Our skin is considered the largest organ of our bodies. It protects us from harmful pollutants, against injuries, and parasites. It also regulates our body temperature, it aids in preventing and eliminating dehydration, a reservoir for food and water, and a source for vitamin D when exposed to sunlight.
But, no one really cares about all that, they care about how it looks to them and other people. Everyone wants to have healthy, beautiful skin.
Causes of Uneven Skin Tones
That’s why when people notice blemishes or an uneven skin tone, they get alarmed and want to know why it happened. In most cases there really is no reason for alarm, uneven skin tones can be treated and sometimes just go away on their own. It depends on what caused the problem.
Over-Production of Melanin
In most cases related to uneven skin tone, the skin appears to have darker patches. Dark patches or hyperpigmentation, is usually caused by an excessive build up of melanin. Melanin is what gives natural skin its color.
Melanin is equally distributed to the skin cells normally, but if it builds up in the skin cells it can cause uneven skin tones. Some may experience lighter skin pigmentation or white spots which are just the opposite of hyperpigmentation. White spots or hypopigmentation, are caused by not enough melanin getting to the skin cells.
There are ways to treat both of these conditions.
One of the simplest and most affordable methods is to use a skin lightener. A good product to try that works well for hyperpigmentation is Meladerm. Go read some of the Meladerm reviews posted by real people to get an idea of just how well it works.
Hormonal Imbalances
Another cause for uneven skin tones, are hormones. Women are susceptible to having light or dark patches especially during pregnancy. This is called melasma gravidarum. If you are pregnant and are experiencing this condition you should know that it usually clears up after the birth on its own.
Taking birth control as well can have the same effect. If you notice these kinds of symptoms you should talk to your doctor about changing your birth control. Men can also get uneven skin tones from a hormonal imbalance.
Excessive Sun Exposure
UV rays from the sun are a common cause for uneven skin tones as well. The sun’s rays can cause melanin to over produce. Additionally, those areas that have excessive melanin darken faster, causing uneven skin tones to further worsen.
People who have oily skin are also susceptible to uneven skin tones. This is because people with oily skin don’t produce enough sebum, which is what helps the skin stay lubricated and binds the skin cells together.
If there is a lack of sebum, when the skin sheds, dead skin may not fall off and instead collect causing pigment discoloration. This is an easily treated condition.
When to See a Doctor
Uneven skin tones can be caused by more serious problems like an auto immune disorder too. This condition produces hypopigmentation. The body’s immune system attacks the cells that produce melanin. There are treatments available for this condition through a doctor or specialist.
Uneven skin tone may be an underlying symptom for another, more serious condition. Most cases of uneven skin tones are easily treated and improvements can be noticed after a short period of starting treatment.
There may be cause for alarm though, if this doesn’t occur. If the pigment discoloration does not show improvement, you should speak with your doctor or a dermatologist.
We all want our natural skin tone to be healthy looking, glowing and evenly toned. And just because you may be experiencing blotching or white/dark spots, doesn’t mean you can’t treat it and have beautiful skin again.
If you have questions or concerns about your condition, speak with your doctor or a dermatologist, he or she can answer any questions you may have and may have some suggestions for treatment.