Do you wish you had a perfectly even skin tone? Unfortunately, it doesn’t exist – and that’s okay. Having a little color adds shape and dimension to your complexion, whether you achieve it naturally or use cosmetics.
When you begin to develop dark spots, patches, redness, or other color changes, then it’s time to take action. The skin care experts at The Derm are sharing some of the best ways to even your skin tone, including natural remedies and professional treatments.
What causes uneven skin tone?
Not all dark spots are created equal! There are many different reasons why your skin might appear uneven or change color, including:
Some skin tone changes happen suddenly, while others develop more slowly over time. Whatever your skin situation may be, The Derm can identify what’s causing your skin tone issues and create a personalized treatment plan just for you.
Natural remedies to even your skin tone
Regardless of why you’re experiencing uneven skin tone, you can likely address it with natural remedies designed to improve the overall health of your skin.
Use sunscreen
Excessive and unprotected sun exposure are two of the most frequent causes of uneven skin tone. Using sunscreen daily helps prevent sun damage to your skin, including the immediate redness and peeling of sunburns and sun spots that may develop years later.
Think sunscreen is just for summer? Think again! You should use sunscreen during the winter as well. Snow and ice – two things we see a lot of in the Chicagoland area – can reflect up to 90% of the sun’s UV rays, increasing your risk of skin damage.
Choose sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher, and remember to reapply every few hours (or more frequently if you are sweating or swimming).
Stay hydrated
Drinking water hydrates your skin from the inside out. The National Academy of Medicine recommends at least 13 cups (104 ounces) per day for men and 9 cups (72 ounces) per day for women. Carry a reusable bottle to ensure you drink enough water throughout the day.
Applying moisturizer also hydrates your skin, helping to soothe and repair redness, dryness, irritation, and other skin issues. Bonus: using a broad-spectrum moisturizer that contains sunscreen can give you even more protection against sun damage.
You should apply moisturizer at least twice a day – once in the morning and once at night – and after bathing or showering.
Try witch hazel
Witch hazel, a flowering plant known for its anti-inflammatory properties, is a popular natural remedy for many skin conditions. You can apply witch hazel directly to your skin or use skin care products that contain witch hazel, such as lotions, toners, cleansers, or soaps.
Witch hazel can cause dry skin or sensitivity for certain people, so ask your dermatologist before you try this option.
Professional treatments to even your skin tone
If natural remedies aren’t enough, The Derm offers many cosmetic dermatology services that can help even your skin tone and deliver optimal results.
Laser treatments
Laser treatments are often used to improve skin tone, thanks to their ability to lighten sun spots, age spots, scars, and other unwanted blemishes. Laser treatments use various types of focused light to target and break down pigmentation within your skin. For instance, intense pulsed light (IPL) uses broad-spectrum light to treat sun damage, dark spots, and redness.
Laser skin resurfacing (also known as a laser peel) can help address deeper pigmentation issues. This type of laser treatment removes the outer layers of your skin, prompting the growth of new, more evenly pigmented skin.
Microdermabrasion
With microdermabrasion, the goal is the same as a laser peel. However, this treatment relies on exfoliation instead of laser light.
Microdermabrasion exfoliates your skin by gently removing the top layer with a special rotating tool. This process eliminates dead skin cells and stimulates collagen production, resulting in smoother, more evenly-toned skin.
Microdermabrasion can also treat light scarring, discoloration, sun damage, and other skin conditions that affect your skin tone.
Clinical peels
Clinical peels penetrate your skin with a chemical solution that causes your skin to exfoliate and peel on its own, revealing new, more evenly-toned skin underneath.
Clinical peels come in three strengths: light, medium, and deep. Light clinical peels use gentler acids (such as salicylic acids) and can be performed quickly. Medium clinical peels may require pain relievers or sedatives, while deep clinical peels require sedation.
If you have questions about any of these treatment options, including recovery time, ask your dermatologist. The Derm will work closely with you to select the right professional treatment(s) for your skin – and for your budget.
When to see a dermatologist ASAP
Sometimes, uneven skin tone or color changes can indicate an underlying skin condition, such as psoriasis or rosacea. Contact The Derm right away if you have moles, dark spots, or any other blemishes that could be skin cancer.
Book an appointment today
Take the first step to even your skin tone by booking an appointment today at one of our state-of-the-art offices in Glenview or Park Ridge. Be sure to check out our full line of skin care products as well!
