What does every woman want, besides eternal love and money? A beautiful, smooth, and silky skin to make everybody else jealous. Unfortunately, skin imperfections are such a common problem that sometimes you feel like you’re fighting a war with your own body. Sunspots, wrinkles, moles, acne – we all have experienced these.
However, today our topic is another condition, which many of us find embarrassing. I’m talking about uneven skin tone. As you probably know, there is nothing worse than donning your bathing suit and discovering that some parts of your skin are lighter/darker than others.
So, today we’re going to talk about how to get rid of uneven skin tone and restore our beautiful complexion. I’m going to share with you five fantastic home remedies that will take care of the problem fast, so it’s worth reading on. But first, let’s talk about why you might have uneven skin tone, shall we?
What Causes Uneven Skin Tone?
Do you know how the pigment responsible for your skin color is called? Melanin. Cells, located in the bottom layer of the skin called melanocytes, are the ones responsible for producing melanin and giving your skin its natural color. Usually, melanin is spread evenly, so that your skin is even all over your body.
However, sometimes melanocytes start to overproduce melanin. This condition is called hyperpigmentation. Sometimes it can go away on its own, but other times it might require intensive treatment. The question is why your body overproduces melanin, right? The main reasons are:
- Extensive sun exposure – the cells release melanin to protect the skin from UV damage, so when you go unprotected outside in the scalding sun, your skin gets damaged and your body takes preventive measures.
- Hormonal imbalances caused by pregnancy, birth control pills, or other medical conditions. It, usually, leads to the formation of light to medium brown patches on the face. The condition is called melisma.
- Previous skin damage, known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The skin trauma might be due to acne, eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, and so on. It usually affects people with darker skin.
Other risk factors, which increase the chance of hyperpigmentation include:
- Acne
- Autoimmune disorders
- Vitamin deficiency
- Metabolic diseases
- Smoking
- Medication
- Exposure to chemicals
- Genetics
- Old age
- Eating unhealthily
Signs and Symptoms of Uneven Skin Tone
Of course, one of the telltale signs of uneven skin tone is darker than usual patches. Other symptoms include:
- Age spots also called sun spots
- The patches become more visible after sun exposure
- Red, brown, purple streaks or clusters on the skin
- Freckles
Nevertheless, if you suddenly notice a new dark spot on your skin, you should consult a professional. In rare cases, skin cancer can mimic ordinary dark spots, so you’d want to check it out and keep an eye on existing patches to spot changes early. Skin darkening is a sign that you’re damaging your skin too much and should take preventive measures.
Also, if you see any additional symptoms like pain, blisters, or itching, you might have contact dermatitis or another skin disease.
Home Remedies for Uneven Skin Tone
So, how to get rid of uneven skin tone? Well, you can try conventional treatments for uneven skin tone, which include:
- Over-the-counter lotions, which contain chemicals
- Microdermabrasion or removing the superficial layer of the skin
- Chemical peels
- Laser treatment
Those probably sound too harsh to most of you, and let’s face it, removing a layer of your skin doesn’t sound very painless, right? So, before you go to your doctor to make an appointment for uneven skin treatment, you might try one of these remarkable home remedies for skin tones.
1. Lemon to lighten your complexion
As some of you probably know, lemon is known for its skin-lightening properties thanks to the citrus acid present. It’s one of the most common remedies for getting rid of dark spots and skin blemishes because it’s efficient, easy to use, and has no side effects. What’s more, lemons are natural sources of vitamin C, which is great for your skin and will keep it smooth and wrinkle-free.
To achieve better results, you can mix lemons with sugar because sugar is an excellent choice for cleansing the pores, removing dead skin cells, and ensure a smooth skin complexion.
Necessary ingredients:
- Lemon juice
- Sugar
- Coconut oil
- A teaspoon
- A tablespoon
- A bowl
- Cup
- Water
Process:
- Measure one teaspoon of coconut oil and pour it into the bowl.
- Get the granulated sugar and add one tablespoon to the coconut oil.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice in a cup.
