Uneven skin tone is also known as hyperpigmentation, it is the irregular darkening of the skin. The cause: overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin and hair color. This results in dark patches and spots which are typically perceived as "aged skin" and can make you look more than 12 years past your actual age!
What is the cause of uneven skin tone?
Sun exposure: When your skin is repeatedly exposed to UV light, sun damage occurs. Brown spots and uneven skin tone develop as a result of too much melanin being produced to help protect your skin from UV light.
Pollution: Particles and gasses from traffic-related air pollution can penetrate the skin and lead to the formation of brown spots, particularly on the face.
Hormones: Melasma is hormone-related hyperpigmentation caused by increased hormone stimulation. It’s most commonly experienced by women who are pregnant or taking contraceptives but can also be a reaction to cosmetics or medications.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: This is a darkening of the skin as a result of scarring, which can be caused by acne lesions or skin injury.
How to Get an Even Skin Tone?
You don’t have to spend a fortune on laser treatments and prescriptions. Here are ways recommended by our dermatologists to safely and non-invasively brighten skin for a more even skin tone:
Apply SPF daily. Unprotected sun exposure is the number one culprit behind hyperpigmentation. Applying sunscreen or moisturizer with a Broad-Spectrum SPF of at least 30 is the easiest way to help prevent new spots.
Exfoliate. Treat existing hyperpigmentation by first sloughing off dead, dulling skin cells at the surface. This clears the path for the ingredients in your serums and moisturizers to better penetrate the skin. Tip: Look for a gentle, micro-fine exfoliant you can use daily.
Use the right ingredients. Seek out products that contain vitamin C to protect your skin from free radicals; Oligopeptides, Niacinamide and Zinc Glycinate to help control melanin production; and Retinol to restore the skin.
Be patient. There's no quick fix for an uneven skin tone. Traditionally it takes at least 30 days of vigilant skincare treatment before you see any progress. Successful 75% skin brightening can take up to four months, so don't give up!
Our dermatologists can prescribe topical agents with ingredients like hydroquinone, tretinoin, hyaluronic acid, and cortisone for symptoms of hyperpigmentation. Vitamin C serums, gels, and creams are also recognized as helpful in the fight against dark spots and other pigmentation issues. All skincare products with active ingredients like hydroquinone, tretinoin, cortisone and hyaluronic acid should be used under the care and guidance of a licensed dermatologist, as the improper or extended use of these treatments can sometimes cause hyperpigmentation symptoms to appear or to worsen, especially in patients with darker skin tones.
Do you like our content? If you would like to know more, or you have any other skin concerns to ask, we are here to help! SkynFyx is a platform that provides completely free skincare education and is run by a group of skin doctors and skincare experts who want everybody to achieve flawless skin at the cheapest possible cost. Skynfyx also can customize a skincare range just for your skin condition.
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