What should you know about very uneven skin tone?

Dark patches may follow acne, eczema, irritation, or an injury; this is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Symmetrical patches on the face can occur with melasma. Freckles and sun spots reflect cumulative light exposure, while diffuse roughness and fine lines can accompany sun-damaged skin. A clinician also considers medicines, hormones, skin products, and whether the colour is darker, lighter, red, or changing.

Use gentle cleansing, moisturise, and protect exposed skin from daylight with broad-spectrum sunscreen and protective clothing. Do not scrub or layer several irritating lightening products. Treatment may include a prescribed topical medicine or a procedure selected for your skin type and diagnosis. Chemical peels, skin brightening treatment, and IPL photofacial are not interchangeable; a consultation helps match the method to the pigment pattern and risk of temporary darkening.

Book a dermatology review if a patch changes quickly, becomes painful, bleeds, crusts, itches persistently, or has an irregular border. Seek prompt care for widespread colour change with fever, facial swelling, blistering, or a new medicine reaction. A photograph taken in consistent light can help track gradual changes.

Ask whether the pattern fits melasma, sun damage, post-inflammatory change, or another condition; what to stop using; and how long to judge a treatment safely.