Uneven Skin Tone: What are the Causes and How to Treat It?

Concealing uneven skin tone can sometimes be difficult, no matter the quality and quantity of the products you use. If you feel self-conscious about these uneven patches, you may try to hide them under makeup while dreaming of an even complexion.

If you have made all your best efforts and still long for a smoother skin tone, it’s time to bid farewell to all your insecurities and embrace the skin you have always wanted back. 

This blog contains a comprehensive guide on uneven skin tone, its causes, treatments, and prevention tips to help you manage this condition and achieve your dream skin complexion and texture. 

Uneven Skin Tone – What Is It?

Uneven skin tone is an umbrella term that covers multiple types of skin discolourations, including melasma, sun spots, and hyperpigmentation, which appear after swelling. Uneven skin complexion refers to the areas of your skin that are darker or lighter in shade than surrounding areas, creating a patchy appearance. It also includes patches of dry/blotchy and smooth skin. 

What Causes Uneven Skin Tone?

There are several causes of uneven skin tone. They include:

‣ Sun Damage

‣ Ageing

‣ Environmental Pollution

‣ Inflammatory Conditions

‣ Hormonal Fluctuations

‣ Genetics

‣ Inadequate Skin Care

Let’s explore these causes of uneven skin tone in detail.

‣ Sun Damage

When exposed to UV rays from the sun repeatedly, your skin cells are damaged. To fight these harmful rays, these cells produce more melanin (a substance that gives your skin colour), leading to hyperpigmentation or spots on your skin. 

‣ Ageing

As we age, our skin becomes fragile and sensitive. The accumulation of damage, sun damage over the years, and a decrease in skin cell turnover cause an uneven complexion. 

‣ Environmental Pollution

Your skin is the largest organ and is constantly exposed to pollution and weather. Pollution particles like dirt and gas penetrate your skin and cause discolouration, particularly on the face.

‣ Inflammatory Conditions

Acne, psoriasis, and eczema are some skin conditions that cause swelling, which, when it subsides, leads to discolouration or hyperpigmentation.

‣ Hormonal Fluctuations

Hormonal changes, especially during pregnancy, perimenopause or due to the use of birth control pills, can cause a patchy appearance on your face. 

‣ Genetics

If your parents or siblings have rough skin, you may be genetically predisposed to an uneven skin tone. 

‣ Inadequate Skin Care

If you are someone who does not take care of your skin properly, even after facing acne or other skin issues, this carelessness can cause skin discolouration in the long run.

Now that you have explored the causes, let’s check what treatments can help smooth out the unevenness. 

How To Treat Uneven Skin Tone?

Following are the tips to cure uneven skin tone:

1. Home care

2. Natural remedies, and

3. Professional treatments

Let’s explore these three tips to treat uneven skin tone in detail.

1. Home Remedies for Uneven Skin Tone

To take the first step towards even complexion and skin texture, start caring for your skin at home. You can incorporate the following steps into your daily routine for smoother texture and tone:

‣ Exfoliate Regularly

Regular exfoliation with a gentle exfoliator helps remove dirt and dead skin cells from your skin, leading to a more even and soft texture and reducing hyperpigmentation. Ask your skin doctor to prescribe you a suitable exfoliator. 

‣ Use Retinol

Retinol is derived from Vitamin A and is an anti-ageing ingredient. Over-the-counter retinol creams help smooth out fine lines, wrinkles and skin discolouration; however, it’s best to start with low-potency retinol creams. 

‣ Apply Hydrating Masks

Applying hydrating masks containing hyaluronic acid, glycerine, and aloe vera boosts skin hydration, leading to a smoother and plumper texture. 

‣ Get Alpha Hydroxy Acids Products

Prefer skin care products that contain alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic or lactic acid, to treat hyperpigmentation and dark skin via gentle exfoliation. 

2. Natural Ways to Even Out Skin Tone

Natural remedies like DIY masks and applying specific products also address your uneven skin colour and texture. Some natural remedies are as follows:

‣ Chilled Green Tea Bags

Green tea, rich in antioxidant ingredients, is good for our overall health. Instead of discarding the used green tea bag, cool it down in your freezer and apply it to your skin for 5-10 minutes. Its regular application may reduce swelling and help with hyperpigmentation.

