How many concealers did you end up buying in your lifetime? If you’ve been trying to fight uneven skin tone with layers of makeup, it is time to rethink.
We all want naturally healthy and even skin, which does not need too much concealing. This can be possible only when you manage your uneven skin tone the right way. Let’s dive into the details.
Highlights:
What Is Uneven Skin Tone?
Skin tone is determined by the amount of melanin (pigment) produced in your skin [1]. But when some parts of your face start producing more melanin [2] than the others, the skin color of each area varies. This means the area around your mouth and eyes can look darker than the rest of your face. This is called an uneven skin tone.
Possible Causes of Uneven Skin Tone
Uneven skin tone can be triggered due to a variety of factors. Some of the major causes are:
- Sunlight
- Side effect of breakouts
- Dryness
- Aging
- Hormonal imbalances
- Wrong skincare products
Managing Uneven Skin Tone With Simple Steps
Instead of using concealers and tinted moisturizers, you could make lifestyle changes, focus on your skincare routine and use a couple of home remedies to manage your uneven skin tone.
Following these steps religiously can gift you even skin tone free of dark spots, blemishes and age spots:
1. Cleanse Everyday
There is a reason why skin experts emphasize cleansing routines. Cleansing removes dead skin cells from your skin, besides the dirt, makeup residue and excess oils. [3]
A buildup of dead skin cells can clog your pores and lead to breakouts, which in turn can mess with your skin’s even tone.
Use a mild cleanser and follow it up with a good moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. Choose a moisturizer that can repair your skin’s barrier and prevent dehydration. A healthy skin barrier prevents water loss and entry of bacteria and foreign substances.
Following a good skin care routine can go a long way in obtaining an even skin tone.
2. Supply Topical Antioxidants
Antioxidants fight oxidative damage (chemical burning of skin caused by free radicals) in your skin [4], which is responsible for age spots, sun spots and uneven skin tone.
Free radicals are formed when molecules in our skin lose electrons. Antioxidants donate an electron to stabilize free radicals and prevent your skin from the damage. Incorporate antioxidant serums into your skin care routine.
Topical retinol serums contain antioxidants and help in achieving even skin tone.
3. Use A Sunscreen
Sun is the topmost culprit when it comes to uneven skin tone. The damages caused by sun range from dark spots to tan to fine lines and skin cancer in some cases. Hyperpigmentation caused due to sun exposure is the major cause of uneven skin tone.
Dermatologists recommend using a broad spectrum sunscreen at all times during the year to protect your skin from sun damage [5]. You can pick a chemical or physical form of sunscreen based on your skin type. You can also use a moisturizer that comes with UV protection.
4. Be Mindful Of Diet
Improper diet can spike hormonal imbalances and breakouts. Stay away from refined sugars, flour, caffeine, cola and processed food.
Having fresh fruits and vegetables can offer your skin the required vitamins. Fish, eggs, green tea, green leafy vegetables and citrus fruits like oranges help in even skin tone. Drink lots of water to flush out the toxins.
5. Chemical Peels, Microdermabrasion And Laser
Consider dermatologist-recommended treatments like chemical peels or laser therapy in case you are extremely bothered by your uneven skin tone [6]. Chemical peels use hydroxy acids like glycolic acid or lactic acid to exfoliate the skin. The top layer of the skin (which is uneven) is peeled off.
Microdermabrasion involves micro crystals to get rid of the topmost layer of the skin. It can renew skin tone and texture.
Laser treatment removes the skin layer by layer to reveal a fresh layer of skin cells. It is a painless procedure and is done in a couple of sittings. All these treatments and exfoliators ensure that there is a healthy cell turn over.
Consult your dermatologist before going for the above mentioned in-office treatments in case you have sensitive skin.
Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Uneven Skin Tone
All the natural remedies mentioned below are being used by people to get even skin tone, but do not contain specific scientific evidence. Conduct a patch test before trying.
A. Tomato, Lemon And Honey
Blend tomato with lemon juice and honey. Apply it over your face and wash after 15 minutes. Both lemon and tomato are known for clearing blemishes and skin lightening.
B. Tulsi, Multani Mitti And Rose Water
Mix tulsi leaves powder with multani mitti and rose water. Apply the paste and rise after it is dry. Multani mitti absorbs the excess oil from the skin while tulsi has properties to even out the skin tone. Don’t try this if you have dry skin.
C. Papaya And Milk
Mix papaya pulp with raw milk and apply it all over your face. Rinse after 15 minutes. Papaya contains alpha hydroxy acids that help in skin exfoliation and milk has lactic acid that helps in brightening the skin.
D. Sandalwood, Turmeric And Milk
Make a fine paste of sandalwood powder, turmeric and milk, and apply it over your face. Wash after 15 minutes. Sandalwood reduces the dark spots while turmeric is anti-bacterial. Milk gives a glow to your face.
E. Cucumber And Lemon
Blend cucumber with lemon and apply it on your face. Rinse after 15 minutes. Cucumbers have a hydrating effect on your skin. This combination reduces dark spots and inflammation.
F. Coconut Oil, Lemon And Sugar
Add a teaspoon of sugar, a few drops of coconut oil and lemon juice. Apply this mixture on your face and leave it on for 15 minutes. Lemon brightens the skin, while sugar removes the dead skin cells and coconut oil soothes the skin.
One you get to the root cause of uneven skin tone, managing uneven skin tone becomes a cake walk. Hope you will be able to reveal the glowing layer of skin beneath your uneven skin with all the above steps.
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