Skin struggles can take on many shapes and forms, none of which are pleasant to experience. Uneven skin tone is a struggle for most people at some point in their life. It can appear in the form of acne, acne scars, age spots, hyperpigmentation, and redness.
Although it’s not an easy thing to overcome, there are certain steps you can take to get a glowing, soft, more evened-out complexion. From adding products into your skincare routine (such as Misumi's Retinol Intense Repair PM Creme or a vitamin C serum) to trying chemical peels (like lactic acid or glycolic acid) - or to going all-natural, you're bound to find something that suits you. .
What Causes Uneven Skin Tone?
Let’s first examine the root causes so we can get to the bottom of the problem. What exactly is the cause of uneven skin tone, and can you do anything about it? The most common causes are lifestyle-related.
Hyperpigmentation, in the most basic terms, is caused by a rise in melanin production, the pigment found in your skin. An excess in melanin production is the cause of dark spots and marks on the skin. The lifestyle factors which influence uneven skin are sun exposure, hormonal fluctuation, aging, and certain medication. An uneven skin tone can affect all skin types.
Sun Damage
We all love the feeling of warm sunbeams gently stroking our face while we’re lying on a beach somewhere with a Pina Colada in our hand. Unfortunately, this wonderful image often results in excessive sun exposure, causing melanin production, which, in turn, results in the appearance of dark sun spots and pigments that can absorb harmful UV rays and damage our skin. If you want an even skin tone, we suggest avoiding staying out in the sun too long.
Hormonal Fluctuations
Pregnancy and being on the contraceptive pill is often the reason behind excessive melanin production.
Aging
Aging naturally causes an uneven skin tone. It's the reason for age spots on your face related to excess skin pigment, sun exposure, and frequent use of tanning beds. Age spots are flat, dark-colored spots on the skin. Although they are harmless and painless, they can affect a person’s self-esteem.
Natural Solutions for Uneven Skin Tone
The treatment of hyperpigmentation and different skin discolorations is not always a smooth ride and requires a whole lot of patience and faith in the process. Here are a few natural and easy treatments you can use to speed up the recovery time. (And improve your skin's texture, while you're at it!)
Green Tea
Chances are, you’ve already come across the endless list of benefits that come with drinking green tea. Well, not many people are aware of the perks of including green tea in your regular skin care routine.
So, how should you use this antioxidant powerhouse for your skin? Simply apply cooled green tea bags to the areas you wish to treat and leave them on for 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can also add a couple of teaspoons to your favorite face mask. A powdered green clay mask would also work well when combined with it. Get bright, healthier skin, no matter your skin type.
Turmeric
Already popular in Asian cultures, turmeric is a common ingredient found in many skincare products due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
Mix turmeric powder with some water, lemon juice, or wild rose oil, apply it on your face, and let it sit for 10 minutes. Make sure to thoroughly wash the mask off afterward.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C and can help treat hyperpigmentation due to its lightening qualities. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant and it protects your skin barrier from external stressors.
Apply a few drops of lemon juice to the affected area no more than two times a day, using a cotton ball. You should start seeing results in skin discoloration within a couple of weeks.
You can also always try topical Vitamin C to lighten dark spots and improve uneven skin tone. You can easily pick up a vitamin C serum over the counter.
Witch Hazel
A natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial ingredient common in cosmetic products is witch hazel. You might be wondering where it originates from. Witch hazel is an extract from the Hamamelis Virginiana shrub’s leaves.
Its medical benefits have been known for centuries, and it can protect against sun damage and help treat sunburns - thus, helping reduce the possibility of skin cancer.
Try purchasing a gentle face cleanser that contains witch hazel, or if you want a cheaper option, you could also try the following face mask: mix 2 teaspoons of pure witch hazel with a teaspoon of lemon juice or almond oil and apply the mixture on the affected area.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is very effective for treating hyperpigmentation because, in addition to many nutrients, it also contains sulfur, which has anti-aging properties. Apply a few drops of apple cider vinegar directly on your spots and wash it off after 30 minutes.
Vitamin E
One of the most effective treatments for skin renewal is vitamin E. It’s rich with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which can reduce UV damage to the skin. It can be used as a supplement and as a spot treatment.
You can apply it directly to the area you want to treat and leave it overnight. It’s also found in many foods such as broccoli, vegetable oils, nuts and seeds, and leafy green vegetables.
Rosehip Oil
Rosehip oil gives your skin a healthy glow and moisturizes it from the inside out. The fatty acids found in it help tackle dry and itchy skin. In addition, it’s known to help with cell rejuvenation and skin brightening, which is crucial for tackling hyperpigmentation.
And there are even more perks! The ingredients found in rosehip oil - such as vitamins A and C - help with collagen production, an essential part of skin regeneration.
Niacin (vitamin B3)
Niacin is responsible for many bodily functions like DNA repair and the conversion of macros. It can be found in peanuts, mushrooms, avocados, and green peas. When it comes to skin repair, niacin is a true miracle worker. It tightens, brightens, and hydrates the skin, all the while treating hyperpigmentation.
Other Treatment Options
If you try the options above and don’t see any results, or if you want a quicker solution, there are a few alternative options you can try. Many dermatologists recommend laser treatments that work directly on lightening dark spots, and pigments. The result is lighter and rejuvenated skin.
