Woman with cream on her forehead and nose as she holds a jar of cream in front of one eye
BEAUTY
12 Helpful Tips For Evening Out Your Skin Tone
By LIZ THOMPSON
Protect It From UV Damage
Using sunscreen is vital in maintaining an even skin tone and preventing the appearance of discoloration. Sun damage is a leading cause of uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation.
A sunscreen with at least 30 SPF is recommended, as it blocks about 97% of UVB rays — the rays that reach the uppermost layers of the skin and cause sunburn and skin damage.
Avoid Irritation Or Injury
Scarring from acne can cause discoloration, and inflammation from it can cause hyperpigmentation. To avoid this, deal with breakouts gently and avoid aggressive scrubbing.
Skin irritation can also cause uneven skin tone. To prevent it, use gentle products and avoid harsh ingredients, which will help with uneven skin tone and maintain healthy skin.
Cleanse Gently
Cleansing and exfoliation are key steps in achieving an even skin tone, but over-cleansing or using the wrong cleanser can cause irritation, so pay attention to your products.
Always use a mild cleanser that is made for your skin type, avoid rising with overly hot water that can irritate your skin, and don’t use abrasive scrubs that can damage the skin.
Try Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that works to even out your skin tone by inhibiting the production of melanin and reducing the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Look for products with L-ascorbic acid on ingredient listings. This is an effective and widely-used water-soluble form of vitamin C that is easily absorbed by the skin.
Invest In Retinoid Cream
Retinoid creams contain a derivative of vitamin A and are used to treat several skin conditions from acne and wrinkles to psoriasis and uneven skin tone.
They work by inhibiting the production of melanin in the skin, and they help to speed up the skin's natural exfoliation process while also reducing inflammation.