To even out skin tone, you can try several natural remedies at home. But you may wish to speak to a dermatologist in case the unevenness is caused by an underlying condition.
We may wish for perfectly smooth, even skin, but many of us have uneven skin tones. This may take the form of redness, acne scars, age spots, or sun damage, which can cause blemishes or patches of color on the skin.
Uneven skin can be temporary or permanent, and it may result from:
- sun exposure
- age
- medications
- hormones
Fortunately, there are remedies to help you smooth out discoloration and hyperpigmentation in your skin.
There are a number of different behavioral changes you can make to improve the appearance of your skin.
Stay hydrated
Keeping your skin — and your body — hydrated will do wonders for your skin.
Drinking water hydrates your body from the inside out.
Applying moisturizer helps soothe skin, helping to resolve dryness and redness. Choose noncomedogenic moisturizers to prevent skin irritation and clogged pores.
Don’t forget to moisturize all of your skin — not just your face. Using a broad-spectrum moisturizer, which
Use sunscreen
Use sunscreen every day to prevent sun damage to your skin. Not only will this prevent immediate redness and peeling from sunburns, but it’ll also prevent the formation of age spots.
Wear sunscreen every day and reapply it any time you’ll be in the sun, even in winter.
Avoid certain foods and drinks
Certain foods can trigger flushed, uneven complexions. Some, like sugary snacks, may even speed up development of wrinkles and age spots.
Avoiding them can help preserve that even skin tone you’re looking for.
Foods to avoid include:
- alcohol, which can cause the blood vessels to dilate and lead to a flushed face
- spicy foods, which can increase redness
- foods high in refined sugars
- dairy that may trigger various types of skin irritation, including acne
- overly processed or greasy foods like chips
There are plenty of different natural remedies that you can use at home to even out skin tone. Many high-end beauty products contain these as active ingredients.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant and can protect against free radical damage that can cause tissue damage, resulting in uneven skin tone.
You can take supplements, use a vitamin C serum, or find vitamin C in foods like:
- oranges
- guava
- bell peppers
- kiwis
- strawberries
The best sources for vitamin C tend to be a balanced diet and a vitamin C serum.
Niacin
Niacin is a nutrient that’s essential for skin, hair, and nail health.
It can help:
- restore uneven skin tone
- reduce wrinkles
- brighten your complexion
It does this by helping to improve
- poultry
- green peas
- mushrooms
- tuna
Niacinamide, a derivative of niacin, has also been shown to offer benefits that promote healthy skin, including helping:
Witch hazel
Witch hazel is soothing, with anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce irritation and redness. You can apply witch hazel topically, directly to the skin, or find it in products such as lotions, toners, or soaps.
Note that witch hazel can be drying or sensitizing for certain people.
Rosehip
Rosehip oil may
You can apply rosehip oil directly to the skin for maximum benefits.
Nigella sativa
Nigella sativa oil — also known as blackseed oil — may help treat skin infections thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that have the potential to help even out skin tone.
One 2015 study even suggested that it was effective at decreasing vitiligo with no serious side effects.
Kojic acid
Kojic acid is found in many over-the-counter (OTC) products thanks to its antioxidant properties. It’s been found to be safe at a concentration of 2 percent in cosmetic products.
It’s often used as a skin lightening treatment for hyperpigmentation.
Chemical peels
There are several different options for chemical peels. Professional and at-home treatments may contain low doses of glycolic acid and salicylic acid.
You should avoid these peels if you have sensitive skin or are currently using any type of acne product. This includes both topical products like retinol and oral medications like Accutane.
Here are more tips for doing a chemical peel at home.
Glycolic acid
Glycolic acid can
Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is an ingredient found in many OTC acne treatments. Slightly more mild than glycolic acid, it also
It can help treat:
- acne
- scarring
- discoloration
There are some treatment options that are only available through a prescription from your healthcare provider. These can be more expensive, but they can help treat stubborn problems that home remedies aren’t affecting.
4 percent hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is a cream that can be applied to the affected area twice a day or as your healthcare provider directs. It’s usually used as a skin lightening cream that can help lighten dark spots on the skin, helping to even out the skin tone.
This cream may cause skin irritation or contact dermatitis. The
If you’re experiencing pain, redness, or sustained dryness, talk with your skin care professional about other treatment options.
Laser treatment
Laser treatments are being used to help improve skin tones, with the ability to lighten scars or age and sun spots. Yellow lasers, for example, are used to flatten scars and reduce their redness.
Sometimes, laser treatments may cause hyperpigmentation, or a change in skin color. Because of this, you may want to try other treatment options first.
