Are you concerned with uneven skin tone? Don't worry, you're not alone! The truth is, perfectly even skin doesn't exist. Blotchy skin is a common skin condition caused by an increase in melanin production and clumping in certain spots.

But here's the good news: simple DIY solutions may help even out and fade any blotchy patches right at home!

A good foundation and concealer will cover and even out your skin tone. But a few simple DIY solutions may help even and fade any blotchy patches.

Natural acids like alpha-hydroxy, glycolic and salicylic act to remove dead skin cells, buff the appearance of fine lines, even out skin tone and enhance skin clarity. These are professional solutions that give fantastic results with regular treatments.

Skincare products formulated to exfoliate also help when used regularly. Enzyme-based products are less abrasive on your skin.

What causes uneven skin tone?

Darker patches that are a different tone to the rest of your skin are caused by an increase in melanin production and melanin ‘clumping’ in certain spots.

Melanin is a natural skin pigment that determines skin, eye and hair colour. It’s part of our genetic makeup, based on our ancestors’ exposure to the sun, to prevent sunburn. I’m fair (blonde hair and light skin), so I would have originated from a climate with little sun exposure. You probably came from a warmer location if you have an olive complexion!

Sun damage, hormones, and medications can increase melanin production, resulting in uneven, darker skin.

What can you do to reduce and prevent uneven tone?

A series of professional facials using an AHA (alpha hydroxy) peel or Microdermabrasion will help deeply exfoliate your skin and stimulate cell renewal.

Simple and affordable DIY options exist if you’re time-poor or have a tight budget!

When used regularly, these natural DIY solutions may help your skin to have a more even tone and to look brighter and smoother. I like to use them in the evening as any exfoliation can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so always use sunscreen before going outdoors.

Lemon juice

Apply the juice directly to the skin, sit for a few minutes, and then rinse. As it’s naturally acidic, it helps exfoliate and brighten skin tone. Test on a small area first, as lemon acidity varies according to season and growing conditions.

Green Tea

As well as all its health-boosting antioxidants, green tea can help even skin tone! Apply cooled tea bags to the dark areas of your skin and leave for 15 minutes. You can also make your own mask by mixing cooled tea with a banana or mashed kiwi fruit and leaving it on your face for 10 minutes.

Turmeric

Turmeric is not just for cooking curries! It’s also a powerful antioxidant that can even out skin tone. You can make your own mask by mixing turmeric with lemon juice or natural yogurt (if you want more hydration). If your skin is really sensitive, try almond oil instead. Leave on your skin for 10 minutes before gently removing it with a warm face cloth.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a wonderful moisturiser and can help with uneven skin tone. Squeeze the ’gel’ out of a leaf or two, apply to your skin and leave for half an hour. Remove with a warm face cloth.

Yogurt

A natural source of lactic acid, natural yogurt gently exfoliates your skin by ‘loosening’ the dead cells on top to reveal the younger cells underneath. This process helps to even skin tone. Make a weekly regeneration mask with 1 teaspoon of yogurt, 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of ground oats.  Leave on your skin for 15 minutes and remove with a warm face cloth.

The major cause of uneven skin tone is the sun.

Staying out of the harsh rays and protecting your skin with SPF50 is the best way to prevent and minimise pigmentation and dark spots.

Professional skin treatments using natural plant acids like alpha hydroxy, glycolic and salicylic acid are effective for minimising pigmentation and resurfacing for a smoother skin texture. They work to dissolve dead skin cells, minimise the appearance of fine lines, even out skin tone and enhance skin clarity. These professional solutions give fantastic results, especially when combined with regular facials.

I recommend a series of Microdermabrasion or Super Serum Peels combined with LED Light Therapy.

If you have any questions about having radiant, healthy skin at any age, you can schedule a virtual skin consultation via Zoom or Phone.

Your 20-minute consultation includes:

• Skin analysis

• Understanding how your skin works

• Learn what skincare products are best for your skin and how to use them effectively

• How food supports your skin health

• Resources to support an easy everyday skincare routine

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