Uneven Skin Tone

What is Uneven Skin Tone?

Uneven skin tone, also known as hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, is a common condition where patches of skin become darker or lighter than the surrounding area.

This can occur anywhere on the body but uneven skin tone on the face is most common and noticeable. It can be a cosmetic concern for many people and may affect self-esteem.

What are the Common Causes of Uneven Skin Tone?

Melanin is the pigment that colours our skin, hair, and eyes, produced by melanocytes (cells) in the skin’s outer layer. The quantity and type of melanin determine skin tone. Disruptions in melanin production can lead to uneven skin tone, causing patches that are darker or lighter than the surrounding skin.

The main cause of uneven skin tone is the overproduction or underproduction of melanin, often triggered by sun exposure, hormonal changes, inflammation, and lifestyle choices.

Sun Exposure and UV Damage

Prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause significant damage to the skin, leading to uneven pigmentation. UV rays stimulate the production of melanin, which can result in dark spots and patches.

Hormonal Changes and Pregnancy-Related Pigmentation

Hormonal fluctuations, especially during pregnancy, can trigger melasma, a condition characterised by brown or grey-brown facial patches. This is commonly known as the “mask of pregnancy.”

Inflammatory Skin Conditions

Conditions such as eczema and psoriasis can cause inflammation and irritation, leading to patches of discoloured skin.

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

After an injury or inflammatory response, the skin may produce excess melanin as it heals, resulting in dark spots or patches.

Lifestyle Factors, Such as Smoking and Poor Diet

Poor lifestyle choices, including smoking and an unhealthy diet, can adversely affect the skin’s appearance. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin, while a diet lacking essential nutrients can impede the skin’s ability to repair and regenerate.

Types of Uneven Skin Tone

Uneven skin tone can manifest in different forms, primarily hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation.

Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation occurs when areas of the skin become darker than the surrounding skin due to an excess production of melanin. Common types include:

• Age Spots (Liver Spots): Small, dark patches often caused by prolonged sun exposure. They commonly appear on areas exposed to the sun, like the face, hands, and arms.
• Melasma: Brown or grey-brown patches, usually on the face, often triggered by hormonal changes during pregnancy or from using birth control pills.
• Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: Dark spots that develop after an injury or inflammation, such as acne or eczema, as the skin heals and produces excess melanin.
• Freckles: Small brown spots that typically become more prominent with sun exposure, often seen on people with lighter skin tones.

Hypopigmentation

Hypopigmentation is when areas of the skin become lighter than the surrounding skin due to reduced melanin production. Common types include:

• Vitiligo: A condition where the immune system attacks melanocytes, leading to white patches on the skin.
• Albinism: A genetic condition where little to no production of melanin, results in very light skin, hair, and eyes.
• Post-Inflammatory Hypopigmentation: Light patches that appear after an injury or inflammation, as the skin may lose melanin during healing.
• Pityriasis Alba: Light patches on the face of children and young adults, associated with dry, scaly skin.

Mixed Pigmentation

Mixed pigmentation involves a combination of hyperpigmented and hypopigmented areas on the skin, leading to a mottled or uneven appearance. This can be caused by:

• Sun Damage: Chronic sun exposure can lead to a mix of dark and light spots due to uneven melanin distribution.
• Medical Conditions: Certain skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, can cause both hyperpigmented and hypopigmented patches.

Generalised Pigmentation

Generalised pigmentation refers to changes in skin tone that affect larger areas or the entire body, rather than localised spots. This can occur due to:

• Hormonal Changes: Conditions like Addison’s disease can cause widespread darkening of the skin.
• Genetic Factors: Some genetic conditions can lead to lighter or darker skin.

Effective Treatments for Uneven Skin Tone in Singapore

In Singapore, there are various treatments available to address uneven skin tone. These treatments are designed to even out skin colour and improve overall complexion. Treating uneven skin tone on the face often involves a combination of topical, lifestyle changes, and professional procedures.

Topical treatments may include creams and serums containing:

• Vitamin C
• Retinoids 
• Niacinamide 
• Hydroquinone

These are skin-lightening ingredients that inhibit melanin overproduction and reduce dark spots. Our illumia MD range features key ingredients known for their anti-ageing properties, and ability to brighten and deeply hydrate the skin.

Professional treatments may involve chemical peels, laser therapy, skin boosters and stimulators that exfoliate the skin, break down melanin and stubborn pigments, and boost collagen that evens skin tone. 

Uneven Skin Tone Treatment: Cost, Price and Procedure in Singapore

The cost of uneven skin tone treatments in Singapore varies depending on the type of procedure and the clinic. At illumia Medical, the treatment for uneven skin tone starts with an initial consultation and detailed skin assessment. Our doctors will advise on treatment options and draft a comprehensive treatment plan for you, including pre-treatment guidelines.

Sessions are conducted with careful monitoring, and post-treatment care instructions are given along with follow-up visits to support skin health improvement. For detailed pricing, you can view the full price list here.

At illumia Medical, different treatments are available to help with uneven skin tone: