Address Discolorations With A Treatment Serum
Dark spots and discolorations are among the most significant obstacles to clear, even skin. They can result from aging, inflammation, and even excessive sun exposure. While many of these marks will fade on their own eventually, some are persistent and need a little help. You can address stubborn spots with brightening skincare treatments, like Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution. This potent serum features activated C and white birch extract, which work in tandem to help improve skin tone and texture. Its clinically-demonstrated to visibly reduce dark spots and discoloration on all skin types and tones.*
One of the most effective ways to improve skin tone is via professional chemical peels. You can get similar results at home with a chemical exfoliant, like Nightly Refining Micro-Peel Concentrate. This mild at-home peel is clinically demonstrated to accelerate cell turnover for visibly more even skin over time.** Though effective, this unique treatment is gentle enough to be used nightly. Apply it all over your face and neck or just to problem areas to promote smoother, glowing skin.
Kiehl’s Expert Tip: You dont have to stick to only one serum. Some formulas can be combined for an extra boost. In the evening, layer Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution over Nightly Refining Micro-Peel Concentrate. These potent serums will work in tandem to refresh and brighten your skin while you sleep.
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 bodys 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.
Watch Out For Photosensitizing Ingredients
Did you know that many popular skincare ingredients make your skin more susceptible to sun damage? This includes the highly sought after exfoliating acids and citrus essential oils, included in many luxury products.
Consumers love the instant results from acids and the fresh olfactory experience from citrus oils. We totally get it! However, these do come with the unfortunate side-effect of photosensitivity, meaning your skin may be more sensitive to the sun. So, unless you live under a rock and never see the light of day, you could be making your skin more susceptible to skin damage, which can show up as dark spots and uneven skin tone. If youre super diligent and apply sunscreen daily, we envy your tenacity, but you are not the norm.
For the rest of us who can barely manage getting enough vegetables into our diet, let alone remember to apply sunscreen daily, we felt it was important to include this word of caution. This is also the reason why we at Root Science, do not formulate with photosensitizing ingredients. We understand that people have busy lives and dont have time to deep dive on the side effects of every skin care ingredient. That is unless you are an ingredient nerd like us.
Common Photosensitizing Skincare Ingredients:
AHAs: Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Mandelic Acid BHA: Salicylic Acid
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Glossier Solution Made With A 10% Blend Of Skincare Acids To Unglue Dead Skin And Clearing Your Complexion
This chemical exfoliator is cruelty-free and uses AHA, BHA, and PHA acids to unclog pores, fight acne, and banish dark spots, which at the same time moisturizing, conditioning, and exfoliating.
Promising review: “I started using Solution in December of 2018 because I was frustrated with the breakouts/redness I’d have. I definitely noticed after some regular use that my skin felt softer and looked a lot clearer! I still get a pimple every once in a while, but I think they go away much faster than before I started using Solution. I use it as part of my nighttime skincare routine wash with cleanser, Solution, maybe a serum, and moisturizer. It’s definitely earned a permanent place on my skincare shelf!” Alexa
Get it from Glossier for $26.
Check out BuzzFeed’s full review of the Glossier Solution here.
Treating Uneven Skin Tone In Black Skin
Darker skin tones are more prone to hyperpigmentation in comparison to those with lighter complexions because the skin cells have a higher melanin content. The tips outlined above are equally beneficial to Black skin and people of color, but there are additional steps that you can take that are specific to dark skin tones. Keep the following in mind:
- Microneedling is chemical-free and can correct stubborn dark spots on the outer and inner layers of the skin. It creates micro injuries in the skin to encourage the body’s natural repair process.
- Melanin gives skin some protection but wearing an SPF every day is critical for keeping cumulative sun damage and dark spots at bay. The newest innovations in sun care are formulated to blend into dark skin well and don’t leave a pesky chalky residue.
- Skin-lightening products must be prescribed by a professional and used as directed. Look out for unregulated bleaching creams with active ingredients in too high concentrationsthey can cause thinning of the skin, ulcers and permanent pigmentation.
- Seek advice from a dermatologist and/or esthetician who specializes in working with people who have dark skin tones. They’ll have a wealth of knowledge to support you on your journey towards correcting your pigmentation woes and preventing re-appearance.
