What is the main cause of uneven skin tone?

Author: Winston Bergstrom MD  |  Last update: Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Uneven skin tone is a common skin care concern. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as sun exposure, aging, and genetics. Fortunately, there are ways to manage uneven skin.

How do you fix uneven skin tone?

How To Even Your Skin Tone in 7 Steps
  1. Step 1: Cleanse With an Exfoliating Face Wash. ...
  2. Step 2: Balance Skin With a Hydrating Toner. ...
  3. Step 3: Address Discolorations With a Treatment Serum. ...
  4. Step 4: Treat Your Under-Eye Area. ...
  5. Step 5: Nourish Skin With a Non-Comedogenic Oil. ...
  6. Step 6: Restore Hydration With a Brightening Moisturizer.

What deficiency causes uneven skin tone?

Skin inflammation – Acne, ingrown hairs, shaving and harsh skin care products can stimulate melanin production. Vitamin deficiency – A deficiency in calcium, iron, Vitamin A, E, or B complex can all lead to uneven skin tone.

How can I get my original skin tone back?

To regain your original skin tone, focus on a consistent skincare routine that includes gentle exfoliation, hydration, and sun protection. Avoiding tanning and harmful products will also help. The time it takes can vary based on individual skin conditions, but noticeable results might take several weeks to months.

Can you reverse uneven skin tone?

Laser treatments are one of the more popular options for correcting uneven skin tone. These treatments use focused light to target and break down pigmentation, promoting a more uniform complexion. Some common types include: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): IPL uses broad-spectrum light to target dark spots and pigmentation.

Best Remedy for Hyperpigmentation

Can vitamin C fix uneven skin tone?

Use Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful ingredient that can help brighten uneven skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots. It works by inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production, making it an excellent remedy for hyperpigmentation.

How to get glass skin?

Here are a few clear skin tips to help you on your journey toward healthy-looking glass skin.
  1. Double cleanse. ...
  2. Use an exfoliator. ...
  3. Apply a hydrating serum. ...
  4. Reach for a sheet mask. ...
  5. Layer on a lightweight moisturizer. ...
  6. Always finish with sunscreen.

Is uneven skin tone permanent?

A. No, uneven skin tone can be treated with the right skincare ingredients and sun protection. The severity and cause of the dark spots determine the time it would take to reverse the damage, ranging from a few weeks to a few months.

How do I get my melanin back?

Currently, no safe or proven method exists to increase melanin – the pigment, or color, in a person's skin, hair, and eyes. A person's genetics determine their natural melanin levels and skin color. In general, people who have darker skin tones have more melanin than those with lighter skin tones.

How can I get my perfect skin back?

Skin care: 5 tips for healthy skin
  1. Protect yourself from the sun. One of the most important ways to take care of your skin is to protect it from the sun. ...
  2. Don't smoke. Smoking makes skin look older and plays a part in wrinkles forming. ...
  3. Treat your skin gently. ...
  4. Eat a healthy diet. ...
  5. Manage stress.

What are the facial signs of B12 deficiency?

The deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause specific skin manifestations, such as hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair and nail changes [1].

Which vitamin is best for uneven skin tone?

Vitamin C is great for those with: dull or uneven skin tone. dark spots, acne scars and pigmentation. fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin.

What foods cause uneven skin tone?

Dairy, particularly cow's milk, has been shown to affect the skin in many ways. First, it can increase the size of our oil glands, which can create excess oil production. This can cause blemishes at best and full-on acne breakouts at worst. Milk is also relatively high in sugar which can cause inflammation.

What does uneven skin tone look like?

You may notice uneven skin tone in a variety of ways: Sun spots and dark spots: These are light brown or black spots that develop after sun damage caused by sun exposure and sunburn. Acne: Inflamed, red pimples caused by clogged pores that lead to whiteheads and blackheads.

Which part of my body shows my real color?

Look into a mirror in natural light. Artificial lighting can alter the appearance of your natural skin colour. Notice the colour of the skin along your jawline or behind your ear. These areas typically tend to show your skin tone in its purest form, without any redness or discolouration that could get in the way.

What is the best ingredient for uneven skin tone?

Niacinamide + acetyl glucosamine

The two ingredients in this duo—niacinamide and acetyl glucosamine—have impressive research showing their ability to alleviate the appearance of uneven skin tone and red areas!

Why am I losing pigment in my skin?

Vitiligo occurs when pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) die or stop producing melanin — the pigment that gives your skin, hair and eyes color. The involved patches of skin become lighter or white. It's unclear exactly what causes these pigment cells to fail or die.

What color is pure melanin?

Microscopic appearance. Melanin is brown, non-refractile, and finely granular with individual granules having a diameter of less than 800 nanometers. This differentiates melanin from common blood breakdown pigments, which are larger, chunky, and refractile, and range in color from green to yellow or red-brown.

Can a dermatologist fix uneven skin tone?

Severe or persistent dark spots can often be treated using an in-office procedure. There are multiple treatments, and your dermatologist can recommend the best option to help fix an uneven skin tone.

What autoimmune disease causes skin discoloration?

Vitiligo is a chronic (long-lasting) autoimmune disorder that causes patches of skin to lose pigment or color. This happens when melanocytes – skin cells that make pigment – are attacked and destroyed, causing the skin to turn a milky-white color.

Can Cetaphil remove dark spots?

CETAPHIL Healthy Radiance Gentle PHA Exfoliating Cleanser gently cleanses and exfoliates to promote surface cell turnover, resulting in a smoother, more radiant complexion to visibly reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

How do Chinese get glass skin?

Practice Oil Cleansing

Rather than using a traditional cleanser, the Chinese method is to begin with an oil cleanse. The logic behind this is that like attracts like. So, using an oil to cleanse your face will help to break up and remove any other oils that are present on your skin, such as sebum, makeup, and dirt.

How to exfoliate face?

If you use a scrub or chemical exfoliator, apply the product gently using small, circular motions. Do this for about 30 seconds, and then rinse off with lukewarm — not hot — water. If you use a brush or sponge, use short light strokes. Never exfoliate if you have open cuts or wounds or if your skin is sunburned.

What is double cleansing?

“Double cleansing means cleansing your face twice, first with an oil-based product and then followed by a water-based cleanser,” explains Dr. Wu. The first step of using an oil-based cleanser is helpful when it comes to removing waterproof makeup and sunscreen.

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