How to Fix Uneven Skin Tone (And 2 Proven Ways to Prevent It)

Whether you or someone you know suffers from a skin condition, one way to get it medically treated is through your GP or a dermatologist. However, if you’d prefer to try something a little more natural before diving into prescribed creams, ointments and treatments, there are ways to fix uneven skin tone without a prescription.
Did you know you may even be able to treat your skin with products from your pantry, drugstore or even local supermarket? Natural treatments for uneven skin tone tend to be more affordable than booking an appointment with a dermatologist and then handing over your credit card for all sorts of prescription potions. Read on for our best ways to fix uneven skin tone.
How to fix uneven skin tone
Scrub away with a physical exfoliant
This sounds like a no-brainer, but not every exfoliating scrub is suitable for fixing uneven skin tone on your face. You probably already know that exfoliating is a great way to remove dry or dead skin cells off the surface for a smoother, more radiant appearance.
There are many exfoliators from department stores right down to your local supermarket, or you could even make a personalised concoction right at home. All you need is brown sugar, baking soda, coffee and oatmeal at the foundation of each scrub. Top off with your choice of honey, avocado and a drop of lemon to invigorate the skin.
ExfoliKate Intensive Pore Exfoliating Treatment, $88
Use a chemical exfoliant
Chemical exfoliants work to fix uneven skin tone in a similar way to physical exfoliants–by removing a layer of skin. The difference is that chemical exfoliants do this using a chemical (such as lactic acid or glycolic acid), whereas physical exfoliants do it by scrubbing with little particles.
Some chemical exfoliants can be quite harsh on your skin (which is why they’re so good at fixing uneven skin tone!), so it’s best to follow the instructions and avoid using them too frequently. Because they can make your skin more sensitive to UV light, it’s important to minimise direct sun exposure and always wear sunscreen. Most chemical exfoliants will recommend that you only use them at night for this very reason.
Liquid Gold Exfoliating Treatment with Glycolic Acid, $54
Glycolic Night Serum – Skin Care Brightening Night Serum, $109
Lactic Acid 5% + Ha 2% 30ml, $12.55
Dial in your skincare routine
A consistent skincare routine can help to resolve any uneven skin tone, and it’ll definitely help to prevent it in the future. Cleansing, moisturising and toning the skin on a daily basis will hydrate your skin throughout the day, and a good night cream, like this one by Caudalie, will lock in moisture throughout the night to avoid breakouts or discolouration. Rosehip oil is an inexpensive ointment we love that, when used consistently, can reduce the appearance of ageing, fix uneven skin, hydrate dry skin and help keep you looking youthful and fresh.
Vinoperfect Brightening Glycolic Night Cream, $65
How to prevent uneven skin tone
In case there weren’t already enough benefits of working out and eating fresh, whole foods, here’s another one: A healthy lifestyle will help prevent uneven skin tone, and may even help to fix it. You don’t have to go cold turkey on carbs and join your local crossfit gym to reap the rewards–regular, moderate exercise is enough to get your blood flowing, which helps to nourish your skin cells and carry away waste products, including free radicals, from working cells.
Cutting back on sugar, alcohol and smoking will also help to prevent and cure uneven skin tone, as these have been known to cause inflammation in the body.
One of the most common (and also most easily preventable!) causes of uneven skin tone is unprotected exposure to the sun. Remember to apply sunscreen on your face and body when heading outdoors, even if it’s cloudy or cold. In many cases, the SPF in your foundation won’t be enough to adequately protect your skin from the sun’s rays, so don’t be afraid to double up and add a layer of sunscreen to protect your face.
Prevention is better than the cure, right? Fortunately, in this case, prevention is also easier than fixing uneven skin tone because it’s simply a matter of making some easy lifestyle shifts and remembering to protect your skin.
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