Uneven Skin Tone
Improving skin texture and overall complexion
Reviewed by Kate · Last updated 19 Aug 2026
Types of Hyperpigmentation
Post-Inflammatory (PIH)
Dark marks left after acne, cuts, or skin trauma. Fades over time with treatment.
Melasma
Larger, symmetrical patches often triggered by hormones. Common during pregnancy.
Sun Spots (Solar Lentigines)
Flat brown spots from cumulative sun exposure. Often on face, hands, chest.
Hyperpigmentation occurs when excess melaninthe pigment that gives skin its colouraccumulates in certain areas, creating darker patches or spots. While harmless, uneven skin tone is one of the most common skincare concerns. Understanding your type of hyperpigmentation is key to effective treatment.
Melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) respond to triggers like UV exposure, inflammation, or hormones by producing excess melanin. This melanin deposits in the epidermis or dermis, creating visible darkening. The depth of pigment affects how easily it can be treatedepidermal pigmentation responds better to topicals than deeper dermal pigmentation.
Common Triggers
Sun Exposure
UV rays stimulate melanin production and darken existing spots. The #1 cause of pigmentation.
Inflammation
Acne, eczema, cuts, burnsany skin trauma can leave behind dark marks (PIH).
Hormones
Pregnancy, birth control, HRT can trigger melasma. Often called "the mask of pregnancy."
Heat
Heat (including from cooking, hot yoga, saunas) can worsen melasma specifically.
Best Brightening Ingredients
Vitamin C
Inhibits melanin production, brightens existing spots, protects against UV damage
Retinoids
Accelerates cell turnover to shed pigmented cells faster; evens tone over time
Niacinamide
Prevents melanin transfer to skin cells; fades existing marks
Azelaic Acid
Reduces melanin production; also anti-inflammatory for PIH
AHAs (Glycolic, Lactic)
Exfoliate pigmented surface cells; reveal brighter skin beneath
Tranexamic Acid
Especially effective for melasma; reduces melanin production
Recommended Routine
Morning
- Gentle cleanser
- Vitamin C serum
- Niacinamide serum
- Moisturiser
- SPF 30-50 (reapply!)
Evening
- Double cleanse
- AHA exfoliant (2-3x/week) OR
- Retinoid (alternate nights)
- Azelaic acid or tranexamic acid serum
- Moisturiser
Tips for Treating Hyperpigmentation
Even skin tone guides
In this guide
Short, practical reads on Uneven Skin Tone — tap any topic for the full guide.
How to Even Out Skin Tone: A Simple, Realistic Guide
What uneven skin tone really is, what causes it, and the gentle ingredients and daily habits that help even the look of your complexion over time.
Read the guide
What Causes Blotchy Skin? Causes, Types and How to Calm It
From vascular flushing to sun-mottled tone, here are the common causes of blotchy, patchy skin, how to tell the types apart, and how to calm and even its look.
Read the guide
How to Reduce Redness on Your Face
Transient or persistent redness? A gentle, barrier-first routine, soothing actives, daily SPF and the triggers to avoid to reduce the look of facial redness.
Read the guide
Best Products for Uneven Skin Tone: A Simple Guide
The ingredients and simple routine that help even out skin tone - vitamin C, niacinamide, azelaic acid, exfoliating acids and SPF - and what to be realistic about.
Read the guideKey Ingredients for Uneven Skin Tone
The actives most worth knowing for this concern — tap any to read the full ingredient guide.
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