There are different causes for uneven skin tone, both internal and environmental. Treatments also vary widely, depending on the cause, severity and location of the patchy discoloration (although most cases of uneven skin tone happen in the face). Does this Spark an idea?
Types
Uneven skin tone can happen for many reasons, most of which are either hormonal or a physical reaction to light. In both instances, Melanin build-up in uneven quantity and places is usually the reason for the patchy brown appearance. As the cells containing more Melanin come in contact with sunlight, for example, they darken faster than other areas with less Melanin. That produces the uneven coloration.
Causes
Oily skin is more prone to uneven pigmentation because of lack of sebum (oily matter secreted by glands in the skin) . Less sebum means that cells don't bind well to each other, resulting in uneven patches that feel rough to the touch and often look like cracked skin. Uneven skin tone caused by this reason is easier to deal with because it simply requires exfoliation, rather than more invasive treatment.
Uneven skin tone can also be due to hormonal changes, especially during pregnancy or in certain women taking birth control pills. The extra estrogen in the body causes Melanin to reproduce at a much higher speed than normal, resulting in patchy brown skin. If this happens during pregnancy, there is often no need for treatment, as the problem will disappear after given birth. If it's caused by the pill, switching to a brand with a different chemical composition may fix the problem.
Prevention/Solution
The first step in dealing with uneven skin tone is to ensure proper skin protection. Even in areas that are already uneven, sunlight can still cause more damage and make it harder for creams or exfoliation to work properly. To avoid further damage, always use sunscreen, especially in the face (many foundations and creams already contain sunscreen), plus wear hats and sunglasses at peak hours.
Considerations
Exfoliate skin regularly. This will require using some kind of sponge or exfoliating towel and a scrub cream made for the type of skin you have (dry, sensitive, oily). Always clean your skin first of any makeup or lotions, then scrub to clean and follow up with a brightening serum or corrective whitening cream. Creams containing hydroquinone, co-enzyme Q10, salicylic acid and alpha and beta hydroxy acids also help exfoliate the skin and clear up the uneven accumulation of cells.
Expert Insight
More serious cases may require the help of a professional. Microdermabrassion, glycolic peels and intense pulse light can all remove dead layers of skin, clearing pigmentation and helping skin regenerate.
