Ever wondered why certain parts of your skin are darker, blotchy, or a different shade of color than the rest of your face? This common concern is called uneven skin tone or hyperpigmentation. Besides wrinkles, it’s one of the most notable visual signs of aging.
If you want to keep your skin looking youthful, you need to learn how to fix uneven skin tone. Fortunately, with the right skincare products and routine, it’s not too hard.
What is Uneven Skin Tone?
An uneven skin tone is a condition where parts of your skin have visibly different colorings or textures than the surrounding skin. It can also have characteristics of both discoloration and texture changes at the same time.
Uneven skin tone is caused by multiple factors such as sunspots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that can appear after blemishes heal. There are two types of uneven skin tone: hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation.
Types of Uneven Skin Tone
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone is caused when the skin produces more melanin than normal - usually as a result of sun damage - resulting in uneven patches of darker skin than the rest of the surrounding skin. Although this uneven skin tone can affect any type of skin color, hyperpigmentation is more noticeable in those with lighter complexions.
Hypopigmentation
Hypopigmentation is the opposite of hyperpigmentation where the skin doesn’t actually produce enough melanin. This results in uneven skin tone as the skin produces lighter patches rather than the rest of the surrounding area. Hypopigmentation is more noticeable in those with darker complexions.
Common Causes for Uneven Skin Tone
Uneven skin tone is a basic term that can encompass many types of uneven skin tones on the face or any other part of your body. The causes of uneven skin tone in men are hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and acne scarring.
Post-Injury Scars
When your skin experiences an injury such as a cut or acne, it can overproduce melanin in response to the trauma. This overproduction results in more visible and pronounced dark spots on your skin after the acne lesion or injury heals. While these spots may eventually fade, they do not completely disappear over time.
And since those with medium to darker complexion already produce more melanin than those with fair complexion, this overproduction can result in the scars being more noticeable.
Sun Damage
Sun exposure prompts your body to produce excess melanin in order to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. A simple example of this is a skin tan, which is just melanin being created to prevent damage to your skin. But when all that melanin collects in a specific area, dark spots or hyperpigmentation can occur, and the result is uneven skin tone.
Acne
Male skin tones vary and many guys with a history of acne also deal with uneven skin tone. Picking or scratching at acne blemishes can cause scars on the skin. Although the scars heal, red marks are left on the skin. These scarred areas are also more likely to develop discoloration and uneven skin tone.
Age Spots
Age spots are caused by sun exposure over time that appear as you age. Age spots are more common in people who have a fair complexion. They tend to affect areas of the skin that have been exposed to the skin, such as the face, ears, hands, upper back, and chest.
Age spots appear on your skin as flat, round patches or sometimes bumps that are usually a brown or yellowish hue resulting in uneven skin tone. More often than not, age spots are harmless and cause no physical discomfort.
Mineral & Vitamin Deficiency
Uneven skin tone can be a direct result of not getting enough essential minerals and vitamins, whether it's through your diet, skincare routine, or environment. These essential vitamins and minerals include iron, calcium, Vitamin A, E, and B complex.
This deficiency results in dull and patchy skin with noticeable dark spots, inflammation, dryness, and wrinkles. Fortunately, you can reverse this deficiency by including food rich in these minerals and vitamins in your diet.
Hormonal Changes
Fluctuations in our natural hormones can have an unpredictable impact on skin tones and complexion, leading to unsightly blemishes or areas of uneven skin tone. You would think this only affects the teenage puberty years, however, as we age, our hormone levels naturally begin to decline.
Additionally, any substance abuse can also disrupt the balance of hormones within the body or even accelerate the decline of hormones prematurely. But having hormonal imbalances isn’t an end-all; with treatment and therapy, you can reduce and even prevent uneven skin tone.
Uneven Skin Tone Caused by Medical Conditions
Having less-than-perfect skin with uneven skin tone is common. But, if you suspect that you are experiencing something unusual, it might be time to consult with your doctor or dermatologist to get the lowdown on what may be causing it. Uneven skin tone may be more prevalent if you have the following medical conditions.