When considering laser treatment, use caution when deciding which healthcare professional to see and always choose a provider who has experience treating pigmentation.
Clinical-strength peels
Clinical-strength peels come in three levels:
- light
- medium
- deep
They work by penetrating your skin with a chemical solution, causing the skin to exfoliate and peel before revealing newer skin.
Light peels use more gentle acids, like salicylic acids, and can be done quickly. Medium peels may require sedatives or pain relievers, and deep peels require sedation as they use phenol, a strong ingredient.
The recovery time for deep peels can last up to 2 weeks, though you may have redness for several months. A light peel has a short recovery time of just several days.
Professional microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion can treat a number of skin conditions, including:
- light scarring
- sun damage
- discoloration
It works by helping to thicken the collagen in your skin while removing the thicker, damaged outer layer, creating a more youthful appearance.
There’s almost no downtime for microdermabrasion. You may experience some redness, dryness, or peeling for several days following the procedure.
Makeup
If you need an immediate solution for uneven skin tone, there are plenty of great makeup options. These include:
- foundations, which offer thick coverage that’s meant to be used on the whole face to even out skin tone
- tinted moisturizers, which come in skin-tone tints and green tints. Green tints are ideal for those dealing with minor redness. These don’t offer the full coverage of foundation, but they can help with minor unevenness.
- concealers, which are designed to cover blemishes or skin discolorations
Warning about injectable products
Injectable skin lightening or bleaching products have been determined to be both unsafe and ineffective by the
If you’ve used any injectable products for skin lightening and are having any negative effects, talk with a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
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If you want to even out your skin tone, there are a number of remedies you can try at home, including behavioral changes and natural ingredients.
In some cases, you’ll need to see a healthcare provider or skin care specialist. If you’re experiencing any blemishes or unevenness that may be caused by an underlying condition, make an appointment right away.
These conditions include:
- moles or blemishes that could be skin cancer
- psoriasis
- severe acne that isn’t responding to home treatment
- rosacea
If home remedies haven’t been working for you after 1 month, and you want to see more results, make an appointment with your healthcare provider or skin care specialist. They’ll likely be able to help.
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the field of skincare and dermatology, I bring forth my expertise to shed light on the various concepts embedded in the article. My knowledge is rooted in extensive research, practical experience, and a keen understanding of skincare principles.
Firstly, the article emphasizes the importance of addressing uneven skin tone, which can result from factors such as sun exposure, aging, medications, and hormonal fluctuations. It rightly suggests consulting a dermatologist if the unevenness is possibly indicative of an underlying health condition.
The lifestyle changes recommended in the article include staying hydrated, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to prevent sun damage, and avoiding certain foods that can trigger skin issues. These suggestions align with well-established practices in dermatology, emphasizing the crucial role of internal and external factors in maintaining skin health.
The incorporation of natural ingredients for achieving an even skin tone is a testament to the growing interest in holistic skincare. Notable components such as Vitamin C, Niacin, Witch Hazel, Rosehip, Nigella sativa, and Kojic acid are discussed for their antioxidant, hydrating, anti-inflammatory, and skin-brightening properties. The article rightly points out the importance of using these ingredients cautiously, considering individual skin sensitivities.
Chemical peels, both professional and at-home, are introduced as effective methods for exfoliating and rejuvenating the skin. Glycolic acid and salicylic acid, known for their roles in treating various skin concerns, are highlighted in this context.
The medical options section introduces prescription-based treatments such as 4 percent hydroquinone, a skin lightening cream, and laser treatments for addressing stubborn skin issues. The article wisely advises caution and consultation with a healthcare professional when considering such interventions.
The mention of clinical-strength peels, including light, medium, and deep peels, adds a layer of complexity to the discussion. It outlines the different levels of peels and their associated recovery times, underscoring the importance of choosing treatments based on individual skin conditions.
Professional microdermabrasion is presented as a procedure with minimal downtime, capable of addressing various skin conditions. The article provides insights into its mechanism of action and potential benefits.
For those seeking immediate solutions, makeup options such as foundations, tinted moisturizers, and concealers are recommended. This aligns with the practical approach of managing uneven skin tone for cosmetic purposes.
A crucial warning is issued regarding injectable skin lightening or bleaching products, emphasizing their determined safety issues by regulatory bodies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This aligns with the broader discourse on the potential risks associated with certain cosmetic procedures.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive guide encompassing home remedies, natural ingredients, medical interventions, and cosmetic solutions for achieving an even skin tone. It underscores the importance of seeking professional guidance when necessary and serves as a valuable resource for individuals navigating the complex landscape of skincare.
