Skin Tone Is Uneven? Tips for Achieving Healthy Skin

Having an uneven skin tone can be really frustrating. Your skin looks dull and patchy, almost as if you forgot to wash it. Yet, no matter how much you try to make your skin look good, this problem doesn't go away. You try to hide the imperfections with makeup, but it never looks right.

Fortunately, this is not an unsolvable problem. The uneven skin tone can be caused by many different things, which also means there are many different solutions. In this article, we will show you how to make your skin healthy, glowing, and even, so keep reading!

What's Causing an Uneven Skin Tone

First, let's see what causes uneven skin tone. It is important to know this because it also dictates the way you can tackle this issue. When you know the cause, instead of treating symptoms, you will be able to treat the root.

One of the most common causes of an uneven skin tone is sun exposure. While it may be pleasant to bask under the sun, it's not good for your skin. The UV rays will damage your skin cells, which can cause your skin to look uneven. As we grow older, our skin can develop dark spots and freckles. It is completely natural and nothing to worry about.

Still, an uneven tone can also be an indicator of bad skin health. For example, your skin might be severely dehydrated, or your skin barrier might be damaged. Additionally, you might be suffering from poor circulation or nutritional deficiencies. What's your skincare routine? An improper skincare routine could also make your skin look blotchy and uneven.

For some people, an uneven skin is the consequence of the post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This happens after various injuries to the skin, such as burns and cuts. It can also happen after acne, dermatitis, skin infections, and other similar skin issues.

There is also one potential cause that no one likes to think about - skin cancer. Unfortunately, this type of cancer can happen to anyone, and one of its symptoms could be the uneven coloring of the skin. On the other side, this cancer is curable, especially when noticed in its early stages. That's why paying attention to your skin is more than just trying to look pretty.

Ways to Make Your Skin Tone Even

Now that you understand the causes behind the unevenness in your skin tone, it is time to address them:

Remove Dead Skin Cells

Sometimes, your skin looks dull and uneven just because it needs to be exfoliated. The buildup of dead skin cells can cause skin discoloration and an uneven skin texture. Fortunately, this is extremely easy to solve; all you need to do is spare ten minutes to exfoliate your skin once or twice a week.

There are two main types of exfoliators: chemical and physical. Chemical exfoliators contain alfa or beta hydroxy acids, as well as enzyme exfoliants. These exfoliators penetrate deep into the skin pores, dissolve the dead skin cells, and make your skin smooth and even.

Physical exfoliators contain small abrasive particles that physically scrub and remove the dead skin cells from your face and body. There are also cleansing brushes or exfoliating cloths and gloves that can do the same thing.

No matter which exfoliator type you choose, you should use it with caution and follow the product instructions. Don't forget to moisturize your skin after the exfoliation. Use your favorite moisturizing cream and apply it gently to the exfoliated area.

Reduce the Uneven Tone with Professional Treatments

Another way to achieve a more even skin tone is through professional treatments, such as lasers, chemical peels, and microneedling. These treatments are more effective than home remedies, and they usually yield quicker results. Which treatment should you choose? That depends on the nature of your problem.

For example, if you have sun damage and age spots, use laser therapy. This therapy type can also address stubborn dark spots and otherwise uneven skin tone. There are several types of laser therapy: Fraxel, Q-switched, IPL.

Chemical peels are great for sun spots, acne, melasma, and various scars. These peels basically remove the top layer of your skin, removing all imperfections as well. You are left with fresh and even-toned skin. However, keep in mind that there is a certain recovery time after these peels, usually a few days, a week or two.

Microneedling is a favorite procedure among the rich and famous, and for a good reason. Apart from removing acne scars and dark spots, this procedure can also remove the fine lines on your skin, making you look refreshed and rejuvenated. This procedure uses tiny needles to create micro-injuries in your skin, stimulating collagen production.

Obviously, these procedures aren't something you should take lightly. We suggest you visit a reputable dermatologist before you undergo any type of treatment. They will examine your skin and determine which treatment would suit you the best.

Wear Sunscreen

Another way to treat and even prevent uneven skin tone is by avoiding sun damage. As you probably already know, the UV rays and the excessive sun exposure will damage your skin, making it look older and uneven. While we all like to get that nice bronze tan, sunbathing often ends up in burns, redness, and blisters.

Don't let this happen to you. Wear sunscreen every day, even if it's not too sunny outside. You can get sunburned even on a cloudy day. Use SPF 30+ for everyday use. When going to the beach, use SPF 50. Make sure to choose broad-spectrum sunscreens, as they protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

Establish a Good Skincare Routine

Sometimes, uneven pigmentation occurs simply because we don't care well enough for our skin. Many people are neglecting their skin, and it shows. However, this can occur even if you are caring for your skin. As a matter of fact, you might be investing a lot of time, money, and effort into your skincare routine. It will be of no use if you aren't doing it properly.

