How To Get Even Skin Tone: 5 Dermatologist-Tested Tips + Home Remedies

Whether you're dark, fair, dusky, or something in between, all skin tones are equally gorgeous. Our natural skin colors are dictated by our genes, which we have limited control over. What we can control is learning to accept and love it. Loving the skin that you are in means taking care of it: the right way.

Uneven skin tone is a common problem today and yes, we feel you. Fear not, we're here to tell you how to get even skin tone in five easy, simple, and dermatologist-approved tips. We also included some useful information and home remedies for people who love to do DIY skincare.

First Things First: What is an Uneven Skin Tone?

Skin tone is determined by the amount of pigment called Melanin produced by the skin. This explains why some areas of your face have different color compared to the rest, such as the lips and eyes. Uneven skin tone is all about hyperpigmentation: the irregular darkening of the skin. Brown spots occur when melanin clusters together to form patches on the surface of the skin.

What Causes Uneven Skin Tone?

Exposure to Sunlight

The number one cause of uneven skin tone is unprotected exposure to ultraviolet rays. Brown spots develop due to the overproduction of Melanin, which is produced to help protect your skin from UV light. Frequent exposure to sunlight can lead to Melanoma or skin cancer.

Aging

As we age, dark spots appear more visible than ever. These age spots or liver spots come from direct exposure to UV rays every single day. This explains why older people have more brown or red spots present on the skin.

Hormonal Imbalances

Your hormones can affect your skin tone too! Uneven skin tone is caused mainly by two hormones present in our body: estrogen and progesterone. These hormones can play an essential role in regulating the body's synthesis of melanin.

Pollution

Dust and dirt from air pollution penetrate to the skin and can cause a lot of damage. "Pollution can cause uneven skin tone, accelerated aging and even skin cancer," says Doris Day, M.D., clinical associate professor of dermatology at New York University Langone Medical Center. A landmark study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology compared women living in urban and rural environments over 24 years and found that those exposed to increased pollution had more dark spots and wrinkling.

Wrong Skincare Products

Your skincare routine might do more damage than good. There are certain chemicals in products that is considered toxic to the skin such as parabens, phthalates and certain fragrances. All-natural ingredients such as vitamin C can dramatically decrease hyperpigmentation, thereby decreasing the amount of brown spots.

How to Get Even Skin Tone in 5 Easy Steps

1. Use Good Sunscreen Daily

Since the sun is the main culprit for dark spots, a daily dose of sunscreen is the key. Dr. Lawrence E. Gibson, a dermatologist at Mayo Clinic recommends avoiding sun-peak hours (10am-4pm) and using water-resistant, broad-spectrum coverage products with an SPF of at least 30.

2. Cleanse and Exfoliate Everyday

Not just the sun, pollution is a serious threat to our skin too. Cleansing removes the excess oil, dirt and bacteria that can potentially cause acne and uneven skin tone. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells that can clog pores and lead to red acne breakouts. Look for mild ingredients like Vitamin E, Glycerine, Green Tea, Chamomile, and Jojoba oil.

3. Use Topical Antioxidants

Antioxidants fight off and reverse damage from the sun and pollution, making uneven dark spots lighter and the skin brighter. Key antioxidants to look for: Vitamin C, Retinol (Vitamin A), Vitamin E, Coenzyme Q10, Flavonoids, and Niacinamide.

4. Eat Well and Achieve Healthier Skin

Stay away from refined sugars, flour, caffeine, cola and processed foods. Drink enough water, eat more fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, and consume essential fatty acids from fish and avocados for supple, moisturized skin.

5. Lasers, Chemical Peels and Microdermabrasion

Seeking a good dermatologist is a good route towards a healthier and more even skin tone. Procedures such as lasers, chemical peels and microdermabrasion can help you achieve this by targeting deeper layers of the skin and promoting healthy cell turnover.

How to Get Even Skin Tone Using Home Remedies

You can get an even skin tone using things you already have at home. Try oatmeal + tomato juice, sugar scrubs, lemon and honey, milk and papaya, or cucumber and lemon. Always perform a patch test before trying these out.

In Summary

Uneven skin tone is caused by sun exposure, pollution, aging, hormonal imbalance and bad skincare products. To prevent it, be mindful of your environment and maintain a consistent skincare routine using the right products. Having a more even skin tone takes hard work and patience, but it is definitely worth it!