- Add half a teaspoon of the juice to the rest of the ingredients.
- Stir the mixture well.
- Apply the concoction to the affected area.
- Scrub gently using circular motions.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
- Pat the skin dry.
- Repeat
Alternatively, if you’re dealing with small dark spots, you can do the following:
Necessary ingredients:
- Lemon juice
- Water
- A squeeze bottle
Process:
- Dilute the lemon juice with water and pour it into the squeeze bottle.
- Gently spray the affected areas.
- Repeat.
Notes: Do not expose your skin to direct sunlight after applying lemon juice. Also, avoid the area around the eyes if you’re applying the mask on the face. In case you have sensitive skin, you should do a patch test to determine if the remedy is suitable for you. Also, you have to be consistent. The treatment might take a while to work.
2. Papaya is an excellent brightening agent
Papaya is not only a tasty fruit, which you can enjoy as a snack during the day but an excellent ally against skin problems. If you don’t know it, papaya contains ample vitamin A – a powerful antioxidant, which will take care of those free radicals that are damaging your skin. What’s more, this delicious fruit is rich in papain – an enzyme, which reduces inflammation and promotes wound healing.
Here are two easy ways to use papaya to get rid of uneven skin tone.
Necessary ingredients:
- Raw papaya
- Knife
Process:
- Get the raw papaya.
- Peel it with the knife.
- Rub the fruit side on the problematic area for five minutes.
- Rinse with water.
- Repeat.
Alternatively, you can mix papaya and milk for fast results. Milk is an excellent brightening agent thanks to the presence of lactic acid.
Necessary ingredients:
- Raw papaya
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Milk
- Blender
- Water
- A bowl
- A cup
Process:
- Start by cutting the papaya with the knife.
- Dice the papaya pieces.
- Measure half a cup and pour it into the blender.
- Blend until you have a smooth paste.
- Transfer the papaya paste into the bowl.
- Add a tablespoon of water and two tablespoons of raw milk.
- Stir the ingredients until you have a thick paste.
- Apply it on the affected area.
- Wait 15-20 minutes for the paste to dry.
- Rinse with cold water.
- Repeat daily until you’re satisfied with the results.
Notes: Papaya is generally safe to use. However, if you eat too much of it, you might end up with stomach irritation. Also, do not rub the papaya on your skin for too long or your skin might get irritated.
3. Yogurt for smooth, even skin tone
I know what you’re thinking. How could yogurt help me get rid of uneven skin tone? Well, yogurt is well-known for its brightening abilities. What’s more, it’s an excellent exfoliant when you need to remove those build-up dead skin cells. It’s perfect for scarred skin or if you’ve sunbathed on the beach too much.
Necessary ingredients:
- Organic yogurt
- Water
- A bowl
- A tablespoon
Process:
- Measure one tablespoon of organic yogurt and pour it into the bowl.
- Add one tablespoon of water.
- Mix the two ingredients well.
- Apply the yogurt mask to the affected areas.
- Leave it to dry for half an hour.
- Rinse off with water.
- Repeat.
Alternatively, you can mix lemon juice and yogurt and use it as a face scrub mask if you have uneven skin tone on the face and neck.
Necessary ingredients:
- Plain yogurt
- Turmeric
- Lemon juice
- A Teaspoon
- A Tablespoon
- A bowl
- Cold water
Process:
- Measure two tablespoons of plain yogurt and pour them into the bowl.
- Add half a teaspoon of lemon juice and one teaspoon of turmeric.
- Mix the three ingredients well into the bowl until you have a paste.
- Apply to the affected areas and rub it gently using circular motions.
- Wait for it to dry.
- Rinse with cold water.
- Repeat.
Notes: Make sure that the yogurt you buy is organic with no added flavors or chemical compounds.
4. Milk to ensure fair complexion
Milk is one of the oldest remedies for skin problems known to humankind. You’ve probably heard all about the ancient Egyptians and Cleopatra’s famous milk baths. And as I already mentioned, milk has excellent bleaching effects because it’s rich in lactic acid, which could be useful for reducing pigmentation.
