Hello, this is Rodam Korean Medicine Clinic, the beginning of Coratherapy for scar removal.
Marks left after skin treatments or acne extraction are a significant concern for many people.
These marks can be broadly divided into two categories: one is redness, and the other is hyperpigmentation.
However, many people do not clearly understand the difference between the two,
which often leads to confusion about how to manage or treat them.
For instance, even after undergoing a procedure like Coratherapy, redness may remain,
and it can be challenging to distinguish whether the mark is simply post-treatment redness or hyperpigmentation.
So today, we will clearly explain the difference between redness and hyperpigmentation,
and provide guidance on the appropriate management and treatment methods for each.

Redness and Pigmentation

In dermatology, marks left after acne or skin treatments are categorized into two types.
These are PIE (Post-Inflammatory Erythema), also known as redness, and
PIH (Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation), also known as hyperpigmentation.

Redness (PIE) refers to temporary red marks that appear after inflammation subsides.
This occurs due to damage to the capillaries in the skin, resulting in red or pinkish marks, and it is unrelated to melanin.
It is more noticeable in individuals with lighter skin tones and can be understood as a color change caused by vascular issues.

On the other hand, hyperpigmentation (PIH) occurs when melanin production increases excessively after inflammation, resulting in brown or black discoloration.
It is more common in individuals with darker skin tones and is caused by an increase in melanin.

A simple way to distinguish between the two is to press the affected area with a transparent object like a glass cup.
If the color fades or disappears when pressed, it is PIE (redness). If there is no change, it is PIH (hyperpigmentation).
As such, redness and hyperpigmentation have different causes and characteristics, so the treatment approaches should also differ.

Treatment Methods for Redness and pigmentation

Redness is caused by damaged blood vessels and inflammatory responses,
and it often heals naturally within 1–2 weeks without treatment.
However, for those who wish to reduce redness more quickly,
managing the condition to stabilize blood vessels and soothe the skin can be beneficial.
Effective methods include vascular lasers like PDL or IPL,
low-power RF or LED soothing treatments, cryotherapy (cooling therapy), and adequate moisturizing.

In contrast, hyperpigmentation is caused by excessive production or accumulation of melanin,
so treatments that suppress melanin production and reduce existing pigmentation are necessary.
Although hyperpigmentation can also fade naturally over time,
it generally takes 6 months to a year, so management and treatment are recommended.
Effective options include using skincare products containing brightening ingredients,
undergoing pigment lasers like Pico Laser or toning lasers,
chemical peels, and consistently applying sunscreen.

In summary, redness requires vascular-focused treatment, while hyperpigmentation focuses on melanin suppression and removal, making the treatment approaches distinctly different.

Marks Left After Coratherapy

In conclusion, the marks that appear after Coratherapy are classified as redness (PIE).
Rodam’s Coratherapy involves releasing adhesions beneath scars and creating space for the skin to heal.
During this process, blood vessels are stimulated, and blood collects in the newly formed space,
promoting the production of various regenerative factors like collagen that aid in skin regeneration.
As a result, new skin is encouraged to grow in the dermis layer,
and a natural inflammatory response occurs, leading to redness on the skin’s surface.

In other words, the red marks seen after Coratherapy indicate that active regeneration is taking place within the skin.
Over time, these marks gradually fade, and typically, applying a regeneration cream consistently for 1–2 weeks
can lead to recovery without significant issues.

Of course, both redness and hyperpigmentation can fade over time,
but the duration may vary depending on an individual’s skin condition and recovery speed.
If the marks do not fade easily, it is advisable to consult a professional.
If you have any further questions about acne scars or Coratherapy, please feel free to visit us anytime.
Rodam is always here to help you address your skin concerns. Thank you.