How to Address Uneven Skin Tone

There’s no such thing as skin that’s flawless. We all have texture, rosiness, blemishes, or pigmentation from time to time – it’s only natural! However, having an even, healthy, radiant skin tone is also possible. If you’re struggling with uneven skin tone, know that you’re not alone and that there are many ways to treat dark marks, redness, and texture. It all starts with knowing what uneven skin tone is, what causes it, and how to treat it. 

Read on to learn how you can get a glowing, even skin tone. 

What is Uneven Skin Tone? 

According to dermatologists, uneven skin tone is an umbrella term for describing skin issues such as hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation, blotchiness, redness, sunspots, and melasma. Uneven skin tone can also refer to textural issues, such as dry patches or skin cell buildup. 

Common Causes of Uneven Skin Tone

Many factors can influence uneven skin tone. Here are some of the main causes: 

• Sun Damage:

  Uneven skin tone can result from numerous things, though the most common cause is sun damage. Getting too much unprotected sun exposure can lead to sunspots, worsen hyperpigmentation, or exacerbate melasma, all of which trigger the production of excess melanin to help protect your skin from UV rays. 

• Acne:

  Acne, particularly cystic breakouts, is another primary cause of uneven skin tone. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is those dark spots left behind after a pimple is gone and is a natural skin response to the inflammation. This type of hyperpigmentation can appear pink, red, brown, or black depending on your skin tone and can take a while to heal. Picking at acne can also trigger PIH. 

• Melasma:

  Defined by brown or blue-gray patches and spots darker than your skin tone, melasma is a common pigmentation disorder. Melasma is referred to as the “mask of pregnancy” as it most often affects women experiencing hormonal changes caused by pregnancy. 

How to Even Your Skin Tone in 5 Steps

1. Exfoliate regularly 

Exfoliation is one of the best-proven ways to even your skin tone. Regular exfoliation helps target uneven skin tone on several levels. First, it addresses skin texture. Rough skin texture and dullness can exacerbate uneven skin tone by emphasizing dark spots. Clearing away those dead skin cells, unclogging pores, and minimizing the appearance of fine lines will instantly make your skin look brighter and more radiant. 

Chemical exfoliants such as AHAs also help even skin tone by reducing hyperpigmentation. Skip the harsh physical exfoliants on your face since these can irritate the skin and cause more hyperpigmentation down the line.

2. Protect your skin 

Protection is key for overall skin health. Dermatologists and skin experts agree the best way to prevent sun damage and pigmentation is to wear a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher that will defend your skin against UV rays. Fueling your body (and your skincare routine) with antioxidants is also vital since these phytonutrients protect your cells from damage caused by pollution, sun exposure, oxidative stress, and other environmental stressors.

3. Use brightening ingredients 

If you’re struggling with uneven skin tone, consider adding brightening ingredients and products into your routine. We recommend antioxidants such as niacinamide (vitamin B3) and vitamin c, as they not only help brighten and even the skin, but they can help prevent the pigment formation that leads to uneven skin tone.

4. Calm and restore your skin 

One of the most important steps to any brightening skincare routine (one that people often forget) is nourishment. Think about it, the causes of hyperpigmentation are triggered by inflammation and stress responses. So while you might be tempted to overload on brightening ingredients and exfoliants, true improvement happens when the skin is happy and balanced. 

To address uneven skin tone, consider incorporating a skin-strengthening, nourishing facial oil into your routine. We recommend Superfood Beauty Oil because it’s brimming with fatty acid-rich plant oils that calm inflammation, soften rough skin texture, strengthen the skin barrier, and promote cellular regeneration.

5. Get a facial 

One of the most effective ways to treat uneven skin tone is by addressing it in-office with a dermatologist or aesthetician. These skincare experts can recommend procedures and treatments specifically catered to your skin type, tone, and goals. 

Always Pure, Always Natural

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