Maybe your skincare routine isn't good for your skin type. An inappropriate skincare routine will not e very effective, and it can even lead to skin inflammation and other issues. So, before planning your routine, ask yourself, what type of skin do you have? Is it oily skin? Or do you have a dry skin?

Once you have that answer, buy your skincare products accordingly. You will need the following products: cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen. This might seem like a lot of products, but they all play an important role in your skincare.

Check Your Hormones

Hormonal changes can also affect the skin pigmentation and cause dark spots. This is especially common during pregnancy, when hormone levels become increased. Obviously, even if you are not pregnant, your hormones can go wild. If you notice some inexplicable dark spots on your skin, do a hormone testing.

Some of the hormones that could cause awkward skin pigmentation and other issues are estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, cortisol, and melanocyte-stimulating hormone. Taking care of these hormones will not only help your skin, but it will also improve your overall health and quality of life.

Stay Hydrated

When you apply a moisturizing cream on your face or body, your skin immediately feels better. However, that's not the same as having hydrated skin, even though many people don't know there is a difference. Moisturizing is the process of preventing water loss from the skin by applying creams, oils, and similar products. Hydrating is the process of increasing the water content within the skin by drinking enough water.

When you are dehydrated, your skin will be the first part of your body to show it. Dehydrated skin looks dull, blotchy, and flaky. Skin discolorations that would otherwise be unnoticeable will be more prominent when the skin isn't hydrated. Fortunately, the solution for this issue is simple - drink enough water. Your whole body will thank you.

Eat Well

Your diet can also impact your skin's appearance. To make your skin glow and look healthy, be careful of what you eat. Choose foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries, dark chocolate, turmeric, and green tea. Eat water-rich foods, such as cucumbers, watermelons, celery, and coconut water. And don't forget about foods rich in collagen (and ingredients promoting collagen absorption), such as bone broth, egg whites, salmon, and citrus fruits.

Avoid alcohol and processed foods. Don't smoke. Limit your caffeine intake. All these foods and beverages will make your skin age faster. They can promote various inflammatory processes inside your body, which is why you should avoid them whenever possible.

Accept Inevitable Changes

As you age, your skin will age as well. With your skin aging, you will notice certain changes, such as lines on your face, more pronounced pores, less elasticity, and age spots or freckles. Not everyone ages the same way, so you might be spared of some of these changes. You can also keep your skin youthful though proper skincare, avoiding sun, and staying hydrated. Yet, you can't stop the time - your skin will change, no matter what you do.

While we all try to slow down the aging process, it is inevitable. After all, aging is a privilege that some people wish they had. So, embrace these changes. They don't make you any less attractive - they are a reminder that you lived a full and happy life. Every freckle and mark on your skincare is like a souvenir from your youth, making you uniquely beautiful!

Conclusion

People have always valued beauty, but it seems that our beauty standards are becoming too unrealistic. Things we haven't noticed before are now considered major flaws. We are bombarded with images of gorgeous people with flawless, porcelain-like skin. That's something that not many people can achieve. Many beauty ideals are photoshopped and fabricated.

Keep that in mind when working on improving your skin tone. You should definitely try your best to make your skin more even, healthy, and pretty. After all, your skin is a reflection of your health and how you take care of yourself. However, don't chase absolute perfection, as it doesn't exist in real life. A blemish here and there is perfectly fine and normal.

Follow the tips from this article, and you will improve your skin in a healthy and sustainable manner. Be patient, and don't hesitate to ask for a professional help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difference Between Hyperpigmentation and Uneven Skin Tone?

They are used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Uneven skin tone is when your skin has different colors in different areas of your body. Hyperpigmentation refers to the dark spots or patches on your skin that appear because of excess melanin production. As such, hyperpigmentation is one potential cause of an uneven skin tone, but there are other causes as well. Also, when we speak about an uneven skin tone, we mostly refer to a dull and patchy skin, while hyperpigmentation can occur on otherwise healthy skin.

Is It Dangerous to Have Uneven Skin Tone?

No, not necessarily. An uneven skin tone can appear due to completely harmless reasons. However, some medical conditions, such as skin cancer, can cause various changes on your skin, making it look uneven. So, you shouldn't panic about having an uneven skin tone, but you shouldn't ignore it either.

What Is the Main Cause of Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation can have several causes, including sun exposure, aging, genetics, hormonal changes, inflammation, and even medication side effects. Identifying the exact cause depends on individual factors such as lifestyle, skincare habits, and overall health.