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As you may have noticed, there is no perfect even skin tone. An uneven skin tone may show in areas such as elbow, knee, armpit, neck, and face. In most cases, an uneven skin tone is not harmful and manageable.
What is an uneven skin tone?
An uneven skin tone refers to the area of the skin with a darker tone. It can be temporary or permanent.
An uneven skin tone is also known as Hyperpigmentation. It is the darkening of an area of skin caused by an increase of melanin produced by melanocytes. Melanin is the pigment responsible for producing the color of the eyes, skin, and hair.
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How do we get an uneven skin tone?
An uneven skin tone may result from:
Sun exposure. A common cause of hyperpigmentation is excessive sun exposure. The skin protects itself against the harmful UV light from the sun by producing an excessive amount of skin pigment.
Hormonal change. Melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation caused by hormonal change. It may occur during pregnancy or when under medication.
Scarring. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation may result from scarring. The common cause of this type of hyperpigmentation is skin injury or inflammation.
How to manage uneven skin tone?
If you don’t want to spend money on expensive skin treatments, these are simple tips on how to manage an uneven skin tone.
1. Determine your skin type.
There are four basic skin types: normal, dry, oily, and combination. Identifying your skin type will help you decide which skin care products to buy in managing your uneven skin tone. Buying the wrong products may worsen the condition of your skin.
2. Choose the right product for your skin.
Not all skincare products will work for your skin. Buy products according to your skin type. Just check the label if the product is for normal, dry, combination, or oily skin. Try to use skincare products with natural and organic ingredients that are safe and without side effects.
3. Cleanse and moisturize daily.
Keeping your skin clean and moisturized will prevent your skin from dehydration. Dehydration can cause blemishes. Don’t forget to moisturize every day, not just your face but also your body and hands.
4. Exfoliate.
Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin to improve its appearance. It clears your skin, so your skincare products such as moisturizer or serum penetrate your skin better. You can do it twice a week to help reduce hyperpigmentation and remove age spots.
5. Create a skincare routine.
Once you have found the perfect skincare products, create a skincare routine. Be patient. It will take time before you see any progress. Sticking with your skincare routine will eventually give you the result you wanted.
6. Sun protection.
Prevention is the best option to avoid getting an uneven skin tone. Regularly applying sunscreen will help prevent sun damage to your skin. Use sunscreen with SPF15 or more.
7. Quit smoking.
Smoking is associated with numerous dermatologic conditions, including psoriasis, poor wound healing, wrinkling, and premature skin aging. Study shows that skin color changes after smoking cessation within a short time.
8. Stay hydrated.
Water is essential for your skin’s health. Drink lots of water to keep your skin hydrated. Water will help cleanse your skin from inside out to reveal glowing skin. An uneven skin tone is more visible if you have dry and dull skin.
9. Eat healthy food.
Eating healthy foods that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can help you preserve even skin tone and achieve glowing skin. Avoid certain foods that may speed up the development of wrinkles and age spots, such as sugary food, dairy products, and alcohol.
When to seek help?
If you think you are experiencing blemishes or uneven skin tone because of an underlying condition, seek help from a skincare specialist immediately.