What causes uneven skin tone?
Uneven skin tone, called hyperpigmentation, is an irregular darkening of the skin. The cause: overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin and hair color. The resulting dark spots are usually perceived as "aged skin" and can make you look more than 12 years older.
What causes uneven skin tone?
Sun exposure: when your skin is repeatedly exposed to UV light, sun damage occurs. Brown spots and uneven skin tone occur because too much melanin is produced to protect the skin from UV light.
Pollution: particles and gases from traffic-related air pollution can penetrate the skin and lead to the formation of brown spots, especially on the face.
Hormones: melasma is hormone-related hyperpigmentation caused by increased hormone stimulation. It most commonly occurs in women who are pregnant (which is why it's called the "mask of pregnancy") or taking contraceptives, but it can also be a reaction to cosmetics or medications.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: this is a darkening of the skin as a result of scarring, which can be caused by acne lesions or skin injuries.
How to get an even skin tone.
You don't have to spend a fortune on laser treatments and prescriptions. Here are ways to safely and non-invasively lighten your skin and achieve a more even skin tone:
Apply SPF daily. Unprotected sun exposure is the leading cause of hyperpigmentation. Applying a sunscreen or moisturizer with an SPF of at least 30 is the easiest way to prevent new spots. Tip: Look for oleosome technology, which boosts SPF performance.
Exfoliate. Treat existing hyperpigmentation by first sloughing off the dead, dull skin cells on the surface. This allows the ingredients in your serums and moisturizers to better penetrate the skin. Tip: Look for a gentle, micro-fine exfoliator that you can use daily.
Use the right ingredients. Look for products that contain activated charcoal to remove pollutants, oligopeptides, niacinamide and zinc glycinate to control melanin production, and retinol to regenerate skin.
Be patient. There is no quick fix for uneven skin tone. It usually takes at least 30 days of diligent skin care before you see any progress. Successful, 75 percent skin lightening can take up to four months, so don't give up!
Start your fight against brown spots by asking a Dermalogica skin therapist for a free Face Mapping® skin analysis. She will find out what is causing your spots and recommend a plan of action. Pairing it with a professional treatment regimen, such as peels, can even help speed up results.