Even Skin Tone and Texture
What is skin tone?
Skin tone is the color of your skin. Your skin tone is determined by the about of melanin or pigment you have. When pigment or melanin is evenly distributed, your complexion looks healthy and even-toned. Skin blotches, melasma, hyperpigmentation, dark patches and age spots (solar lentigo) are all skin conditions where pigment is unevenly distributed.
What is skin texture?
Skin texture refers to your skin's surface condition. Good skin texture is even, smooth and hydrated with firm collagen and elastin support. Uneven skin texture is dry, rough,
saggy and often sun-damaged.
How can I improve my skin tone and texture?
Even skin tone and a smooth texture are the two most important qualities of good skin. But don't worry if you are struggling with skin discoloration and uneven texture. Skin tone and texture can be quickly and dramatically improved.
Here is a guide to help you achieve an even, smooth and radiant complexion:
Exfoliation - Use a gentle facial scrub to remove dead skin cells and debris buildup daily. Daily exfoliation helps even, polish, and refine your skin's texture.
Moisturizing - Moisture and hydration will smooth your skin's surface and relieve dry patches. To lock in moisture, apply your face and body moisturizer right after a bath or shower. A good moisturizer will temporarily plump and fill out skin, making the surface appear smoother. Look for ingredients that help skin retain water like sodium hyaluronate or hyaluronic acid. Daily moisturizing is especially important for darker skins which can look ashy or dull when dry.
Antioxidants - Antioxidants are molecules that neutralize free radicals by slowing or preventing oxidation. Sun, cigarette smoke and pollution all have free radicals that destroy skin's collagen and elastin support. Without collagen and elastin support, your skin loses its firmness and tone.
To neutralize free-radical damage, look for moisturizers and creams containing vitamins, A, C & E. Vitamins A, C & E are powerful antioxidants which slow down and prevent oxidation. Vitamins A, C & E are listed in skin care formulations as retinyl palminate, ascorbyl palminate, vitamin C ester, tocopherol or tocopherol palminate. These vitamins are also found in natural skin care ingredients like green tea extract, pomegranate, grapefruit and sunflower seed oils.
Sunscreen - If you have uneven skin tone, blotchiness or discoloration, always wear a UVA and UVB blocking sunscreen and hat. Sun exposure aggravates white patches, melasma, hyperpigmentation and age spots. To avoid any further skin discoloration or darkening, always wear sunscreen and a hat.
Lightening agents - To lighten skin discoloration, look for over-the-counter bleaching or lightening lotions containing hydroquinone or 8 H0-Quinoline. Both ingredients will help lighten sun spots, post-blemish marks and hyperpigmentation.
Glycolic peels - For serious skin discoloration, try an at-home glycolic acid peel kit. Weekly fruit acid peels are designed to reveal new, unmarked skin and refine texture. Another option is a professional series of glycolic peels which are offered by most estheticians, medical spas and dermatologists. Professional peels are a good option for sun-damaged skin types.
Intense pulse light photo facials - A newer and very promising way to treat skin discoloration is the Intense Pulse Light Photo Facial. This facial uses a spectrum of light to target affected skin on the face, chest and hands. A photo facial works best for red and brown discolorations and spots.
Even skin tone and texture - For a healthy-toned, smooth and even complexion be sure to exfoliate daily, moisturize regularly and use plenty of antioxidants and sunscreen. Over-the-counter skin lighteners, glycolic peels and laser treatments are all excellent targeted skin care options to improve tone and texture.
With the right skin care and products, anyone can achieve even-toned, clear and radiant skin.