Why You’ll Want These Cleansers for Uneven Skin Tone and Dark Spots

One of the reasons we love makeup is its ability to give us glowing, even skin. But what if camera-ready skincare goals can be achieved without having to wear various powders, foundations, and concealers? This isn’t shade being thrown at makeup, but if you’ve developed an uneven skin tone, it can be a struggle to deal with this change (or constant change) in appearance. Fortunately, there are several helpful options for this all-too-common issue, and they don’t involve covering up. Your best complexion can be unlocked with the right products, and it starts with understanding your problem areas and the causes of uneven skin tone.

What Is Uneven Skin Tone

Our skin color is made up of various pigments and, overall, will look fairly even from a certain perspective. If your skin was one color all over, it would be jarring to the eye, so having multiple tones that live in harmony is the norm. But several factors can throw off that balance by appearing unsightly or concerning.

Uneven skin tone is a broad term and covers hyperpigmentation and multiple discolorations that appear as a result of the following:

• Acne or other inflammatory conditions
• Sun damage
• Aging
• Pregnancy and other hormonal changes
• Medication side effects
• Medical disorders
• Unwanted cosmetic procedure results

Any skin type of all shades can be affected by these painless and otherwise harmless brown or white spots, scars, blemishes, or patchy areas. And with so many causes, it seems unavoidable to have some variations appear as we get older.

That just means that we’re all in good company! Anyone can immediately take preventative steps to minimize triggers, like:

• Stay hydrated on the inside and moisturized on the outside with non-comedogenic formulas that won’t clog your pores.
• Eat a balanced diet to give your skin the nutrients it needs to repair and renew itself from within.
• If there’s one thing all dermatologists agree on, it’s that everyone should protect their skin from the sun, which is the culprit for most signs of premature aging. Look for sunscreens that have a minimum SPF of 30, are water resistant, and protect from both UVA and UVB rays. Also, do your best to avoid direct sunlight during peak intensity hours, usually 10 AM to 4 PM.

What About Products for Uneven Skin Tone?

Going beyond prevention, using skincare products with the right ingredients and having a consistent routine can help balance and brighten skin. While it may not be on your radar, using a good cleanser is step one. Let’s look at the best facial cleansers that effectively improve uneven skin tone and why they work.

1. Perricone MD No: Rinse Micellar Cleansing Treatment – Perricone MD’s micellar water cleans your face on a microscopic level by gently absorbing impurities as you swipe your skin with a soaked cotton round. It cleanses without needing to rinse afterward; therefore, you get the benefit from this treatment’s skin-toning and moisture-boosting ingredients:

• Vitamin B5 – Acts as a humectant that enables the skin to draw and retain moisture.
• L-Carnitine – This protein clears and brightens skin tone and helps control oil production.

This cleanser is excellent for all skin types, including sensitive ones, and is made with clean, allergy-friendly, and animal-friendly ingredients. A special nod to those who hate washing their face but want clear, even skin; this product is for you.

2. ELEMIS Superfood AHA Glow Cleansing Butter – Products for uneven skin tone that have ‘glow’ in the title are a solid guide for improving problem areas. This creamy cleanser can be worked into the skin to remove the day away or left on for a few minutes to get max nourishing and exfoliating benefits. How does it work?

• Alpha hydroxy acids – AHAs are a group of exfoliating acids that gently dissolve dead skin cells that may clog pores. Healthy cell turnover eventually improves the look of dark spots and acne scarring.
• Omega fatty acids – Highly anti-inflammatory fatty acids protect, moisturize, and calm skin to help with acne, irritation, and redness.

Where do these ingredients come from? In this case, from plant sources like mango seed, acerola cherry, pumpkin, sunflower seed, and rice. Cleansing will feel as delicious as this luscious formula sounds.

3. Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Citrus Brightening Cleanser – Those with normal to oily skin will love this gel cleanser because it does the job and deposits these fast-absorbing skincare tools:

• Vitamin C – Yes, it helps with colds and is the gold standard for improving uneven skin tone. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects skin from environmental stress, supports collagen production, effectively lightens dark spots, and corrects uneven skin tone.
• DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) – This mouthful of a word is a natural compound that improves skin firmness with continued use.

Use this like any typical cleanser, and your skin will feel refreshed without feeling stripped of its moisture.

Other Steps to Achieve Even, Glowing Skin

Clearing makeup and clogged pores with daily cleansing is essential to getting a sparkling, even complexion, but it’s just one part of a bigger picture of products for uneven skin tone.  

–  Complete your twice-a-day cleansing routine – Remember those Vitamin C benefits? Apply a 10-20% Vitamin C serum after washing to get increased protection from the elements and decrease hyperpigmentation over time.

– Use a once-a-week mask for deep treatment – Get a mask that does all the things, like  Glamglow’s BRIGHTMUD. This multi-tasker draws out impurities with kaolin clay and exfoliates with fine pumice, lactic acid, and salicylic acid. It then corrects uneven skin tone with vitamin C, black current seed oil, and niacinamide. It’s a pampering workhorse for dull skin.

– Wear sunscreen – We can’t stress this enough. Slathering on some SPF 30 (or higher) after moisturizer should be the last step in your routine before applying any optional makeup.

– See a dermatologist – Taking things further than at-home skincare, if you notice any questionable markings on your skin or if you want professional treatment for uneven skin tone, talk to a board-certified expert. They can identify issues, recommend prescription creams, or offer more intense procedures like laser or chemical peels.

While these post-cleansing steps are just an overview, you’re officially all set for the first step of creating a solid skincare routine. Now check out our Beauty Resource Center to learn in-depth about other skin-evening products that feature vitamin C, niacinamide, and all the ingredients you’ll need for brighter days ahead.