The PIH Clock: Your 72-Hour Plan to Prevent Acne Dark Spots

The PIH Clock: Your 72-Hour Plan to Prevent Acne Dark Spots SEO Title 72-Hour Plan: Stop Acne Dark Spots (PIH) Tags #PIHPrevention #SpotCorrector

#AcneMarks

#DarkSpotCorrector

#NiacinamideSerum

Meta Description Did you just pop a pimple? The clock is ticking! Download your 72-Hour PIH Prevention Plan using strategic actives like niacinamide serum and acne spot corrector to stop permanent dark spots.

Introduction

The moment an acne lesion heals, a new battle begins: the fight against Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH). PIH—those stubborn brown, red, or purple marks—occurs because the intense inflammation from the breakout stimulates excess melanin production. The good news is that the first 72 hours after the inflammation subsides is your most critical window to disrupt this process. This 72-Hour PIH Prevention Plan is a strategic, minimalist protocol focusing on calming the residual inflammation and blocking melanin synthesis using powerful ingredients like niacinamide serum and barrier support. The 72-Hour PIH Prevention Protocol This protocol focuses on two key actions: Calm (reducing residual heat/inflammation) and Block (preventing melanin production). Phase 1: The Calming Window (Hours 0-24) The priority is to treat the area with ultimate gentleness. ●​ Action: If the pimple has just flattened, do not exfoliate it. Cleanse the area with a non-stripping cleanser for sensitive acne prone skin (like the California Skin+ Acne Control Cleanser). ●​ Spot Treat: If there is any remaining heat or slight lump, apply a specialized acne spot corrector (like the California Skin+ 1 Hour Acne Spot Relief) very gently to neutralize residual irritation. ●​ Barrier Support: Apply a generous layer of the California Skin+ Barrier Repair Moisturizer over the area to soothe and provide the foundational lipids needed for trauma recovery. Phase 2: The Blocking Window (Hours 24-72) Now that the inflammation is mostly gone, we focus on blocking the pigment. ●​ Introduce Niacinamide: Apply a concentrated niacinamide serum to the affected area. Niacinamide is clinically proven to disrupt the transfer of melanin to the skin cells, making it an excellent dark spot correcting serum. ●​ Gentle Routine: Continue using the gentle cleanser and follow the serum with the moisturizer for dry skin (even if your skin is oily, the area recovering from acne benefits from barrier support). Avoid any other harsh ingredients. ●​ Absolutely Zero Sun: UV exposure is the single biggest trigger for making PIH permanent. Use a broad-spectrum SPF religiously, even indoors. This is non-negotiable. After 72 Hours: Maintain and Fade

Once you have successfully controlled the initial trauma, continue the niacinamide serum and use gentle exfoliation (like a BHA salicylic acid serum) on a rotational basis (see the Skin Cycle guide) to help cell turnover and slowly lift the superficial dark spot. Conclusion PIH is preventable, but you must act fast. By following this 72-Hour PIH Prevention Plan, you strategically calm the initial trauma and block the pigment transfer using targeted ingredients. Make the transition from active blemish to clear skin seamless by prioritizing barrier health and using your niacinamide serum as your primary defense against long-term marks. CTA & Product Link Stop the Mark Before It Starts. Download the full guide and secure the essential products for mark prevention: Shop the California Skin+ Acne Control Serum (Niacinamide/Salicylic Acid) on worldofcalifornia.com