What is Uneven Skin Tone? 4 Ways to Fix It

Among the many existing skin disorders, like acne and pimples, uneven skin tone is one of the most common reasons people flock to skincare specialists. There are different types of skin discolouration, from birthmarks to pigmentation disorders. Sometimes, the uneven colour is even symptomatic of an underlying condition, which may need medical attention.

More typical cases may not require an immediate visit to a physician. However, when someone has this skin concern, it's not unusual for them to feel uncomfortable about their appearance, often leading to low self-esteem. If you share this predicament, please know that there are things you can do to help this specific skin problem if you wish to. In this article, we'd like to share some of the most effective hacks to even your skin tone.

What is uneven skin tone?

Uneven skin tone is an umbrella term for any skin discolouration. If you have this skin condition, your skin is darker, often redder, in certain areas and lighter in others. This discrepancy can make your complexion look blotchy. It occurs when there is an overproduction or underproduction of the skin pigment called melanin.

In extreme scenarios, this patchy appearance can indicate skin cancer, lupus, cyanosis (insufficient oxygen in the blood), and undiagnosed and untreated diabetes. These should all be treated as medical emergencies.

You may also have discolouration that comes and goes because of certain factors. For instance, if you occasionally experience red skin, it may be because of sunburn or a particularly vigorous workout. On the other hand, if you look paler than usual, this may be a simple result of exposure to cold weather or dehydration. Or patches may be age spots or acne scars. If so, check out these tips to look after your skin, so you can feel better too!

Effective Remedies for Uneven Skin Tone

1. "Consume" skin-loving molecules.  

Advanced research in the beauty and wellness industry has led to the discovery of the beneficial effects of several potent ingredients. Whether you prefer applying these onto your skin (as part of your day creams, night moisturizers, or serums) or ingesting them in your dietary supplements, these skin-loving substances can help deliver a smoother, more even, and radiant complexion.

Vitamin C

Skincare products containing vitamin C may help reduce hyperpigmentation by lightening the dark patches on your skin. Clinical studies show that the powerful antioxidant can prevent hyperpigmentation by repelling free radicals. These toxic chemicals from pollution, the food we eat, and our medicines can damage our skin. At the same time, vitamin C can also treat existing dermal discolouration by inhibiting the further production of melanin in the skin.

Niacinamide

You may already be familiar with the potency of vitamin B3 (or niacin) in converting food into energy, thereby supporting the digestive and nervous systems. But did you also know that it is also essential for skin health? Niacinamide, one of the forms of vitamin B3, is crucial for the body's cellular processes. For instance, it has known anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to treat acne and rosacea, some of the usual skin disorders that can lead to an uneven skin tone.

Diabetes can also cause the skin to change. Niacinamide may help delay the advancement of Type 1 diabetes by protecting the beta cells, a hormone that makes insulin and controls blood glucose levels.

2. Avoid skin-discoloration-causing food and beverages.

Certain foods can trigger an onslaught of skin problems, including discolouration. So if you're serious about getting a more even skin tone, ditch these tempting yet skin-destructive food and drinks:

Alcohol

Alcohol can be highly damaging to your skin and overall health. It contains ethanol, an organic compound processed by our liver and converted into cancer-causing acetaldehyde. Without even going there, alcohol can already wreak havoc on the skin by depleting the skin of its fluids, thus causing dehydration (another cause of uneven pigmentation). It can also lead to inflammation, making your skin red and flushed. Instead of alcohol, drink plenty of water instead.

Sugar

Indulging in your favourite sugary foods may be a treat, but consuming high amounts of sugar devastates your skin. When you consume sugar, your small intestine's enzymes immediately process it. It then goes straight into your bloodstream, possibly resulting in inflammation.

Also, sugar attaches itself to proteins to form free radicals that cause oxidative stress (when the free radicals in your body outweigh the antioxidants) and damage your skin's collagen (and nails and hair too!). Collagen is what keeps your skin supple and young-looking. Without it, premature ageing occurs, another cause of uneven skin tone. Replace your sugary cakes and cookies with leafy green vegetables, lean meats, and healthy fatty acids from salmon, walnuts, and avocados.

3. Stay sun-safe!

While the sun powerfully provides life-giving heat and energy, it can also be your skin's worst enemy. Although the sun gives us the vitamin D we need to absorb calcium for strong bones and teeth efficiently, overexposure can cause extensive damage. When the UVA and UVB rays from the sun hit the melanin in our skin, the latter absorbs the harmful effects to protect the skin. When there are excessive UVA and UVB amounts, you develop sunburn, often leading to wrinkles, blotchy patches on the skin, the destruction of collagen and elastin fibres, and premature ageing of the dermis. Worse, it can cause cataracts and skin cancer.

Protect your skin from sun damage by wearing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Reapply every two hours, more so when swimming. Put on protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts and pants and a wide-brimmed hat. Whenever possible, avoid the midday sun. Even if you're indoors, keep the sunscreen on because UVA rays can still penetrate glass. For example, if you're inside your car or by a window in your house, the harmful effects of the UVA light can still reach you.

4. Get a lactic acid peel!

You may already guess from its name that lactic acid comes from milk (lactose). It is a kind of AHA or alpha hydroxy acid that serves as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage. Thus, it's not surprising that lactic acid has found its way into many beauty treatments.

Lactic acid peels are treatments that use lactic acid (naturally!) as a mild chemical peel to slough off old and dead dermal layers. Gone with the old (uneven and lacklustre skin) and in with the new—a fresher and brighter epidermis!

What's even great about this chemical peel is that it's very gentle on the skin, so it's perfect for those with sensitive skin. Lactic acid peels are indeed highly beneficial in boosting an even skin tone. However, if you experience discomfort or irritation, see a doctor immediately. Also, if you currently have acne, rosacea, and other highly inflammatory skin conditions, you may want to skip this treatment for now.

Also, make sure to avail of trusted and professional lactic acid peels like Elemis Peptide4 Overnight Lactic Acid Peel. This overnight peel has a powerful combination of lactic acid, a complex of four amino acids, and additional AHAs to get rid of surface pollutants. It also has squalane, yeast extract, and a mix of naturally-extracted oils so that you can wake up to more youthful and revitalized skin. To score this product and other amazing skin finds, use code WOMENSCONCEPTS and get 20% off on any device on MyTripollar.

by Katreena Sarmiento

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