Do you feel your skin looks dull and tired? Does your skin have uneven dark patches? All of us always want a healthy looking even skin tone. But the harsh summer sun and the pollution of our resources can often make attaining an even glowing skin tone with no pigmentation impossible.
What is uneven skin tone?
Uneven skin tone is a condition which causes irregular darkening of the skin. According to dermatologists the reason for this is the excess production of the skin cells called melanocytes which contain melanin pigment that gives the skin its color. Uneven skin tone referred to as hyperpigmentation medically leads to the formation of dark patches on your skin making it look old and devoid of life.
People often try to use makeup to cover up the uneven patches without trying to cure the underlying cause of the uneven skin complexion. Makeup is temporary and can sometimes aggravate the pigmentation due to chemicals present in it. The other more holistic approach is to use home remedies for naturally youthful skin tone.
Causes for uneven skin tone
Your body could be producing the excess melanocytes for a number of reasons- hormonal, sun exposure, and even stress can lead to uneven skin tone.
Too much sun exposure: The harmful UV rays of the sun can harm your skin adversely. The melanin of the skin protects yours from these effects of the sun’s UV rays. When you spend too much time outdoors, the skin accelerates the production of melanin to protect your skin. Regular exposure to bright sunshine can also cause sun damage to your skin. It is wise to always use a moisturizer such as an aloe vera gel (read below for its benefits) before stepping into the sun.
Pollution:Â The micro particles present in the air due to exhaust fumes from cars and factories can penetrate our skin and cause pigmentation.
Hormonal changes:Â Sometimes stress and change in lifestyle can cause your hormones to fluctuate. This can lead to uneven skin patches. Even using birth control could alter your hormones and cause pigmentation.
Home remedies for treating uneven skin
1. Keep yourself well hydrated
Drinking water is one of the easiest ways to rejuvenate your skin. It hydrates your body and acts as a natural cleanser. Nearly three-quarter of your skin is water so keeping it hydrated will improve the appearance and texture.
2. Hydrate your skin using Papaya and honey pack
Papayas are rich in antioxidants and can detoxify your skin. Honey has been used in skin care products even by the ancient Egyptians for removing blemishes from the skin because of its antibacterial and moisturizing effects.
How to make it: Take a fresh papaya and remove the pulp. Add a tablespoon of honey and lemon juice to it. Mix the contents well and create a thick paste. Apply on your face in circular clockwise or anti clockwise motion. Let it stay for 20 minutes. Wash with cold water and pat dry.
3. Protect your skin with Aloe vera gel
Aloe vera has soothing and cooling properties due to its rich concentration of antioxidants. It also has anti inflammatory properties that help in healing sunburn. Aloe vera extracts also contain vitamins and essential amino acids that fight aging and give you smoother skin with no blemishes or marks.
How to make it: Take a leaf from the aloe plant and extract the gel. Apply to your skin before stepping out in the sun.
4. Exfoliate using yogurt
Dead skin cells can also make your skin tone uneven and patchy. It becomes important to exfoliate and remove the layer of dead cells accumulated on your skin. Yogurt makes your skin smooth and evens out your skin tone. It has natural bleaching agents that gently exfoliate the skin and restore its smoothness.
How to make it: Take one tablespoon of yogurt in a bowl. To this add an equal amount of water and mix well. Apply on your skin and let it stay for about 20 minutes or till it gets dry. Rinse with cold water and pat dry.
5. Avoid smoking and alcohol
Cigarette smoke is a known culprit of starving the skin of nutrients and making it dull. It also causes skin discolouration. Alcohol too adversely impacts skin health.
Remember there is no quick fix for hyperpigmentation. You need to be patient and follow the steps daily to get your flawless skin!