How to get rid of uneven skin tone

Uneven tone means some areas look darker, redder or lighter than nearby skin. Sun exposure can deepen existing pigment, while acne, eczema, irritation or an injury may leave post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Melasma often appears as symmetrical darker patches, commonly on the face. Sun spots and photoaging are other possibilities, but appearance alone cannot confirm the cause.

Use broad-spectrum sunscreen, reapply when outdoors, and add shade or a hat. Cleanse gently, moisturise, and stop products that burn or cause peeling. Do not pick spots or use unlabelled lightening creams. A clinician may recommend a tailored skin-brightening treatment, chemical peel or IPL photofacial after checking your skin type, pigment pattern and trigger. Improvement depends on the cause and on preventing further irritation or sun exposure.

Book an assessment for a new, rapidly changing, bleeding, crusting or persistently itchy patch, or for pigmentation that does not settle after inflammation has healed. Review is also sensible when patches spread, affect confidence, or appear after starting a medicine or skincare product. Do not treat an uncertain lesion with a peel or lightening product before it has been identified.

Ask what pattern the pigment follows, whether melasma, sun spots, sun-damaged skin or post-inflammatory change is likely, and which treatment fits your skin tone and sensitivity.