Everybody knows an even skin tone is the key to a flawless, Insta-worthy complexion. Stress, environmental factors, and even your diet can cause your skin to look less than wow-worthy.
What exactly causes an uneven skin tone? How do you even out skin tone? Or better yet, how can you prevent an uneven glow in the first place?
We’ve got you covered, friend. In this article, we are talking about all things even skin tone (and not so even), and diving into how to treat and prevent this common problem.
What Causes Uneven Skin Tone?
Most people will occasionally have to deal with the less-than-ideal appearance of uneven skin tone. Most of the time, uneven skin tone can be easily treated and even avoided, but for some people, the cause is a deeper issue. Some allergies, food sensitivities, and genetics can cause uneven skin tone. There is some good news, though, most causes of uneven skin tone can be easily avoided, and there are many simple ways to even out your skin tone.
Skin Inflammation
Skin inflammation can be caused by skin trauma like acne, eczema, and even injuries. This type of skin trauma is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. When your skin heals from these traumas, the result can be an increase in dark spots or scarring.
Hormones
Another common cause of an uneven skin tone is a hormonal imbalance, often caused by factors such as pregnancy or taking a contraceptive. A hormonal imbalance causes an increase in melanin production, which leads to–you guessed it–dark spots and a less-than-even skin tone.
Sun Exposure
Regular exposure to direct sunlight can not only put you at higher risk for skin cancer, but it can also cause your skin to have sunspots. Sunspots (dark spots on your skin) are a collection of melanin your body produces to protect itself from harmful sun rays. This is just one of many reasons to make sure you slather on sunscreen every morning, even in the winter.
Pollution
Unfortunately, we live in a world where pollution is all around us. The gasses and particles from traffic-related pollution are in the air and can penetrate the skin, resulting in dark spots.
How to Even Out Skin Tone
So, what if you already have an uneven skin tone and want to fix it? Here are a few tips you can start implementing into your life for a more even skin tone:
Stay Hydrated
We all know it’s super important to our overall health to get our drink on – no, not that drink on–you need to aim for at least eight glasses of water per day. Staying hydrated will help your skin look better and your entire body will feel better. So, drink up!
Eat Clean
Eating a diet of fast food or considering your giant latte breakfast every morning is a surefire way to wreak havoc on your skin (and your wallet!). Instead, make sure you’re fueling your bod with fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, and taking a good multivitamin every day. A balanced diet will ensure a healthier body, a sharper mind, and a more even skin tone. You can’t lose.
Slather Up
Using a sunscreen screen that’s at least an SPF 30 each morning will help prevent sun damage to your skin and help you avoid dark spots.
Avoid Triggers
Common triggers like smoking cigarettes (vaping counts, missy!) or drinking too much alcohol can make our skin irritated and unhealthy, turning your even skin tone into a splotchy disaster. Food allergies can also be a culprit behind your red splotches, so see a doctor if you suspect a food sensitivity.
Exfoliate
Exfoliating your skin can help rid the top layer of dead skin cells, residual makeup, and other gunk that can torment your otherwise even skin tone. It’s one of the easiest ways to quickly even out skin tone, and bonus– your skin will be smoother and softer than ever.
What skincare ingredients are good for uneven skin tone?
- Vitamin C
Vitamin C has been showing up in many skincare products over the past several years thanks to its antioxidant powers. Vitamin C gets its street cred for its ability to ward off some nasty bugs in the winter months, but when it’s also a heavy hitter in the world of beauty products. Vitamin C serums, masks, and moisturizers can help reduce the appearance of dark spots, heal damage, and even prevent further discoloration.
The most potent derivative of this powerful vitamin is L-ascorbic acid. Skincare products boasting vitamin C may sometimes contain ineffective forms, so always opt for high-quality vitamin C skincare products.
- Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA)
Alpha-hydroxy acids are a powerful tool in the fight against age spots, irregular pigmentation, and wrinkles. Sometimes Alpha-hydroxy acids can cause irritation and sun sensitivity; starting with a lower concentration of AHA can help reduce the side effects. Also, when using an AHA treatment, slather your sunscreen every morning to help prevent sunburns.
- Glycolic acid
Glycolic acid is an AHA that promotes collagen production and gently exfoliates the skin’s top layer. This powerful acid can also help clear your pores and hydrate your skin while also helping reduce the symptoms of eczema.
- Beta hydroxy acids (salicylic acid)
Salicylic acid is often the main ingredient in acne-fighting cleansers and treatments thanks to its ability to penetrate the oily hair follicle openings to clean out pores. Salicylic acid helps remove dead skin cells and improve the discoloration of sun-damaged skin when used as a treatment for uneven skin tones.
- Retinol
Retinol is one of the heavy hitters when it comes to skincare ingredients; it helps improve skin’s appearance and texture, evens skin tone, increases skin’s hydration levels, and helps skin appear more supple. Retinol is derived from Vitamin A, prescription retinol, or Retinol-A is very powerful and causes irritation for those with sensitive skin.
Now you are armed and ready to get your prettiest, most even skin tone ever. Just don’t forget about us when you’re a beauty icon. For even more tips on getting the best skin glow-up possible, check out more from our blog.
