How to Help Even Out Skin Tone

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What is Uneven Skin Tone?

Uneven skin tone is essentially a broad term for skin that has variations such as blotchiness, flakiness from dryness, and dark spots from sun exposure, aging, or imperfections. It can appear on the face and on the body, for example on the legs. Skin tone evenness can vary widely and many people might experience areas of uneven skin tone without realizing. 

One contributing factor to uneven skin tone is sun spots. Sun spots (dark spots due to sun exposure) can appear as slightly darker uneven areas of the skin. This happens when extra melanin clusters into spots or patches that can vary in color1. Sun spots can sometimes bother people as it may make the complexion look uneven. 

Although it is difficult to achieve a perfectly even skin tone, it is possible to reduce the visibility of dark spots from the sun, aging, and imperfections and help protect your skin from sun-related uneven skin tone going forward. 

What causes an uneven skin tone?

There are a multitude of factors that can lead to an uneven skin tone, many of which, sadly, are out of our control. However, it is still possible to reduce their effect. 

Sun exposure

Sun exposure can lead to sun spots.

Unprotected exposure to the sun can be very harmful to your skin, potentially causing sunburn when UV rays penetrate and damage the skin. This can then lead to uneven skin tone. Over time, unprotected exposure to the sun can cause skin to develop dark spots (sun spots) which will make your skin tone appear uneven.  

Dry skin

Dry skin affects many people and can be caused by both internal and external factors. A lack of moisture in the skin can cause it to dry out which can lead to flaking, and roughness, which can cause the skin to appear uneven. Additionally, dry skin may look ashen and dull compared to non-affected areas. 

Aging

As we age, the skin's natural processes can become less efficient, causing dark spots to appear and contribute to an uneven skin tone2.

Skincare for uneven skin tone

Eucerin’s Radiant Tone line of skincare products can help visibly reduce the look of persistent dark spots due to sun exposure, imperfections and aging with regular use.  Here are some recommendations for skincare that can help support a more even skin tone appearance: 

Note: When incorporating Eucerin® Radiant Tone products into your skincare routine, be sure to limit the use of Radiant Tone products to collectively a maximum of 4 times a day (excluding the Cleansing Gel).  Do not use on skin with active acne or irritation, and for best skin compatibility, use products from within the Radiant Tone range. 

1. Cleanser for uneven skin tone

You should ideally cleanse your skin twice a day; when you wake up in the morning and before going to bed. Using a cleanser with exfoliating properties can also help to gently remove dead skin to help skin look more even.  

Eucerin Radiant Tone Cleansing Gel, formulated with 2% Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) Complex, gently removes built-up layers of dead skin for even, smooth, and radiant-looking skin. Its clinically proven formula is gentle enough for daily use and suitable for all skin types. It gently removes built-up layers of dead skin for even, smooth, and radiant-looking skin. Its clinically proven formula is gentle enough for daily use and suitable for all skin types and tones 

99% of users

report improved skin clarity and boosted radiance when used regularly*.

*after 2wks. Home in use test, 120 respondents. 

Please note: This product contains an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), that may increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, and particularly the possibility of sunburn. Use a sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterward. 

2. Serum for uneven skin tone

To help improve an uneven skin tone appearance and visibly reduce the look of dark spots caused by sun exposure, imperfections, and aging, use a specially formulated serum after cleansing. 

Eucerin Radiant Tone Dual Serum formulated with Thiamidol, helps to visibly reduce the look of persistent dark spots due to sun exposure, aging, and imperfections. Enriched with Hyaluronic Acid for hydrated, smoother-looking skin, this serum is suitable for all skin types, and with regular use, clarity continues to improve over time.  

98% of subjects

claimed the serum visibly improved their complexion**

**Eucerin Serum - after 4wks. Home in use test, 122 respondents. Excludes Daily Lotion, Night Cream, & Eye Corrector 

3. Moisturizer for uneven skin tone

Moisturizing your face should also be done every day. This can help to visibly even out your skin tone due to dryness by hydrating and soothing areas of dry skin.  

Eucerin Radiant Tone Daily Lotion SPF 30 formulated with Thiamidol diminishes the look of persistent dark spots due to sun exposure, imperfections, & aging with regular use. With broad-spectrum SPF 30 sun protection, it also helps to prevent the reappearance of dark spots with regular use, and its lightweight, non-comedogenic formula means it won’t clog pores.  

Suitable for all skin types, this day cream helps improve skin’s radiance in as little as two weeks with regular use, and is suitable for all skin types. For sunscreen use, follow directions on packaging and use in conjunction with other sun protection measures. 

4. Night cream for uneven skin tone

Keeping skin moisturized isn’t only important in the daytime. Using a night cream specially formulated to help maintain an even skin tone allows you to help renew your skin’s appearance while you sleep. 

Eucerin Radiant Tone Night Cream works through the night to help restore skin’s radiance and support a visibly renewed appearance. Formulated with Thiamidol and enriched with Provitamin B5, this moisturizing night cream helps visibly reduce the look of dark spots due to sun exposure, aging, and imperfections, and helps to maintain even-looking skin with regular use. Massage onto the face and neck after cleansing in the evening. 

Lifestyle changes that may help with uneven skin tone

While skincare products can help e improve the look of uneven skin, there are also lifestyle changes you can make to help your skin stay healthy-looking and even, which include: 

Wear sunscreen daily

Proper sun protection is essential in helping to prevent sun exposure-induced dark spots on the skin. By following the sun-protection guidelines below, it may help prevent sun spots from reappearing on the skin that contribute to an uneven skin tone: 

  1. Avoid sun exposure at peak hours of the day when UV exposure is the strongest. Seek shade or stay indoors during the hours of 10am to 4pm to reduce exposure to harmful UV rays. 
  2. When spending time outdoors, seek shade when possible.  
  3. Wear protective clothing such as sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirts and long pants to minimize the amount of skin exposed to the sun. 
  4. For any skin that is exposed to the sun, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, using as directed and re-applying regularly. 
  5. Use sunscreen daily, year-round, even in colder months or on overcast days3

In addition to helping to prevent further sun damage, using a tinted sunscreen can help provide a more even-looking appearance. Eucerin Tinted Age Defense SPF 50 Face Sunscreen visibly reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles and offers a blendable tint for more even-looking, radiant skin.  

 

Stay hydrated

Drinking plenty of water hydrates you inside and out.  Also add a topical moisturizer that can help soothe dry skin.   

Summary – addressing uneven skin tone

There are plenty of ways that you can help to address the look of your uneven skin tone caused by the sun, aging, and imperfections. Patience and consistency is required, because this isn’t something that will change overnight. However, if you take care of your skin and body, in conjunction with a proper skincare routine using sunscreen and products that address the look of uneven skin tone due to sun, aging, and imperfections, over time you can expect your skin to appear more even. 

Manage uneven skin tone with Eucerin

The information provided herein is not intended to be medical advice. Nor is it intended to treat the underlying skin disease or condition. The information is provided solely to: 

1. Moisturize, soften and smooth dry skin 
2. Improve the appearance of the skin 
3. Achieve healthier-looking skin 

Sources:

  1. Mayo Clinic. Age spots (liver spots) - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/age-spots/symptoms-causes/syc-20355859
  2. Roberts, W. Air Pollution and Skin Disorders. International Journal of Women’s Dermatology 2021, 7 (1), 91–97. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijwd.2020.11.001
  3. Leonard, J. What can people do to even their skin tone? Medicalnewstoday.com. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-to-even-skin-tone#prevention

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