‣ Apply Yoghurt 

Yoghurt contains lattice acid, which is a key ingredient for skin brightening. It also exfoliates and helps remove your skin’s outer layer, revealing the fresh and smoother complexion beneath.

‣ Gram Flour, Turmeric & Milk Mask

Make a thin paste by mixing 1 ½ tablespoons of gram flour, 1 tablespoon of milk and a pinch of turmeric. Apply it to your face until it dries, and then rinse gently. This paste helps brighten and exfoliate your skin gently. 

Before using any of these remedies, it’s a good practice to patch-test them to avoid any bad skin irritation. Also, make sure to read our guide on how to get clear skin.

3. Professional Treatments

All the natural remedies and home care tips require time and consistency to help you achieve the even tone you desire. This section explores professional treatments that can quickly and effectively address your skin concerns. 

‣ Chemical Peel

Chemical skin peeling is a professional treatment. It involves applying an especially formulated chemical solution to your face, which allows the outer layer of your skin to peel off and reveal the smooth-toned skin beneath. 

During the initial consultation, the doctor will ask about your medical history, assess your skin and determine the type of chemical peel suitable for you. Depending on the type of chemical peel (superficial, medium or deeper peel), you may recover in a week or a month and enjoy smooth and even skin color and texture. 

‣ Morpheus8

Morpheus8 is an advanced skin tightening treatment option that defines the contours and smoothes out the texture and tone. It combines the effects of micro-needling and radio frequency energy to deliver optimal results. Microneedling creates tiny holes in your skin to jumpstart a healing mechanism, while RF energy heats up and tightens your skin, promoting collagen production. Morpheus8 is effective for treating skin sagging, fine lines and uneven skin texture with minimal downtime and results lasting up to several months. 

‣ Laser Skin Resurfacing

This is another skin-clearing treatment that involves laser energy. A device emits concentrated beams of light on your skin, causing thermal energy in deeper layers of your skin while removing dead skin. This reduces wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven pigmentation, leading to a more even and youthful appearance. Laser resurfacing typically requires some downtime. As the skin heals, with results becoming more apparent as the new skin forms and pigmentation issues diminish.

It’s a good practice to consult a skin or aesthetic doctor so they will help you choose the best professional treatment to achieve a smoother and even skin tone. 

How To Prevent Uneven Skin Tone?

Here are some practical tips to prevent uneven skin tone:

‣ Apply sunscreen daily to protect your skin against harmful sun rays.

‣ Cleanse, moisturise, and exfoliate your skin regularly to promote its health. 

‣ Stay consistent with your skincare routine. 

‣ Limit your time spent in the sun to reduce your sun exposure.

‣ To maintain an even skin tone, eat nutritious foods that are rich in water and contain antioxidative ingredients like Vitamin C. 

‣ Avoid picking at your acne to prevent scarring and associated hyperpigmentation.

‣ Stay hydrated and quit smoking, as it reduces blood flow to your skin and speeds up ageing.

Smooth Out Your Uneven Skin Tone!

Now that you have explored the comprehensive guide on uneven skin tone and its management, you can take steps towards an even skin tone and texture. There is no need to feel less confident now. 

Uneven skin colour can be caused by ageing, sun damage, acne scars or environmental factors. Try home remedies, including gentle exfoliation and DIY homemade masks, to even out the texture and colour. If you want to explore quick and long-term solutions, Morpheus8 Leeds might become your go-to treatment. Remember, it’s all about stepping forward and working towards improvement to feel confident in your skin. 

FAQs About Uneven Skin Tone

1. How do you fix uneven skin tone?

To fix uneven skin tone, moisturise your skin, apply hydrating masks, and try DIY homemade masks like gram flour and milk mixture to exfoliate your skin regularly. For quick results, consult an aesthetic expert for Morpheus8 treatment. 

2. Why is my skin colour so uneven?

Environmental pollution, sun exposure, certain medications or hormonal imbalances may cause your uneven skin colour. 

3. Is uneven skin tone permanent?

It may be temporary or permanent depending on the causes of uneven skin tone. 

4. How do you improve skin tone naturally?

To naturally improve your skin tone, apply sunscreen, exfoliate and moisturise your skin regularly. Eat a nutritious diet, and add vitamin C, retinol and peptide to your skin care routine for optimal results.