Post-Inflammatory
If you have Post-inflammatory erythema (PIE), it might seem like a cause for concern. After all, you might have noticed red spots caused by damaged blood vessels, which can leave your skin looking slightly uneven in tone.
But don't worry - these spots are generally a normal part of the healing process after any kind of injury, such as acne or burns. In addition to being very common, PIE is also relatively harmless and often disappears after a few weeks.
Melasma
Melasma is a skin condition characterized by the appearance of dark brown or blue-gray patches or freckles on the face. It tends to show up most commonly on the nose, lips, cheeks, and forehead, resulting in uneven skin tone.
While this condition is more likely to develop in women, it can still affect men. Melasma can be tricky to get rid of - it often takes a combination of medical treatments and lifestyle changes to manage - but it's definitely not impossible.
Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid disorders often have major implications on your physical appearance. You may notice paler skin if you have hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Thyroid disorders can also cause your skin to take on a coarse, rough, and dry texture resulting in uneven skin tone.
If you haven’t already, connect with your doctor on how to manage these underlying symptoms. With treatment and medication, you can get your thyroid under control and your skin on its way to a more even-looking complexion.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a common skin condition that affects all ages. While its primary symptom is facial redness and small bumps on the nose and cheeks, an uneven skin tone may also occur, including blushing or flushing and visible blood vessels.
Luckily, various treatments are available to help keep this condition in check. Check with your doctor about which approach works best for you, from topical medications and light therapies to lifestyle modifications.
How to Fix Uneven Skin Tone
Here at Brickell, we have the best solutions for any man's skin problems. You can forget about uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation because our skincare products are specifically formulated to tackle them both.
Our best products for uneven skin tone are hand-crafted with a commitment to the best natural organic ingredients and modern technology, creating a whole new experience in the world of men's skincare. Go on, elevate your skin game!
Use Sunscreen
The skin has the ability to repair itself, but not if is continuously exposed to harmful UV rays. So whenever you’ll be outside for more than 20 minutes, always make sure to apply sunscreen. For the best results, use a hydrating SPF product with broad spectrum protection and a mineral-based formula - like our Daily Defense Face Moisturizer (SPF 20) and Element Defense Moisturizer (SPF 45).
Exfoliate Often
When you exfoliate your skin, you remove the outer layer of dead skin cells that can clog your pores and prevent your skincare products from delivering optimal results. Getting rid of that dead skin also brightens your skin, so it contributes to having a more even skin tone.
Depending on your skin type, you can use our Renewing Face Scrub 2-3 times each week to exfoliate your skin and cleanse your pores. Its gentle ingredients won’t damage your skin or cause over-drying.
Use Nourishing Face Masks
Face masks aren’t just for women so while you may be tempted to skip out on this skincare product, don’t! Face masks should be making an appearance in your skincare routine at least 1-2 times a week.
From hydrating and toning uneven skin tones, to diminishing pores and removing facial impurities and excess oils - your complexion will thank you! Not only will a face mask like our Purifying Charcoal Face Mask for Men leave your face feeling refreshed and revitalized, but it'll also remove dead skin cells and clear clogged pores for an even brighter complexion.
Use a Repairing Serum at Night
Our Men's Repairing Night Serum leverages the power of plant stem cells to reduce skin cell inflammation. It also contains a hefty dose of MSM - a nutrient found in superfoods like kale and spinach that helps even out skin tone.
Incorporate Vitamin C
It’s not just great for your immune system; vitamin C also works wonders for your skin. Research shows that “topical application of vitamin C before exposure significantly reduced” the oxidative stress caused by UVA rays. So while sun exposure increases your chance of developing uneven skin tone, one of the best ways to fight back is incorporating vitamin C into your skincare routine.
An easy way to do this is with our Vitamin C Booster. Combine it with your face moisturizer or anti-aging cream; it’s one of the simplest ways to contribute to a more even skin tone on your face.
