What is uneven skin tone?

Uneven skin tone, also known as hyperpigmentation, is a common skin concern that results in patches of skin to appear darker than the surrounding skin. There are many reasons for such a thing to take place. Sun exposure, hormonal changes and certain skin conditions result in uneven skin tone.

As far as your looks are concerned, uneven skin tone can make the skin appear dull and discoloured. Certain areas of your skin will appear darker or pigmented than others. Uneven skin tone is usually associated with looking older than age. Therefore getting an even skin tone will make you look younger than your age.

Reasons behind uneven skin tone

The most important reason for uneven skin tone is exposure to the sun. The UV rays from the sun can darken certain areas of the skin leading to uneven pigmentation. This is known as solar lentigines or age spots. These spots are most commonly found on the face, hands and arms. They are more likely to appear in people with fair skins like most Americans are.

There are hormonal changes that can also result in an uneven skin tone. Melasma is a condition that results in dark, blotchy patches on the skin. They occur mostly on the face. It is formed due to the increase in the production of the pigment melanin. Melanin gives our skin its color. Melasma is more common in women. It occurs during pregnancy or while taking birth control pills.

There are certain skin conditions that can also lead to uneven skin tone. Acne can leave dark marks. These occur usually when the acne is cleared. They are known as post inflammatory pigmentation.  Eczema and psoriasis can also lead to uneven skin tone, as the inflammation associated with these conditions can cause the production of extra melanin.

Now that we know the reasons for uneven skin tone it is time to move ahead and look for possible treatment options to treat this skin condition.

Treatment for uneven skin tone

Treatment for uneven skin tone can vary depending upon the causes of the condition. As mentioned above there are different reasons for uneven skin tone to occur. It depends also on the severity of the pigmentation.

You will have to start applying sunscreen to prevent further pigmentation due to UV exposure. This will also protect your skin from development of wrinkles and saggy skin. Topical creams containing hydroquinone, kojic acid, or glycolic acid can be used to lighten dark patches. Chemical peels, laser therapy, and microdermabrasion can also be used to improve skin tone.

In addition to treatments, you will also have to adopt a healthy skincare routine to improve your uneven skin tone. This starts with cleaning the skin properly daily. You will then need to exfoliate your skin once or twice a week. Then finally moisturize your skin daily to keep it hydrated. Avoid harsh scrubs and exfoliants.

Now you must know that treatment for uneven skin tone can take time and may require more than one approach to achieve the desired results. You must also be patient and consistent with your skin care routine. You must also avoid triggers that may worsen your pigmentation like sun exposure, stress and certain foods.

In conclusion

Uneven skin tone is a common concern that can be caused by a variety factors like, sun exposure, hormonal changes and certain skin conditions. There are many topical creams available to treat this condition.

Also you will need to incorporate a skin care routine. You will also need to be patient and consistent with the treatment. Above all you will have to use sunscreen when you move out of the house.