Tips to Get Rid of Uneven Skin Tone

Few people are blessed with naturally flawless skin while most of us have concealers to the rescue. There are dozens of makeup tricks to hide uneven skin tone but why learn them when you can simply get rid of dark spots, patches and scars altogether!

Read on to understand what causes uneven skin tone in the first place and the many ways to get rid of them. 

What causes uneven skin tone?

Uneven skin tone or hyperpigmentation occurs when there is excess melanin (the skin pigment) in certain areas of the skin. This leads to dark spots like age spots, sunspots and melasma. Hyperpigmentation occurs primarily due to sun exposure. UV radiation triggers the melanocytes where melanin is produced to over-activate them.

Discolored skin caused by acne and other scars also makes the skin tone uneven. Hormonal changes, certain medication and aging are other reasons for dark spots and uneven skin tone.

Simple steps to get rid of uneven skin tone

Follow a skin care routine

Cleanse your skin twice every day with a mild cleanser to wash off the buildup of excess oil and dirt. These impurities tend to clog up the pores and cause acne. Always follow cleansing with toning to further clear up the pores and reduce inflammation.

Keep your skin hydrated with an effective moisturizer that protects your natural moisture barrier. This will keep your skin strong and immune to infections that cause hyperpigmentation.

Exfoliate your skin twice a week to slough off dead skin cells. This brightens the skin tone and gets rid of dullness. Exfoliating also activates the skin cells to repair and heal wounds and fade out scars, and consider incorporating the benefits of Vital Red Light therapy for enhanced results.

Protect your skin

Since UV radiation is notorious for causing dark spots and triggering inflammation, sunscreen or sunblock are absolute musts whenever you step out in the sun. They also prevent other skin damages like wrinkles and fine lines to ensure you have younger skin for longer. Chemical sunscreens work by dissipating the UV radiation while physical sunblocks reflect it.

Wear protective clothing whenever possible to keep the skin covered from the sun and environmental damage like pollution, dust and dry air. Use accessories like scarves, hats, gloves and sunglasses for added sun protection.

Feed antioxidants to your skin

When the skin becomes inflamed, its oxidative stress increases and free radicals trigger the melanocytes to produce excess melanin. Antioxidants help neutralize these free radicals. They support skin repair and rejuvenation to promote an even skin tone with healthy, young skin.

Apply topical retinol creams with antioxidants to help your skin recover. Antioxidant tablets are also available to supplement your diet and balance out vitamin deficiencies.

Clinical treatments

Dermatological treatments use different techniques to remove the top layer of the skin with the dark spots to reveal a new layer below.

Chemical peels use chemicals like lactic acid, glycolic acid or hydroxy acid to peel off the top layer of the skin. Microdermabrasion uses a mechanical tool with microcrystals while a laser treatment uses light energy to do the same. 

You need to consult a dermatologist for these treatments and they can cost you money. Also, they can be tricky for certain skin types like sensitive skin. For expert guidance on these treatments and their suitability for your skin, consider reaching out to Skin Excellence Plymouth for personalised recommendations tailored to your unique needs.

Watch your diet

Not following a balanced and regular diet can lead to hormonal imbalances resulting in breakouts and inflammation. Avoid foods that contain refined sugars, caffeine and processed, oily and spicy food.

Fruits and vegetables, on the other hand, are rich in vitamins and natural oils that help heal and rejuvenate the skin. Green leafy vegetables, berries and citrus fruits are rich in antioxidants that fight free radicals. Stay hydrated to get rid of toxins.

In your diet, also include foods rich in probiotics and prebiotics. They support the natural flora on the skin which protects it and keeps it healthy.

Easy home remedies to fight hyperpigmentation

Believe it or not, a number of ingredients in your kitchen and pantry can help you get rid of uneven skin tone too! They may not be proven by science but they have been practiced for generations and have known to work their magic. Hyperpigmentation natural treatment comes with little to no side effects which makes it suitable for resolving skin troubles in the long term.

1. Turmeric and yoghurt

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that protect the skin. It also contains antioxidants that help the skin recover and rejuvenate. Lactic acid, on the other hand, deep cleanses the skin and is a mild exfoliator too. The combination of the two works to brighten the skin and give it a natural glow.

Recipe:

Take 1tbsp turmeric powder and 1tbsp yoghurt and mix the two to make a paste. Paint it on the face and massage the skin in upward circles. Leave it on till it dries and rinse with warm water.

2. Milk and honey

Like yoghurt, milk is also an excellent cleanser. It gets rid of dead skin cells while also moisturizing it to give you smooth and supple skin. Honey exfoliates the skin to remove dead skin cells and speed up the regeneration of new ones. The combination helps fade scars and gets rid of dullness.

Recipe:

Mix 1tbsp honey with 1 1/2tbsp milk and apply it as a face mask. Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse.

3. Aloe vera

Aloe vera is renowned for resolving a number of skin concerns, especially in fighting dark spots and promoting skin recovery. It is rich in vitamin E, a strong antioxidant that heals wounds and fades scars. It also calms skin that has been triggered by sun exposure and irritation.

Recipe:

Just cut up a stalk of aloe and scoop out its thick jelly-like flesh. Apply this gel on the skin and leave it on for an hour or even overnight to let the antioxidants do their work.

4. Honey and oats

This is a powerful combo of natural exfoliating ingredients that can get rid of your damaged skin layer and activate the production of new skin cells. Both oats and honey are anti-inflammatories and are suitable even for sensitive skin.

Recipe:

Grind a cup of oats to make a fine powder. Mix in 2tbsp honey and make a thick paste. Massage this paste on the skin for 2 minutes. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes and rinse with warm water.

5. Papaya mash

Papaya is a natural source of alpha hydroxy acids that lighten dark spots and brighten the skin complexion. It also contains carotene and vitamins that fight oxidation and prevent skin damage giving it a dewy glow.

Recipe:

Take a slice of ripe papaya and mash it up to make a paste. Apply this as a face pack and leave it on for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water.