In this day and age, social media can make it feel like you are the only person on Earth with blemishes, dark spots, or scarring. Influencers and celebrities on social media, are able to achieve a more even skin tone through a focused skincare regimen. When many people think of skincare they think of expensive visits to the spa or dermatologist. While both of those options are extremely helpful, you can do a lot of the necessary skincare treatments at home. That includes achieving an even skin tone with a few changes and commitments.
What is Uneven Skin Tone and What to Avoid?
Uneven skin tone can be caused by a myriad of things. It is commonly known as hyperpigmentation or irregular darkening, blotchiness, or uneven texture of the skin. Some of the causes of hyperpigmentation include but are not limited to producing more melanin, sun exposure, pollution, hormones, or post-scarring darkening of the skin. Acne and acne scarring is a common culprit behind hyperpigmentation.
Harmful skincare routines can also exacerbate hyperpigmentation. This can include not wearing sunscreen, getting frequent sunburns, applying acidic "natural" items to the skin directly such as apple cider vinegar and lemon, not moisturizing, among other things. The good thing is, the most important part of skin care starts small.
When Does Skincare Happen?
Skincare happens whenever you want and need it to. For example, something that your guardians may have done that contributed to your skincare routine since childhood is applying sunscreen. The AAP has said that parents should avoid sunscreens with the ingredient oxybenzone in them because it can have adverse reactions to sunscreens with this ingredient in them. Begin with a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in it, which will help keep the sun's harmful rays away from your skin. Also, choose a sunscreen that has an SPF between about 30 and 50. Anything over SPF 50 has no additional protective effects.
Sunscreen should be applied every day before leaving the house but can be applied on a situational basis depending on the weather conditions in your area. Sunscreen should be applied 15 minutes before leaving the house and every two hours after that.
Long-Term Skincare for an Even Skin Tone
Some other things you can do daily or when you shower includes choosing the correct products and ingredients for what is causing the hyperpigmentation. If you experience acne, it would be best to get products that tailer to the prevention, treatment and subsequent scarring from acne. This can include cleansers and spot treatments to use when you shower, or when you wake up, or before you go to sleep.
During your showers, treat your skin to exfoliation with a scrub or exfoliating towelette. This helps get rid of built-up dead skin cells, dirt and prevents ingrown hairs. As a follow-up, there are antioxidant-rich brightening serums that can help to fade dark spots. These serums can also contain vitamin C, which is highly recommended because it helps to repair skin cells and overall complexion. This can also protect your skin from other light sources such as your phone. To top it all off, some moisturizers can come with SPF 30 and higher.
The most important thing to remember about your skincare routine is that it is yours for the taking, and you can do what works best for you. It can cater to your schedule and is made completely by you.
