visible redness reduction occurs progressively over weeks and months rather than immediately.
Initial improvement in redness intensity is typically visible after a course of 4–6 LED therapy sessions. The skin appears calmer, with less reactive flushing and a more even baseline tone.
Skin boosters and polynucleotides show progressive results over 2–3 sessions. Skin quality improves, hydration increases and the underlying vascular damage begins to resolve as the tissue regenerates.
Full resolution of PIE may take several months to over a year, depending on severity. Combination treatment with LED, skin boosters and medical skincare produces the most comprehensive and lasting improvement.
Your doctor will monitor your progress at follow-up appointments and adjust your treatment plan as your skin responds. Realistic expectations will be discussed during your consultation.
Risks and safety
The treatments used for PIE are among the gentlest in our portfolio, with a low overall risk profile. LED phototherapy is entirely non-invasive and carries no significant side effects. Injectable treatments such as Profhilo and polynucleotides involve minimal discomfort and temporary injection-site reactions. Your safety is managed through thorough pre-treatment assessment and careful treatment selection.
LED therapy has no downtime and is safe for all skin types. Mild warmth during treatment is normal and resolves immediately.
Skin boosters may cause temporary redness, mild swelling or small bruises at injection sites. These typically resolve within 24–48 hours.
Polynucleotide injections carry similar minor risks to other injectable treatments, including temporary swelling and tenderness at the treatment site.
Gentle chemical peels may cause mild tingling during application and light flaking for 1–2 days. Stronger peels are avoided in active PIE to prevent further vascular irritation.
PIE treatment is not recommended during active acne flares, as ongoing inflammation creates new vascular damage. Your doctor will recommend controlling breakouts first.
Certain medications or medical conditions may affect your suitability. This is assessed during your consultation.
Aftercare
Proper aftercare is essential for maximising the effectiveness of PIE treatment and preventing further vascular damage. Your doctor will provide specific aftercare instructions for each treatment, but the following principles apply throughout your treatment course:
Pricing guidance
PIE treatment costs vary depending on the modalities recommended, the number of sessions required and the severity of your redness. LED therapy courses, skin booster sessions and polynucleotide treatments each have transparent pricing. We provide clear, upfront costs at your consultation so you can plan your treatment with confidence.
A consultation fee applies and is credited toward your treatment if you proceed within 28 days. Course pricing is available for patients who require multiple sessions, as is typically the case with PIE management.
Full pricing details are available on our prices page. Our booking conditions outline our cancellation policy, consultation fee and payment terms.
Related topics
Explore related pages within our Acne & Scarring service:
Why we start with a consultation
Every treatment begins with a medical assessment. We need to understand your medical history, current health, skin condition and concerns before prescribing any procedure. This protects your safety and ensures the treatment is clinically appropriate for you.
During your consultation, Dr Langdon will explain what the treatment can realistically achieve, any risks specific to you, and whether an alternative might be more appropriate.
All bookings are subject to our Booking Conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions: Post-Acne Redness & PIE
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual suitability for any treatment is assessed during a consultation. Always seek the guidance of a qualified medical professional with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.
- CQC registered clinic — regulated and inspected
- Doctor-led clinical oversight by Dr Selena Langdon (GMC 6159259)
- Complaints process and patient rights
Page last reviewed: February 2026
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