Uneven skin tone, also called hyperpigmentation, can take many forms, from age spots to blemishes to sun damage. If you’re living with any of these issues, you know what a negative effect it can have on your quality of life. Fortunately, there are a range of practical steps anyone can take to improve and even out their skin tone.
We’re sharing the following guide to help you learn how to reduce the risk of developing hyperpigmentation and dark spots with this helpful and comprehensive guide.
What is hyperpigmentation, and how does it cause dark spots?
Do you notice an uneven skin tone when you look in the mirror? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans experience hyperpigmentation, which is the irregular and uneven darkening of the skin caused by the body’s overproduction of melanin. Melanin is what gives the skin and hair their color. As a result of overproduction, dark spots or patches can develop that can leave you looking much older than your actual age.
Find out what causes uneven pigmentation of the skin and how you can erase dark spots forever with the following easy-to-understand overview.
What causes uneven skin tone?
Common causes of hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone include:
- Prolonged sun exposure: One of the most common causes of uneven skin tone is prolonged sun exposure. If you are often out in the sun for long periods of time, you are at risk of developing dark or uneven spots. Exposure to UV rays triggers the body’s natural defense of melanin production, which leaves dark spots on the skin.
- Environmental pollution: Did you know that smog can contribute to brown spots on the skin? Gasses and other pollutants found in the air penetrate your skin to cause the development of brown spots and patches.
- Hormone changes: Changes in hormones, especially those related to menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, can also lead to the development of dark spots or patches. Melasma, a condition that causes the growth of dark patches over the face and neck, is caused by an increase in hormone stimulation. Women who are pregnant or taking oral contraceptives frequently develop the condition.
- Skin damage: Darkening of the skin can develop after an injury to the skin, including acne.
Working with a dermatologist or other qualified treatment provider can help you diagnose and treat the causes of your uneven skin tone. While treatment varies from person to person, there are commonly recommended practical steps anyone can take.
7 Ways to Get a More Even Skin Tone
No two skin care and treatment plans are the same. While it may take some time to find the right combination of methods for you, most skin-care regimens for a more even skin tone include the following steps:
1. Use Sunscreen
The best way to protect yourself from developing an uneven skin tone is to wear sunscreen. Even if you are trying to manage hyperpigmentation, sunscreen and avoiding sun exposure is essential. Select a broad-spectrum product with an SPF of at least 30. We also suggest wearing a hat and covering up during long periods of sun exposure.
2. Stay Hydrated
This is an easy one, but it’s absolutely critical for your skin health. Drinking the recommended volume of water will help keep your skin moisturized and healthy. It’s not a cure for uneven skin tone, but hydration is the foundation of healthy and functional skin. Excessively dry skin is associated with redness, blemishes, and the development of age spots.
3. Eat Foods That Are Good for Your Skin
What you eat can have an effect on your skin in the form of inflammation, redness, and a flushed appearance. For example, spicy foods can cause increased redness for some people, and there is some evidence that certain “ultra-processed” foods can speed up the aging process at the cellular level.
Instead, eat a diet rich in vitamins and minerals like niacin and vitamin C, such as citrus, strawberries, peas, and mushrooms. Lean proteins such as poultry and tuna are also great sources of niacin and help you develop collagen.
4. Explore Natural Remedies
Always consult with your doctor when exploring natural or alternative treatments for skin tone. With that said, certain natural ingredients found in supplements, high-end beauty products, and food are associated with improved skin health and tone. This includes witch hazel, rosehip, nigella sativa, and kojic acid, which contain powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-infection properties.
5. Exfoliate Your Skin
You can help reduce existing hyperpigmented skin by exfoliating dead and dull skin cells away. While this does not remove hyperpigmentation, it does allow skincare products to penetrate your skin and keep it healthy.
6. Moisturize and Use Quality Skin Care Products
Using high-quality skin products can help protect your skin and remove pollutants. Products that contain glycinate can help control the production of melanin. Consider using products with retinol to restore damaged skin.
7. Explore Skin-Rejuvenation Procedures from Innovations Medical
If you want to restore an even pigment to your skin, Innovations Medical can help with the following options:
- Fraxel Restore and Dual Treatment: Helps target areas of damaged skin and facilitate skin cell turnover, which means new, undamaged skin.
- Radiofrequency Microneedling: A technique that helps to rejuvenate, tighten, and lighten skin.
- Spa Facials: Our gentle, yet powerful, chemical peels can provide excellent results for uneven pigment.
- Stem Cell Therapy: Yet another offering that promotes the body’s natural regenerative properties with benefits for skin tone.
We’ll be happy to walk you through your options and create the best personalized treatment plan for your needs.
Contact Innovations Medical to Help You Achieve a More Even Skin Tone
If you’re looking to restore your skin and address uneven skin tone, Innovations Medical is here for you. Our skilled professionals help you decide which treatment is best for you – keeping you informed and confident in the next steps. We’ve been helping our patients look and feel their best since 2005, and even our most advanced procedures are often minimally invasive.
To find out if our range of skin treatments is right for you, and to learn how Innovations Medical can improve your life, call us at (214) 643-8665 or schedule an appointment.