6 Ways To Manage An Uneven Skin Tone - By: Katie Pierce

Uneven skin tone can be a problem for many people. People with uneven skin tones may feel insecure about their appearance, leading to low self-esteem. Luckily, there are several ways to manage this problem. With the right products and techniques, you can achieve a more even complexion.

In this article, we'll look at some of the main causes of uneven skin tone and how you can manage this condition.

What Causes Uneven Skin Tone?

To effectively manage uneven skin tone, you need to know the root of the problem. Several factors can cause an uneven skin tone, and some of these include:

Excessive sun exposure

Excess sunlight is one of the most common reasons why your skin turns darker than it should. The more time you spend in direct sunlight, the greater your chance of developing dark spots on your face or other areas of your body. This is because sunlight damages the cells in your skin, causing them to turn darker.

Inflammation

Another reason why your skin might become darker is due to inflammation. Inflammation occurs when you suffer from skin trauma, such as acne, insect bites, injuries, and other skin conditions. When your skin heals, excess melanin production can cause the skin to become darker than normal.

Hormonal changes

Hormonal changes can result from different conditions, including pregnancy, menopause, or reactions to medication. These hormonal changes can affect your skin's color. For instance, pregnancy increases levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. These hormones then stimulate pigment cells in the body due to an increase in melanin-stimulating hormone (MSH).

Pollution

The air around us contains pollutants like dust particles, chemicals, and bacteria. These pollutants can cling to our skin and corrode the protective surface. As a result, your skin weakens and becomes more prone to damage and uneven skin tone.

Aging

As we age, our bodies produce less collagen and elastin, two proteins that help keep our skin firm and elastic. This means that our skin loses its ability to hold onto moisture and nutrients, resulting in dryness, dullness, and uneven skin tone.

How to Manage an Uneven Skin Tone

Once you've figured out the cause of your uneven skin tone, you can start working towards managing the issue. There are several ways that you could do this, including:

1) Use sunscreen

Sunscreen protects against UV rays, which damage your skin. It also helps prevent the formation of wrinkles by protecting your skin from premature aging. Make sure that you use a broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every day. You may even want to use SPF-infused makeup products. 

According to skincarecancer.org, you need to use approximately 2 milligrams of sunscreen per square centimeter of your skin. Remember to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours to ensure your skin stays protected. 

2) Exfoliate regularly

Dead skin can cause uneven skin tone, and using a good exfoliator regularly will help remove dead cells. When you exfoliate, you reveal a new layer of healthy skin underneath. Other benefits of exfoliating regularly include preventing uneven skin texture, unclogging pores, and improving circulation.

You should exfoliate at least twice weekly. In addition, you should avoid exfoliators that contain ingredients like fruit pits/seeds, walnuts, shells, and salt. These ingredients can be very harmful to your skin. You’ll want to stick to chemical exfoliators like AHAs or softer ingredients like rice or oats.

3) Incorporate vitamin C into your routine

Treatment products can penetrate deeper into the skin, helping with even skin tone. Vitamin C is a great antioxidant that works to protect your skin from free radical damage. One easy way to incorporate vitamin C into your routine is to use a serum. Using vitamin C serums helps remove dark spots, brighten discolored skin, and reduce redness.

4) Moisturize your skin

Moisture is essential for keeping your skin looking fresh and youthful. If you're not moisturizing enough, your skin will appear dull and uneven. Dry skin will also be more prone to inflammation that causes uneven skin tone. Remember to use a moisturizer that's right for your skin type. This can ensure that your skin looks radiant and hydrated.

5) Use niacinamide

Niacinamide is a natural ingredient that helps improve the appearance of uneven skin tone. The active ingredients in niacinamide inhibit melanosome transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes. 

As a result, niacinamide is very effective in lightening dark areas. While it may take a while to see the full benefits of niacinamide, it's worth the wait because your skin will eventually look brighter and more radiant.

6) Consider laser treatment

If you have the budget, then laser treatment could be an option to manage uneven skin tone. A laser uses intense pulses of energy to target specific problems on the skin. Laser treatments only target problem areas, allowing you to treat uneven skin without affecting surrounding areas.

Laser treatments require multiple sessions over time. They also come with risks, such as scarring and pigment changes. As such, you should speak with a professional about whether or not they recommend laser treatments for your condition.

The Bottom Line

Even though there are many different causes of uneven skin tone, most people can successfully manage their issues. Remember, the first part of managing an uneven skin tone is understanding its cause. Once you know its cause, you can make lifestyle adjustments to help you achieve a beautiful, even skin tone.

*This article was a collaboration written by Katie Pierce and expert reviewed by Christina Flach*