Causes and Treatment for Uneven Skin Tone

Causes of Uneven Skin Tone

As skin ages, it develops visible signs of this ageing process; most commonly fine lines, wrinkles, sagging and discolouration. Exposure of the skin to environmental stresses is inevitable, as are the associated signs.

Melasma

Melasma, also known as Chloasma ‘mask of pregnancy’ is a very common condition seen in women of child bearing age. this chronic condition is difficult to treat and is often irregularly shaped but often distinctly defined blotches of light to dark brown pigmentation seen on upper nose, cheeks, chin, forehead and sometimes the neck as these areas are more exposed to the sun.

Melasma is more common in darker skin types, Fitzpatricks 4-6.

Causes include:

• Pregnancy
• Oral contraceptive usage (hormone or UV trigger)

The Truth About a Tan

When exposed to UVA  rays the melanin in our skin activates pigment already present in the upper skin cells. It creates a tan that appears quickly but is also lost quickly.

UVB rays stimulate the production of new melanin, which leads to an increase in pigment within a few days.

Some UV radiation is essential to the body as it stimulates the production of Vitamin D. But there is no such thing as a healthy tan! A suntan may be cosmetically desirable, but in fact it is nothing but a sign that your skin has been damaged and has attempted to protect itself.