Have you noticed that your skin has some small patches of darkness, or are your cheeks looking a little red? An uneven skin tone is one of the most common skin problems and there are many factors that play into it, from hyperpigmentation and sunspots to skin conditions that require treatment.
How to Get Rid of Dark Spots
Here’s our recommendations for how to get rid of dark spots.
An uneven skin tone is common and nothing to worry about, but there are ways you can help even things out if it’s bothering you. We talk you through all you need to know about an uneven skin tone and the best skincare routine to help combat it.
What is an Uneven Skin Tone?
The term ‘uneven skin tone’ actually refers to a number of things that can contribute to your skin appearing uneven in tone or texture. The skin may have developed patches of abnormal darkness or lightness, or a difference in texture across the face could make the skin appear ‘uneven’ in tone when you look in the mirror. Often, uneven skin is due to factors beyond your control.
What Causes an Uneven Skin Tone?
This can range from hyperpigmentation from post-acne scarring to redness of the skin, either caused by environmental changes (like a cold wind) or skin conditions like rosacea.
One of the main causes of uneven skin tone is sun exposure. The cells that make up our skin tone (the melanocyte cells) are activated by sunlight, which is how we get a tan. However, over the years, prolonged sun exposure can cause discoloration or dark spots (also known as sunspots) to develop on the skin, especially if the skin hasn’t been correctly protected from the sun’s rays.
Can an Uneven Skin Tone be Fixed?
Sometimes, the issues that contribute to an uneven skin tone can resolve themselves. For example, if trying a new skincare product irritated your skin or caused a reaction, with time your skin should return to normal. Post-acne marks should also disappear after a few months, thanks to our skin’s cycle constantly producing new skin cells.
However, for issues like sun damage or long-term skin conditions like rosacea, you can use certain skincare ingredients in your daily regime which may help create a more even-looking skin tone.
How to Correct an Uneven Skin Tone:
To help naturally even out your skin tone, you should focus on building a routine that smooths and hydrates the skin, as well as incorporating ingredients that will help protect the skin from any further damage, hyperpigmentation or redness.
The best skincare routine for an even skin tone:
Exfoliator
Use: Twice a week
The simplest way to help smooth your skin’s texture is by exfoliating regularly. Exfoliators help clean the dead skin cells from the surface and also remove dirt, oil, and other impurities that can build up on your skin throughout the day, helping to tackle any dullness you might be experiencing. Regular exfoliation will also help encourage cell turnover, which should mean things like acne-scarring or dark spots may begin to fade more quickly.
There are a few different formulas of exfoliants to choose from. You can opt for a chemical exfoliant like glycolic acid which helps lift away dead cells, a physical exfoliant or an exfoliating face wash, like the No7 Radiance+ Daily Energizing Exfoliating Cleanser. Formulated with gentle exfoliators and vitamin C, it easily buffs away dirt and daily impurities whilst also leaving skin feeling refreshed and hydrated.
What Does Glycolic Acid Do for Skin?
There are many benefits of glycolic acid. Here's why we recommend incorporating this exfoliating ingredient into your nighttime skincare routine.
Make sure not to over-exfoliate your skin – if you’re using a chemical or physical exfoliator, stick to using it only once or twice a week, and remember to be gentle. Don’t scrub the skin with too much pressure, as this could cause micro-tears.
Vitamin C
Use: Daily
Vitamin C is a great skincare ingredient to try if you’re looking to brighten the skin. Using it regularly as part of your skincare regime can help restore radiance, revive dull skin, and reduce the appearance of any hyperpigmentation. It can also give the skin a boost of instant glow.
You can incorporate it into your routine in a few ways. You can try a vitamin C serum, like the No7 Radiance+ 15% Vitamin C Serum to improve the appearance of uneven skin tone, oiliness, and uneven texture. You can also look for moisturizers and cleansers that contain vitamin C.
SPF
Use: Daily
As sun exposure is usually the main cause of dark spots on the skin, using a SPF daily is vital for preventing any further hyperpigmentation. But more than that, a facial SPF can help reduce signs of premature aging – such as fine lines – and helps decrease the risk of developing skin cancer.
The No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal Day Cream SPF25 not only provides protection from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays, but it’s supercharged with peptides to help reverse lost elasticity and dryness. Remember to double cleanse at the end of the day when you’re using SPF – they’re designed to last all day, so need a little extra love to remove it.
Moisturizer & Hydrating Ingredients
Use: Daily
Keeping your skin hydrated helps maintain a healthy, glowing appearance and should help smooth the appearance of the skin for a more even-looking tone. The No7 Derm Solutions 100 Hour Hydration Cream includes a blend of ceramides, which work well to help reduce redness, plus niacinamide, which helps support the skin’s moisture barrier, so it’s a great choice for helping fix an uneven skin tone.
If you’re dealing with any breakouts or acne, it’s important to keep your skin moisturized. Some people worry that too much moisture will make their acne worse, however it’s actually the opposite – if your skin is dehydrated, it might produce more sebum to overcompensate, which will make your skin more susceptible to breakouts. You can always opt for a lighter, gel formula moisturizer, like the No7 HydraLuminous+ Day Gel, which feels weightless on the skin and absorbs instantly.
Eye Creams
Use: Daily
One area that can contribute to an uneven-looking skin tone is the under eyes. The skin under our eyes is thinner and more delicate than the skin on the rest of our face, so it’s quicker to show signs of aging or discoloration (think those pesky dark circles after a late night).
When choosing an eye cream, pick a formula that’s hydrating, as this will help restore that plump feeling. You can also opt for a formula with vitamin C to help with brightness, or retinol, like the No7 Pure Retinol Eye Cream. Retinol is a form of vitamin A which is effective at helping fade dark spots.
Targeted Treatments
Use: As needed
If you have symptoms of a skin condition which is contributing to an uneven skin tone, you may find that your skin will benefit from a targeted treatment that’s designed to reduce your symptoms.