Try Balancing Toner
Face Toners are ideally used to remove excess oil, unclog and minimize pores, and remove impurities from the skin. But face toner not only preps and hydrates your skin. Using the right formulated toner can also help reduce inflammation and balance your skin tone.
To get started, use our Balancing Toner for Men after you’ve cleansed your face in the morning. Follow up with a vitamin-rich serum and face moisturizer to give your complexion extra protection.
How to Get Even Skin Tone for Black Skin
Achieving a seamless, even skin tone is the holy grail of skin care for black men, no matter what. While it may be true that those with lighter complexions have fewer options to work with in getting that perfect blend, darker skins have certain advantages. Those with darker complexions naturally have more melanin, which gives greater protection from sun damage and reduces hyperpigmentation.
The same tips and tricks that help people with lighter complexions achieve radiant, glowing skin can easily be applied to those with darker complexions. Caring for your skin starts with basics such as regular hydration, limiting sun exposure, and utilizing moisturizers.
How to Even Skin Tone on Face
Establishing your own facial skincare routine can help even out your skin tone. Start by washing your face with a gentle cleanser to exfoliate and unclog pores, then follow up with a hydrating toner to minimize shine and give life back to a dull complexion.
Next, reach for a hydrating serum that effectively addresses discolorations. If needed, massage eye cream under your eyes to address any hyperpigmentation. Finally, don't forget to nourish and hydrate your skin with a moisturizer to even your skin tone.
How to Get Even Skin Tone on Body
Scrub Your Body Weekly
Achieving even skin tone all over your body doesn't have to be a chore! Start off by forming an easy cleansing routine - make sure to scrub and exfoliate away the dulling, dead skin cells on the surface at least once a day using our Exfoliating Body Wash for Men.
This will eliminate any dirt or grime, creating a clear path for even further pampering - serums and moisturizers. Not only will this even out your skin tone over time, but you'll also feel refreshed and revitalized.
Choose Products with the Right Ingredients
When you're looking for the best skincare products to help even out skin tone, look for ingredients that control melanin production, like Oligopeptides, Niacinamide, and Zinc Glycinate. These work best on existing discoloration.
Active ingredients such as Vitamin C, Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, AHAs, and Retinol also help accelerate skin cell turnover and skin restoration. Activated Charcoal is another powerful ingredient and can be just what you’re looking for if you want to remove pollutants from your face or body. If you’re looking for the best body scrub, check out our Polishing Body Scrub for Men.
Moisturize Your Skin
Moisturizing your skin is an important step in having an even skin tone on your body, not just on your face. Moisturizer helps soothe the skin and prevent dryness and redness that can cause irritation and potentially clog pores.
By moisturizing regularly, you can help keep your whole body hydrated, thus making it easier to maintain a consistent complexion over time.
Avoid Direct Sun Exposure
If you want even skin tone, regardless of the season, it’s always best to avoid direct sun exposure. This is even more prevalent between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is at its strongest point. When in doubt, seek shade.
But if that’s not possible, bring an umbrella, cap, and/or UV-protective clothing to protect your skin. And don’t forget about the sunscreen!
Don't Forget the Nutrients
If you’re still wondering about how to get an even skin tone, don’t forget about your diet. After all, you are what you eat. Start by drinking enough water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated.
Next, focus on incorporating food that is rich in essential nutrients such as calcium, iron, and Vitamin A, E, and B complex. Adding these powerhouse macronutrients into your daily diet will help you achieve even skin.
Key Takeaway: Be Patient
Uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, and other changes to your skin don’t show up overnight. They develop over the course of many years. So don’t expect them to disappear instantly just because you started using a new skincare product.
Guys who have great-looking skin are patient and consistent with their skincare routines. To combat the years of damage your skin has endured, you’ll need to regularly apply products with the above-mentioned ingredients to help even out your skin tone.
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see instant results. Instead, stick to your routine, and soon you’ll notice marked improvements in your skin’s appearance.