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How Do I Get An Even Skin Tone
Some concealer or foundation can help cover up uneven skin tone but proper skincare is what will help you achieve a healthy, even complexion. Laser treatments can be effective, but here are a few more budget-friendly options:
A Garnier Skinactive Micellar Water Made With Vitamin C To Brighten Dull Skin And Combat Dark Spots Use It As A Gentle Cleanser In The Morning To Prep Your Skin For The Day Or As A Makeup Remover At Night To Wipe Away Anything That Might Be Irritating Your Face
Promising review: “I feel like the redness and irritation on my skin have gotten better after just a few applications! I have PCOS, which also gives me these darker patches of skin on my neck and inner thighs and this seems to have really improved that already too! Ive been putting this on as part of my morning and evening routine my skin stays hydrated all day but not oily like I was worried about, it seems to absorb fairly quickly! I will definitely be making this a permanent part of my skincare routine and buying more.” Darcy Y. McDaniel
Get it from Amazon for $8.92+ .
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A Lilyana Naturals Retinol Cream You Can Use Both Day And Night To Fade Sun Damage Spots And Acne Scars
Promising review: “This stuff is straight witchcraft… it works so great, my face feels A-M-A-Z-I-N-G after using it. I use it with the apple cider vinegar, and it feels kind of weird and a little tingly. At first, it freaked me out, especially when it washed off and my face was bright red, but then my face settled, and it felt great. My acne clears up and my face just feels smooth.” Allegra
Get it from Amazon for $14.95.
Common Signs Of Uneven Skin Tone
Before embarking on our discussion, it is essential to know some signs of uneven skin tone. Some common symptoms include:
- Acne scars and many more
If you’ve experienced these symptoms, then you might feel uncomfortable or self-conscious. However, there’s no need to worry! We’re here to guide you through some solutions for enhancing your skincare routine.
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Apply A Brightening Serum
After removing the dead skin cells through exfoliation, you need to apply a brightening serum. A brightening serum is a kind of treatment that penetrates your skin with moisture and vitamins to help even your skin tone. The serum should consist of vitamin C and other valuable elements that nourish and hydrate your skin. Remember that vitamin C is a robust antioxidant, helping to protect and brighten the skin while promoting the growth of new, healthy skin cells.
Get A Beautiful Even Skin Tone With The Cutting
Dr. Amir Karam spent decades working with his patients who wanted to achieve a smooth, fresh and even skin tone as a part of their facial rejuvenation. While his work as a surgeon accomplished firm, defined contours and a youthful, elevated lift, patients skin tone couldnt be addressed with surgery. Dr. Karam advised patients to use skincare products with key ingredients to ensure their skin was as youthful-looking as their new facial contours. However, he discovered the right skincare line didnt exist.
After much searching, he found there simply wasnt a simple, easy-to-use skincare line that included all the vital ingredients necessary for youthful, fresh, luminous skin. Dr. Karam dedicated the next five years to formulating the TRIFECTA, a simple, three-step skincare program that is clinically proven to truly work. The products work together to achieve hydrated, fresh, beautiful skin. From there, Dr. Karam went on to develop POLISH, the perfect complement to TRIFECTA.
POLISH is an advanced, dual exfoliator that renews and revitalizes the skin tone by polishing away dry, dull skin cells. POLISH leaves the skin hydrated, smooth, and beautiful. With TRIFECTA and POLISH, patients can achieve the luminous, beautiful, radiant skin they have always wanted.
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Use Good Sunscreen Daily
Since the sun is the main culprit for dark spots, a daily dose of sunscreen is the key. A good sunscreen a day takes the dark spots away! Dr. Lawrence E. Gibson, a dermatologist at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota has the right tips:
- Avoid sun-peak hours
There are certain hours of the day when the sand, concrete and snow reflect more UV rays. Generally, it is best to the sun at 10 oclock in the morning to 4 in the afternoon.
- Use quality sunscreen products
It is recommended to use water-resistant, broad-spectrum coverage products with an SPF of at least 30. Using good quality sunscreen products blocks the UV rays which help decrease the appearance of brown spots.
