If you’ve experienced or are experiencing uneven skin tone or dark patches, you’ll know that the summer months tend to exacerbate it. It probably comes as no surprise then that the winter months are the perfect time to treat it, especially if you’re wanting to get some more intensive treatments done. So while long days in the sun aren’t on the agenda any time soon, here are some of our expert tips and tricks for identifying what is causing your dark patches, and how to get rid of them.
While it’s a truth universally acknowledged that we all want to have perfect skin - actually getting it can be a whole lot harder. And if you suffer from uneven skin tone or dark spots, the journey to perfect skin can be even more difficult. But it’s not all doom and gloom, and there are definitely skincare habits, ingredients and in-clinic treatments that can get you there a whole lot faster. And they’re actually a whole lot more simple than you may think, and they pay off in a big way.
Here’s our guide to what causes uneven skin tone, how to treat it and how to prevent it.
What is uneven skin tone?
While uneven skin tones can all look the same, what causes it is vastly different from person to person. More often than not the cause is some type of pigmentation or hyperpigmentation. Both are caused by the overdevelopment of melanin - which are the cells responsible for our hair and skin colour - specifically on our face. This creates those areas that are darker than your overall complexion, which can lead to an uneven look in your skin tone.
What causes uneven skin tone?
Like all skin conditions, the cause will vary from person to person - but a few of the factors that tend to exacerbate uneven skin tone are:
Sun-exposure
While the sun is definitely not the only thing that contributes to uneven skin tone, it is undoubtedly a leading cause. The thing with being diligent with your SPF application is, you won’t notice the benefits until you see the damage. For some, the damage comes in the form of fine lines and wrinkles, while for others it comes in the form of pigmentation and dark spots.
As we age, it’s likely that you will notice these effects much more. But the earlier you start - the more you can offset these. That’s why applying a broad-spectrum SPF every day (yup, even on overcast days) is crucial, especially if you suffer from uneven skin tone.
Hormones
Hormones can also take a toll on our complexion. Estrogen is known to darken the skin, while progesterone lightens it. So if you’re body is overproducing either hormone, it’s normal to see changes in your skin tone.
Pollution
Pollution is something we don’t often think about when it comes to our skin, but our environment can vastly impact its health. Having a lot of exposure to pollution can cause dark spots to emerge on the skin, a great SPF and high-quality Vitamin C products are your best defence.
Acne-scarring
If you’re suffering from acne there is a chance you may be left with scars. These form small bumps and hollows on the skin which causes an uneven complexion. Try the Murad InvisScar Resurfacing Treatment to minimise their appearance.
How to treat uneven skin tone
Have the right skin care
If you have any skin condition or skin concern, your first port of call is always to evaluate whether or not your skincare products are setting you up for success. While having the basics is non-negotiable, there are a variety of skin products and skincare ingredients that are specifically designed to target certain conditions. Here are our top picks for those who suffer from uneven skin tone:
SPF
It goes without saying that SPF is a staple in everyone's skin care regimen, no matter their skin type or tone. However, if you suffer from uneven skin tone or pigmentation, it’s even more important that you are equipped with a good broad-spectrum SPF.
It’s been well documented that over-exposure to the sun is one of the leading causes of premature ageing and one of the largest contributors to pigmentation. If you’re already experiencing uneven patches, it’s crucial to protect your skin from further damage. Make sure you are choosing a product that protects against both UVA and UVB and also incorporates hydrating ingredients. The Murad City Skin Broad Spectrum is an award-winner for a reason, it ticks all the mandatory boxes while also being super hydrating.
Exfoliators
If you suffer from uneven skin tone, giving your skin a good buff to remove the build-up of dead skin cells can help you drastically. If your skin is feeling a bit dull or ‘meh’ then try to incorporate a chemical peel with an active such as AHA or BHA (or both). This is a surefire way to perk up dull skin, while also helping to improve the skin’s tone and texture.
The Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser is the perfect product for the job. This chemical and physical exfoliator helps to clear dull, dry skin from the surface to reveal a fresher appearance. It also helps clear the skin of any congestion which will mean your other skincare can penetrate more deeply into the skin.
Vitamin-C Products
If you think about all the skincare buzzwords to come out of the last decade, it’s likely that vitamin C springs to mind. But unlike a lot of fads, vitamin C has earned its reputation and secured its spot in the skincare hall of fame for one reason and one reason only; it works.
Whether you suffer from pigmentation, fine lines or uneven skin tone there’s a good chance vitamin- C and the skincare it's featured in is a recommended treatment. In its most basic form, vitamin C works as a potent antioxidant that aids the skin's regeneration process. This is fab for uneven skin tone, and for bringing out a brighter, glowier you! It also helps protect the skin from external stressors, which makes it a great product to put on in the morning.
Skinsmiths PRO Strength Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant elixir that will help to reduce the signs of ageing, as well as brighten and even out skin tone.
Healthy diet
If you’re looking to improve your skin's health, taking a holistic approach is likely to drastically improve the results. This means enjoying a healthy balanced diet for that inside-out glow. Foods rich in vitamin C are believed to improve skin tone.
The best skin treatments to treat uneven skin tone
For more drastic results, it’s usually best left up to the professionals. And while your at-home skincare products build the foundation, a few hard-working in-clinic treatments are usually what will get you over the finish line. This is especially true if it’s an ongoing condition and the pigmentation is more stubborn. Here are our favourite skin treatments to use in conjunction with your at-home arsenal.
Sonophoresis Skin Infusion
It’s actually hard to think of a skin concern that the Sonophoresis Skin Infusion wouldn’t be well suited for, and uneven skin tone is no exception. This non-invasive treatment uses soundwaves to penetrate moisture into the skin which results in reduced redness and smoother skin tone and texture.
Microneedling
Microneedling is an advanced treatment that helps to improve skin positivity for every type and tone. It works by penetrating microneedles into the skin, triggering the body's natural healing response and giving it a boost in collagen. This improves the signs of fine lines, pore size and skin texture.
Photo Rejuvenation
Serious results come from serious treatments. Wave goodbye to pigmentation and hello to a collagen-boosted glow with a Photo Rejuvenation facial! This pulsed light treatment targets the signs of premature ageing, including pigmentation and sun spots, and is also great for improving overall skin textures.
Fractional Co2 Laser
Caci’s most advanced skin treatment brings about elite results. Using a fractional dioxide laser, this treatment promotes smoother skin texture and reduces pigmentation by triggering your body’s natural healing process. This is particularly beneficial for those who have had a long-term battle with pigmentation and overall skin tone and texture.
Ready to wave goodbye to uneven skin tone?
If you’re ready to get serious about your skin tone, book a free consultation at your local Caci Clinic. They’ll be able to give you knowledge-based recommendations on which products and treatments can help you achieve your personal skincare goals.
