Uneven Skin Tone

Unbalanced or uneven skin tone is commonly referred to as the "discolouration" of the skin or hyperpigmentation. It is not that different from our emotions which can also be balanced or imbalanced depending on the situation.

Skin tone is affected by a number of factors, from genetics to hormones. Our skin colour is primarily dictated by the amount of melanin in the skin and the type and distribution of the melanin. Generally, there are two types: eumelanin and pheomelanin. Eumelanin provides dark brown to black pigment, while pheomelanin gives red and yellow pigment.

So what exactly does "imbalanced skin tone" mean?

When one's skin tone is uneven, it means that there are different shades of skin colour present on their skin. When your skin has different shades of colour, it can be difficult to define where one colour begins and the other ends.

Uneven skin tone is basically not having flat skin on the face. While it is hard to say exactly what the causes of uneven skin tone are, there are certain factors that contribute to it.

These factors include a number of things, from sun damage to hormones to even skin inflammation. Hormonal imbalance, like pregnancy, puberty and menopause also determines the skin tone.

In this article, we will explore the possible causes of uneven skin tone and the different treatment options available.

What Are The Causes Of Uneven Skin Tone?

Most people think that uneven skin tone occurs only when you get older, but the fact is that it starts appearing in your early 20s. Even if you try to eat healthily and exercise regularly, you are bound to have problems with pigmentation, blemishes, dull-looking skin, acne marks and so on.

The causes of uneven skin tone are many, some are due to internal causes while others are due to external causes. 

Some common internal causes include an imbalance in the pigment-producing cells or melanocytes in the body, diseases or infections that may affect these cells, conditions that interfere with the normal functioning of the papillary layer of the skin and genetic factors. 

Certain external causes may lead to hyperpigmentation in the body. External factors include exposure to certain types of chemicals and exposure to excessive sunlight.

Unhealthy or damaged skin can cause your skin to appear dull, flaky or uneven in tone. Other causes may be unhealthy diet and dehydration. 

Diet affects your skin because the vitamins and minerals found in certain foods are essential to healthy skin. Lack of water will cause the dehydrated skin to lose its elasticity, resulting in premature wrinkles. It can also cause your skin to become itchy, red or blotchy.

How To Treat Uneven Skin Tone?

Hyperpigmentation is a condition where excess melanin is produced in the cells. Skin affected by hyperpigmentation may become darker in colour, uneven in colour and may also be accompanied by other kinds of conditions like whiteheads and pimples.

The skin is the largest organ of the body and helps in numerous ways. It is necessary to maintain and treat your skin properly to avoid any complications that may occur.

As the skin ages, the production of elastin and collagen slows down, which can leave you with fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. Although you can’t completely prevent these issues, you can delay them by following a few easy steps.

The first thing you need to do is drink adequate amounts of water. Your skin needs water to stay supple and hydrated. 

Next, eat plenty of foods with vitamin C. It will help you produce more collagen so your skin stays healthy.

Medical treatment for hyperpigmentation may involve addressing the underlying medical condition or stopping a medication that may be triggering the melanin production. Medical treatments include chemical peels, microdermabrasion, cryotherapy, laser resurfacing and intense pulsed light.

Home Remedies to Treat Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition that leads to the uneven darkening of the skin. The person most at risk for hyperpigmentation is someone who has experienced one of the most common triggers, such as an injury or an inflammation, such as acne.

Here are some of the home remedies for pigmentation:

1. Apple cider vinegar: Combine equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in a container. Apply the solution to the affected area and let it stay for 2-3 minutes. Rinse using lukewarm water. Repeat twice daily to achieve the results you desire.

2. Milk: Milk contains lactic acid that can lighten skin discolouration. Soak a cotton ball in the milk. Rub it over darkened skin patches twice a day. Repeat daily until you see visible results.

3. Masoor dal: Masoor dal is rich in antioxidants that can help cure hyperpigmentation. Soak 50 grams of red lentils overnight in a bowl of water and blend them the next day to obtain a fine paste. Apply the paste evenly all over your face and let it dry for about 20 minutes. Rinse with cold water and pat your skin dry with a towel.

Take Away

Hyperpigmentation is a condition where abnormal clusters of melanin are formed causing dark patches in various parts of the body. Hyperpigmentation happens when melanin cells that are naturally produced in the skin, produce too much melanin.