Looking back, childhood was the time in life that defined the epitome of smooth, blemish-free, even toned skin. Flash forward to adolescence, in the midst of puberty where acne is on the rise. But no matter is every stage of life skin undergoes aging. And once flawless skin slowly diminishes from a lifetime of sun-exposure, air pollution, acne, and harsh chemical products. While many people try to hold onto their youthful glow or make a valiant effort to slow down the aging process, unfortunately there is no escaping this natural process. As their desire turns to desperation, people begin to make use of trends and fads without consulting a professional. Fortunately, dermatologists know how to effectively make skin tone more even. From advanced cosmetic procedures using high-tech lasers to over-the-counter medications and creams, top medical professionals can advise which skincare treatment options work to adequately reduce the appearance of uneven completions, and restore a more radiant appearance.
How Melanin Affects Skin
Various environmental factors can contribute to dark areas on the skin’s surface, as a result from an increase in melanin production. Melanin is a natural pigment responsible for your skin, hair, and eye color; but too much can cause unattractive spots or splotches. These spots likely result from melanin congregating together, creating a darker appearance, even when your skin appears impeccably healthy.
Anti-Pigment Creams Can Even Skin Tone
Patients can treat uneven skin in the comfort of their own home using anti-pigment creams. Products containing the right ingredients with key nutrients like vitamin C, work to lighten hyperpigmentation, which can brighten skin. Meanwhile, the anti-inflammatory properties found in Vitamin B simultaneously reduce irritation and redness. Likewise, products with Melanozyme break down melanin, the main perpetrator for those dark pigments on your skin. People suffering from recent scarring or acne can turn to Soy products to help expel redness and blotchiness from skin.
Exfoliate Dead Skin Cells To Revitalize Skin
Exfoliating is a vital step in any skin care regiment. Over time, dead skin cells build up which clogs pores and creates an uneven complexion. Only by removing these dead skin cells can newer and younger cells regenerate and the skin’s surface appear revitalized. There are a wide variety of exfoliation creams on the market from gentle to more abrasive as well as for multiple skin types. Top dermatologists advise exfoliation creams which can also provide hydration. This is ideal for those with dry skin. Those with oily skin should opt for more gentle scrubs. Typically an exfoliant should be used weekly, however, those with sensitive skin should exfoliate less often to avoid irritation.
Peel Treatments At Home or Over-The Counter Help Skin Tone
Alternatively, over the counter face peels can help reduce skin discoloration. Simply select a peel based on your skin condition needs such as spot treatment, reducing redness, or smoothing complexion. Once selected, follow the instructions and gently rinse your face with warm water. Alternatively, concocting a natural facemask with common household ingredients is also a great option. Stir up a thick paste using ingredients banana and honey and then apply the mixture to the affected area for 10 minutes before gently rinsing off the concoction with tepid water.
Healthy Habits For Even Skin Tone
As much as topical application and scrubs work to reveal healthier skin, so does being mindful of what you ingest into your body and how healthy a lifestyle you maintain. Diet and lifestyle changes go hand-in-hand with healthy skin. There is an overload of chemicals found in junk foods which trigger the skin to produce pore-clogging oils, leading to a dull and uneven skin appearance. It’s best to avoid greasy, salty and sugary food and instead, opt for healthier alternatives such as antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables to ensure skin will be replenished of important nutrients. Similarly, consuming 64 ounces of water daily works to keep skin well-hydrated skin creating a plump and healthy complexion.
Surgical Treatments for an Even Skin Tone
If over the counter products fail to deliver your intended results, it may be time to visit a dermatologist to best help even out skin tone. Dermatologists can best tailor treatments to your skin’s exact needs. Designed to eliminate imperfections by resurfacing the skin, laser peels remove dead skin cells from the top layers of skin, which greatly diminishes discoloration. People with fine lines or wrinkles, shallow scars from acne, or non-responsive skin after a facelift, are ideal candidates for laser skin resurfacing. Unfortunately, those with very dark skin or stretch marks may not find this method effective and should consider other cosmetic treatment options. Recovery time generally lasts around two weeks depending on skin type.
Usually scheduled in 2-month increments a Microdermabrasion is a procedure that utilizes a fine wire brush to remove old skin and make room for new growth. This method exfoliates the skin using a stream of fine crystals, and professional skin treatments have the power to exfoliate far deeper under the dermis than at-home capabilities. Those with Hyperpigmentation, Melasma or sun damage will find solace in this treatment. However, dermatologists do not recommended Microdermabrasions for those with active onset acne, open sores, or Lupus.
Chemical Peels are another safe advanced treatment method used to remove upper layers of skin thereby stimulating the regeneration of new skin cells. As its name suggests, chemical peels use chemicals that will irritate the upper layers and cause them to blister off. Generally, fair-skinned and light-haired patients make ideal candidates for chemical peels. The recovery time for this treatment usually lasts between 5-7 days. Patients receiving lighter peels will typical see results after 3-4 sessions.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) resurfaces the skin using a broad spectrum of light wavelengths delivered in short increments. This method ultimately rejuvenates the skin’s complexion by stimulating collagen growth. Which grants the skin strength and elasticity. IBL is considered a non-ablative treatment – meaning the process does not remove any skin and typically requires short recovery periods.
Preventing Hyperpigmentation
There are many ways to treat and prevent the discoloration of skin and create a healthy even glow. Most importantly, dermatologists stress using sunscreen. This works to shield your skin from harsh rays of UV light off, ultimately blocking pigment irregularities. Furthermore, consider who different skin tones behave differently and will respond to different treatment options. To find the best treatment option for your skin tone, seek the expertise of a dermatologist near you today.
