Uneven skin tone is a term that you may have heard many times, be it on social media or as advertisements promoting skincare products. After all who does not dream of an even and smooth skin? Resolving the issue, however, requires a thorough understanding of your skin tone, its texture, and the different reasons for uneven skin.
What is uneven skin?
Changes in skin texture and colour are associated with this type of skin tone. The affected area appears darker and rougher than the surrounding skin, making it stand out.
“Uneven skin tone, a common concern, can stem from various factors like sun exposure, melasma, ageing, lifestyle factors, or it could be genetic as well,” says Dr Seema Oberoi Lall, consultant, Dermatology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram.
Dr Namrata Singh, dermatologist and founder of Aiconic Skin Clinic, Bengaluru, explains that uneven skin tone can be caused by several factors. The most common among them are excessive friction due to rubbing or scrubbing, sun damage due to the sun rays falling unevenly on different parts of the skin, and excessive oiliness of the skin, which can make the skin fold darker.
Ways to prevent uneven skin tone
According to research by Divya Agarwal, Department of advanced research at L’Oreal India Private Limited, Mumbai, and her team, many people in India face common skin issues like hyperpigmentation, often worsened by sun exposure. The best defence is photoprotection, through the regular use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen. The research emphasises spreading awareness about UV-related hyperpigmentation and encouraging consistent sunscreen use for effective management.
Dr Singh says that one should avoid anything that could trigger uneven skin tone. “Using sunscreen regularly, avoiding facial scrubs, hydrating skin frequently with an oil-free moisturiser, and using pharmacy-grade products to tackle the specific type of pigmentation are the main ways to prevent or treat uneven skin tone,” she suggests.
The best products for uneven skin tone include a gentle moisturiser without any scrub or bead materials, washing away excess oil from skin folds like nose corners and around the mouth, using a gentle moisturiser for frequent skin hydration, and using a sunscreen with an SPF higher than 30.
Cosmeceuticals and more
Advanced skincare for uneven skin tone involves an anti-pigmentation face wash. “Incorporate anti-pigmentation face washes containing kojic acid or glycolic acid. Target specific areas with depigmenting creams enriched with kojic acid, niacinamide, or azelaic acid. Seal the deal with a high SPF sunscreen for comprehensive protection,” Singh suggests.
Someone with stubborn pigmentation and an uneven skin tone can go for in-clinic procedures. They work effectively on pigmentation and give faster results. Some procedures that can help reduce pigmentation include laser toning, chemical peels, micro-infusions, and microneedling.
How to make skin tone even naturally
Dr Swapna Madhavan (BAMS, MPH), senior medical associate at Aster DM Healthcare, says that several natural ingredients promote an even skin tone. First on the list is aloe vera. Some other natural ingredients that promote an even skin tone are wild turmeric (kasturi haldi), vetiver (usheera), and honey.
Honey is a natural bleaching agent and exfoliant. “Add honey to any face mask and you will have glowing skin; then use our very own basic besan or chickpea flour,” she suggests. Madhavan further says, “Every night, just wash your face with besan, even if you do not use any make-up. Make sure to clean your face before bed with besan mixed with rosewater, milk, or just plain water, and you can get up with clear skin every day.”
She says that shigru leaves or drumstick leaves work well on uneven skin. One should dry it, powder it, and use it as facewash powder. Mustard oil, mixed with two or three drops of honey and aloe vera gel, also works as a natural sunscreen.
Stay away from the frequent use of facial scrubs like sugar, lemon, and coffee to prevent uneven skin tone. “Using a curd-based face pack can help since probiotics in curd can help reduce inflammation in the skin, which underlies some types of uneven skin tone,” adds Singh. Pat your skin dry rather than rub a towel or tissue against the face. This goes a long way towards preventing unevenness in skin tone. Staying away from pigmented cosmetic products like dark lipsticks can also help people who have darker skin around the mouth.
