Ideal skin expectations are rarely met in real life like we would want them to. Airbrushed covers of magazines display women with perfectly even-toned and smooth skin, devoid of any blemishes that we find disrupting our skin in our everyday lives. The truth is that an uneven skin tone is actually quite common.
What do you do about the patches of skin that are darker or lighter? This question is often asked across numerous medical forums and doctors’ clinics. Well, today, we offer you the answers you have been searching for!
What is an uneven skin tone?
One of the most persistent skin conditions that pester people is an uneven skin tone. An uneven skin tone appears as patches on the skin where discolouration stands out. The darkening of the skin is known as hyperpigmentation, whereas the inverse is called hypopigmentation.
The possible culprits for your uneven skin tone!
The sun and its gangster rays
While we all love posting pictures of our summertime glow, it could be coming at a cost. More often than not, increased exposure to sunlight and its’ harmful UV rays on unprotected skin can lead to an uneven skin tone.
Hormones again!
According to leading experts, an imbalance in the release of your hormones can be a reason for the excessive production of melanin, which results in some patches of the skin becoming darker than others.
Dry, flaky skin
Dry skin tends to flake, causing a disruption in the skin’s natural structure and the resulting breaking and cracking leads to discolouration.
That diet has issues.
Specific allergens, food additives and other things found in our diets can cause an outbreak of skin conditions, making it another cause for an uneven complexion.
What can you do at home to improve your skin tone?
Now that we know what causes an uneven skin tone, we can discuss remedies for it. You can either opt for home remedies (for mixed/varying results) or go to a professional for solutions. Let’s start with home remedies.
There is no medical evidence that these home remedies will show any improvement. In fact, sometimes they can cause more irritation and pigmentation
1. Orange
An orange peel can be dried and powdered, and this can then be mixed with a small amount of orange juice or fresh (preferably homemade) yoghurt. Apply this to your skin for half an hour or till it dries.
2. Oatmeal/sugar
These are ingredients that are great exfoliating components and help remove dead skin cells. The application of oatmeal/sugar on your uneven skin works best when mixed with a wet ingredient like tomato juice.
3. Cucumber
Cucumber can be used in a variety of forms to provide positive results. It can be applied to your face raw, grated or juiced.
Some effective medical remedies for uneven skin tone are as follows:
-
Chemical peeling
This term has gone from sounding like a hazard a few decades ago to becoming a widespread form of uneven skin tone treatment. This treatment is provided at three levels, light, medium and deep, all of which refer to the intensity of the chemicals used and the depth of action on the skin.
-
Laser resurfacing
This treatment is similar to chemical peeling because it gets rid of old damaged skin to reveal younger and brighter skin underneath, but this procedure uses a laser instead of chemicals.
It comes in two forms which are either ablative (wounding) or non-ablative (non-wounding). They both have a similar speed of results, because of which they have grown quite popular. According to experts, despite the healing process being lengthy, the results can be immediately witnessed and “last for years.”
-
Dermabrasion
This is a mild form of sanding the outermost layer of the skin using certain rotating devices but is generally used for reducing/reversing ageing effects rather than improving uneven skin tone.
It is recommended to consult a dermatologist as the point of reference before opting for either a home or a medical remedy instead of deciding on your own, as the wrong step can undoubtedly prove disastrous and make your condition worse.
The silver lining
A little love and good advice goes a long way when it comes to your skin. Indulge in your skin and revel in its beauty but always be aware of the flip side to treatments and remedies!
Disclaimer
The natural remedies mentioned in the blog are the widely popular ones. It is in no way a substitute for medical advice, treatment or diagnosis. Avoid using these if you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies.
Before trying any natural remedy, always test a small quantity on your skin to check for any adverse reactions or allergies to any particular ingredient. In case of emergency or any reaction, immediately connect with a doctor who can offer the proper treatment.
FAQ’s
1. Does uneven skin tone go away?
Your uneven skin tone can go away with treatment, but it can always come back due to various factors. The key is to take proper care of your skin at all times.
2. Can you lighten skin?
While many products claim that they can lighten your skin, the best you can do is return your skin to its natural colour.
3. How can I start to even out my complexion?
Start with a suitable skincare regime for your skin and restore its health. This should be your first priority. After this, you can turn to more targeted treatments.
4. Can toners help even skin tone?
Toners claim to restore your skin’s pH balance and improve skin tone. However, we do not recommend the use of toners as they also irritate the skin which may lead to an uneven skin tone.
Struggling with a Skin or Hair issue? Download the CureSkin App now by clicking here to get the best treatment. It’s easy, fast and affordable!
