What does post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation describe?

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation refers specifically to the darkening of the skin that occurs after acne lesions have healed. This phenomenon is a result of the skin's response to inflammation caused by the acne. When the skin suffers from acne, it triggers an inflammatory process, which can lead to an overproduction of melanin in the affected areas as they heal. This results in dark spots or patches that can be more pronounced than the surrounding skin.

The other choices highlight different aspects of skin conditions but don’t accurately describe post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The formation of new acne lesions relates to the ongoing presence of acne rather than the effects after healing. Skin that appears clearer than before pertains to improvement in the condition, which is unrelated to hyperpigmentation. Similarly, a reduction in skin texture refers to changes in skin smoothness or firmness rather than color changes that signify hyperpigmentation. Thus, the correct choice captures the essence of what occurs after the resolution of acne lesions.