In this video I’m breaking down everything you need to know about red acne marks, aka Post-Inflammatory Erythema (PIE). PIE can be such a pain in the ass, and I totally relate—especially because there’s way more info out there for PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) than PIE. I explain what PIE actually is (reddish/pink marks from damaged capillaries after inflamed acne) and why it’s different from PIH, which is melanin-related. Since they’re not the same, you can’t treat them the same way either. I also share my simple PIE test you can do at home using a clean clear glass/plastic: press it lightly on the mark—if it turns white/disappears, it’s more likely PIE; if it doesn’t, it’s more likely PIH. Then I go into the biggest do’s and don’ts: don’t pick or pop, avoid scrubs and strong chemical exfoliation (for me, strong acids made my PIE look more red and prominent), and focus on calming and protecting your skin barrier. Finally, I share what helped me heal my PIE faster (I cleared mine in about 3–4 months): niacinamide at night, azelaic acid in the morning, and sunscreen every single day (plus reapplication and even extra layers on the red areas).