How To Use Makeup To Conceal Uneven Skin
As your hyperpigmentation begins to heal itself through your revised skincare and diet, consider concealing your uneven complexion with a tactful makeup application. A mineral foundation with a blendable, buildable texture can become your new best friend, but be sure to apply it correctly, or risk making your skin appear even blotchier. Follow these steps to look flawless when using products to manage uneven skin:
Once you determine what category you fall into, find a neutral foundation shade with the slightest hint of your undertone, but be cautious to stay away from formulas that appear either too pink or too yellow.
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How To Choose Moisturizer To Even Skin Tone: The Buying Guide
How do you choose the moisturizer to even skin tone? You must consider many things, such as the brand name, price, and product quality. In addition, you should also consider whether it is suitable for your needs or not.
So how do you choose the right moisturizer to even skin tone? Here are some tips that you can use to help you find a good product:
What you Should Keep in Mind When Buying moisturizer to even skin tone
When shopping for a moisturizer to even skin tone, there are several things to consider. You need to think about the quality of the product, the price, and even how much it will benefit your life. However, you also need to keep these factors in mind:
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How To Even Skin Tone With Turmeric And Orange Face Mask
One of the easiest ways on how to even skin tone fast and naturally is using turmeric and orange face mask. This mask is full of skin beneficial properties to remove blemishes and inhibit further occurrence as well. Turmeric helps to block the production of melanin, lightens the skin and reduces the skin imperfections well while the presence of citric acid in orange works as a natural bleaching property and even helps lighten sun tan.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp of fresh orange juice
- ¼ tsp of turmeric powder
Instructions:
Firstly, add turmeric powder together with orange juice to a mixing bowl. Mix the ingredients well until you get a thick paste. Then, apply on face and neck with this mask and keep it overnight for drying. The next day rinse it off using plain water and pat your skin dry. Follow this procedure every alternate day to even skin tone fast and naturally.
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An Exfoliating Body Scrub That Reviewers With Keratosis Pilaris And Other Textured Skin
Promising review: “Honestlywow. I have sensitive skin and usually cant deal with manual exfoliation but this didnt irritate my skin at all. AND IT WORKED! It helps with KP on my arms, sebaceous filaments on my chest and ingrown hairs on my legs. Literally perfect.” Meliss27
Get it from or , both for $12+ .
Balance Skin With A Hydrating Toner
There are countless reasons to use toner: It hydrates the skin, removes any leftover dirt or oil, and helps prepare skin for the rest of your routine. The right formula can provide additional benefits, as well.
Our best-selling Clearly Corrective Brightening & Soothing Treatment Water stars brightening licorice root extract and activated C to refresh dull, tired skin. The powerful formula also contains illuminating minerals, which instantly give skin a soft, subtle glow. When used daily, this effective treatment water visibly evens skin tone to promote a more radiant appearance.
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How To Even Skin Tone Naturally At Home
Although the most effective methods on how to even skin tone are prescription or over the counter products, a series of natural ingredients could also be efficient. They might take longer to work and some require a bit of preparation, but they are great ways to treat mildly uneven skin tone.
Heres how to even out skin tone naturally:
1. Citrus & Kiwi Juice
All citruses have acidic juices, which balance the skins pH and lighten up the skin tone. The most used one is lemon juice, which has a high concentration of citric acid. This substance fights against darker patches of the skin without discoloring the surrounding areas, which makes it a good natural skin tone evener. Simply apply the raw fresh lemon or citrus juice onto the affected area and let it sit for about 15 minutes, then gently wash it off.
How to use it:
Be careful when applying it on cuts or irritated skin areas, since it will cause burning and stinging. Also, avoid sunlight while having the juice on your skin since it will react and lead to redness, irritation, and burning.
Kiwi juice also helps in fighting sun spots and sun damaged skin. It can be used as a gentle exfoliator thanks to its seeds, and also acts as an antioxidant. However, be careful not to crush the seeds since their skin might cause small lesions and lead to rashes.
2. Milk
How to use it:
For best results, use raw, unprocessed milk. Apply it with a cotton ball or disc and give it 20 minutes to act, then gently rinse with lukewarm water.