Causes of Uneven Skin Tone

An uneven skin tone, or hyperpigmentation, is due to the over production of the pigment in the skin called ‘melanin’. This pigment is what gives the skin its colour and provides protection from sun damage and also absorbs heat from the sun.

The main causes of hyper pigmentation are:

1) Sun exposure: Repeat exposure to UV light causes sun damage resulting in brown spots due to too much melanin being produced to help protect skin from UV light. These can be treated with IPL (intense pulsed light), Q-switch laser and skin needling is also very effective.

2) Hormones: During pregnancy melasma can occur. This is a hormone-related hyperpigmentation caused by increased hormone stimulation. It can also occur when taking oral contraceptives. Certain medications can also be a cause. It’s difficult to treat melasma.

3) Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: This is a darkening of skin that’s the result of scarring, which can be caused by acne lesions or skin injury.

We do not offer treatments at Sensoria for type 2 and 3 pigmentation so help should be sought from a Dermatologist. However, we highly recommend the use of effective sunscreens to lessen it’s appearance which we can advise on.

Originally published May 27, 2016 10:39am, updated September 24, 2017