What’s more, milk contains vitamin A, a potent antioxidant, and vitamin D and calcium, which increases collagen production. In addition to this, it’s a source of vitamin B12, which is excellent for healing discolorations.
Necessary ingredients:
- Milk
- Uncooked oatmeal
- Rosemary
- Cinnamon
- A Bowl
- Airtight container
- Warm water
- Mortar and pestle
Process:
- Start by grounding some rosemary and cinnamon
- Pour one cup of uncooked oatmeal into the bowl.
- Add one teaspoon of the grounded rosemary, a pinch of the grounded cinnamon, and enough milk to make a paste.
- Stir the ingredients well.
- Pour the paste into the airtight container.
- Apply the concoction to the affected area and scrub gently.
- After 20 minutes, rinse with water.
- Repeat every couple of days.
Alternatively, here’s one simpler recipe:
Necessary ingredients:
- Milk powder
- Orange juice
- A bowl
- Water
- Teaspoon/ tablespoon
Process:
- Measure two teaspoons of milk powder into the bowl.
- Add one tablespoon of orange juice.
- Mix the ingredients.
- Apply the paste in a thin layer on the affected spot.
- Wait for it to dry.
- Rinse with water.
Notes: To reduce pigmentation, it’s best to use raw milk (milk which you haven’t boiled yet) whenever possible. However, if you are allergic to lactose, do not use these home remedies for uneven skin tone.
5. Sugar to exfoliate the skin
If you ever want to get rid of uneven skin tone, one of the most efficient ways would be to use sugar. Due to its rough texture, it’s an excellent exfoliant to remove the build-up of dead cells and the flaky, scaly skin.
Necessary ingredients:
- Raw granulated sugar
- Water
- Coconut oil
- A bowl
Process:
- Measure one cup of raw granulated sugar.
- Pour it into the bowl.
- Add water and some coconut oil.
- Mix the ingredients until you have a paste.
- Use your fingers to rub the concoction on the affected spots.
- Massage gently.
- Rinse with water.
- Pat the skin dry.
- Repeat.
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You can also combine sugar with aloe vera and orange. Here’s how to do it:
Necessary ingredients:
- Brown sugar
- Aloe vera
- Orange juice
- A bowl
- Teaspoon/tablespoon
- Water
Process:
- Start by measuring three tablespoons of orange juice.
- Pour them into the bowl.
- Add two tablespoons of aloe vera pulp and a teaspoon of brown sugar.
- Mix the ingredients well.
- Apply the paste to the affected spots.
- Wait for it to dry and gently rub it around the skin.
- Rinse with water.
- Repeat.
Notes: Be gentle when you apply the sugar scrub, or you might irritate your skin. If you feel any pain or burning, you should discontinue the treatment.
How to prevent uneven skin tone?
Since skin tone is related to melanin production, so you can take preventive measures to make sure that you don’t have to deal with this problem:
- Stay away from the sun during the peak hours between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
- Always apply sun-protecting lotions when you’re going out.
- Choose the right sunscreen – one which protects against UVA and UVB
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Wear a hat and long-sleeved shirts to protect your skin.
- Do not use tanning beds.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and keep your skin moist.
- Use moisturizers and don’t forget to exfoliate your skin.
- Use natural skin cleansers.
As long as you take proper care of your skin and make sure that it’s protected from the harmful UV rays, you’re going to avoid tons of skin problems in the future. Uneven skin tone is not pretty to look at, but you can quickly deal with it with the help of these natural remedies. Just remember to be careful and consult a professional if you have any concerns.
What do you think about these home remedies for uneven skin tone? How do you get rid of your uneven skin tone? Share your stories in the comment section and don’t be shy.
Cory Fang
A beauty professional, Cory Fang earned her two-year diploma in Beauty and Skin Care before going on to study Reflexology, Somatology, and electrical face and body treatments.She is committed to her client's well-being, and after working at a local beauty business for three years, she went into business for herself four years ago. A proponent on peels, skin needling, facials, and basic home care, she knows what it takes to keep skin and the body healthy.
