Wrinkles make you look older, there’s no denying it, but fine lines and creases aren’t the only ones that give you older-looking skin. Skincare experts and dermatologists say uneven skin tone, commonly associated with hyperpigmentation, is a major factor.
Of course, the right foundation, the perfect concealer, and the right light can help you fake a flawless complexion, but they only camouflage the problem. Uneven skin tone can be caused by something as small as a pimple or something much more complex such as a hormonal skin problem called melasma. This means that treating the discoloration of your skin is not as easy as you might imagine. So what is the best treatment for uneven skin tone?
How to determine an uneven tone?
Patchy skin can be found anywhere on the body, but more often than not we notice irregular skin on the face, bust, and shoulders. Essentially, it is caused by patches of hyperpigmentation (also called “dark spots”, “age spots”, or “age spots”) that become darker than the color of the surrounding skin. This darkening of the skin occurs when an excess of melanin, the brown pigment that stains the skin, forms and is deposited on the skin.
Redness, also called “erythema” is another common factor that contributes to uneven skin tone. It is commonly linked to dermatitis (eczema and inflammation of the skin), weakened skin, and genetic skin problems like rosacea. It can also be caused by the sun and sensitivity to certain ingredients and products that are too harsh.
Finally, the effects of acne can also be found among the factors responsible for uneven skin tone. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PID), the technical term, is caused by marks left by pimples, acne scars, and spots left by burns and insect bites.
How to reduce uneven skin?
Once you identify the source of your hyperpigmentation, you can treat it effectively. Dark spots, melasma, and IPH can be successfully treated with a two-fold approach of using products for uneven skin tone at home, such as dark spot correctors, and laser treatments and peels, at home. However, you also need to protect your skin and prevent hyperpigmentation from coming back quickly. Here’s how to lighten your dull complexion and what to use on your uneven skin tone.
Dark spots appear in their mid-30s, but some people can even develop them earlier in life, depending on their level of sun exposure. The best cream for uneven skin tone is a retinol enriched cream.
How to lighten a dull complexion
Uneven skin tone and dull skin could have been caused by different factors like the buildup of dead skin cells, dehydration, or the marks of IPH that have built up over time. When it comes to IPH, any mechanical trauma can make things worse and make them more visible. Avoid popping your pimples and use physical scrubs. However, it is recommended to use a chemical exfoliant.
You should also get your hands on a gentle cleanser that contains ingredients that will help hydrate and plump the skin. The best cleanser for uneven skin tone is one that is made with ingredients that target melanin including Vitamin C, LHA, and ceramide that reduces the appearance of dark spots. brown and reveals smoother, clearer skin.