Another option for uneven complexions is chemical peels. According to this study, they're one of the most effective treatments, second only to topical treatments. They come in varying levels, depending on the severity of your condition. What’s unique about this treatment is that it affects the deeper levels of the skin, unlike topical creams or face masks. Alpha hydroxy acid (otherwise known as AHA) is one example of this treatment. With alpha hydroxy acids and similar peels, the skin is exfoliated and cell turnover is faster as a consequence. It also gets rid of dead skin cells, softening skin.
This option is harsher than others, so the recovery time will be longer. It may also result in skin irritation, redness, and itching, so make sure to consult your dermatologist beforehand.
Microdermabrasion is a similar treatment and has a similar effect to chemical peels, yet the recovery time is much shorter, so you might want to start with that.
Products containing hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, kojic acid, vitamin C, and glycolic acid can all help with the appearance of uneven skin tone. It's worth always speaking to your doctor before starting a treatment. They can run through any skin concerns you might have.
How to Avoid Getting an Uneven Skin Tone
It’s much easier to prevent hyperpigmentation and red marks than it is to treat them. Luckily, there are a couple of measures you can take to avoid getting them in the future.
Avoid Touching and Picking at your Skin
First and foremost, don’t pick at your skin. It’s such a tedious habit to get rid of, but it’s well worth it to prevent you from permanently scarring your face. Try and resist the temptation to pop those nasty zits and touch any areas with hyperpigmentation, especially with dirty hands. If you have a big cyst that needs draining, check out this article.
Drink Enough Water
Perhaps the easiest measure you can take against an uneven complexion is to increase your water intake, especially if you exercise regularly. Apply this tip to any condition, but make sure to take it seriously! Keep your skin hydrated so you’re moisturized from the inside out.
Wear Sunscreen
As mentioned above, sun damage leads to hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Regardless of the season or location, you should never leave your house without applying sunscreen. Make sure to purchase at least SPF 30 which protects against both UVA and UVB radiation and apply it to your face 30 minutes before you’re directly exposed to the sun.
Wear protective clothing like hats, long-sleeved tops, and scarfs, and avoid going outside during the hottest time of the day, which is usually from 9 a.m to 4 p.m. This will improve your overall skin health.
Monitor your Diet and Alcohol Intake
It’s well known that certain foods can worsen your appearance, causing lifeless and dull skin. Try to avoid overly processed food high in refined sugar, dairy products, food high in saturated fat, and spicy food (especially if you are susceptible to redness) as much as possible.
Alcohol not only dehydrates the body but also can cause the blood vessels to dilate, resulting in a flushed face. Instead, opt for healthier options such as green juice, water, or green tea.
Get a Good Skincare Routine Going
It can be tempting to reach for the foundation to conceal uneven skin, but there's so much more you can do to improve skin health. Adopting a good skin care routine is a great way to help you improve skin tone and get that healthy glow you've been after. Whether you have oily skin, sensitive skin, dry skin, or even normal skin, your skin's barrier will benefit from a good, hydrating routine.
Many products on the market can even skin tone, reduce skin inflammation, improve skin texture, and rid your face of dead skin calls.
Misumi has a range of products that can do all this and more. Why not try Misumi's Clear Skin Salicylic Acid Cleanser? This product, with its deep pore-penetrating power, can remove impurities, dead skin cells, and excess oil, boost collagen production, soften the skin, and soothe angry breakouts, resulting in a more even skin tone for inflamed skin and acne-prone skin.
The Misumi Retinol Intense Repair PM Creme can improve hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone, unclog pores and reduce breakouts, and it can even improve the appearance of skin aging, including fine lines and wrinkles, giving you a more youthful appearance. Try it now and see results, or get your money back.
Wrapping Up
Don’t despair! Uneven skin tone, like other skin conditions, can be improved if you put a little effort into switching up your skincare routine and applying a few lifestyle changes.
If all else fails, you can always visit a dermatologist and try a few creams specialized for treating hyperpigmentation. Retinol products are also an amazing option. If you have a little more money to spend, fruit acid or chemical peels and microdermabrasion are also great options. People have also tried laser treatment, which can improve the appearance of dark spots and even skin tone.
FAQ
How can I even my skin tone naturally?
Whether you're suffering from post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or dark spots caused by skin aging, there are lots of things you can do to even your skin tone.
Those with uneven skin tones would benefit from introducing things into their diets such as green tea, lemon juice, and turmeric. They can also add essential oils to their skin care routine - or products that are specially designed to treat uneven skin. There are lots of things you can implement to fix an uneven skin tone.
How long does it take to even skin tone?
Unfortunately, there's no quick fix to even your skin tone. Like with most skin conditions, you should wait at least 30 days to see results, whether you're trying to even out your skin tone naturally or whether you're taking over-the-counter treatments.
What is the cause of uneven skin tone?
Uneven tone is usually caused by post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, where there is an excess of melanin in the skin. Uneven skin tone can also be caused by acne and acne scars, hormones, and lifestyle changes.
If you're looking for a more even skin tone, there are lots of different things you can try.
References
Management of hyperpigmentation: Current treatments and emerging therapies
Facial hyperpigmentation: causes and treatment
