Skin discoloration, dark spots, and uneven skin tone occur when the skin produces too much melanin, which is the naturally occurring pigment that gives skin its color. All skin tones, types, and ages can experience skin discolorations that appear as small spots or larger dark patches that lead to uneven skin tone.

There are several causes of skin discoloration such as dark spots and uneven skin tone. Sun exposure is a primary trigger since UV rays prompt the skin to produce melanin. The natural aging process and hormonal fluctuations contribute to uneven production of melanin, leading to the appearance of skin discoloration. Dark spots can also develop after skin trauma or injuries such as acne, cuts, burns, and more.

There are many effective skin discoloration treatments that help improve the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone in different ways. A comprehensive skincare regimen that targets skin discolorations should include exfoliation to remove dull, discolored skin cells and increase cell turnover. Targeted skin discoloration treatments can help improve skin discoloration, dark spots, and uneven skin tone. A topical vitamin C antioxidant serum can also help prevent skin discolorations and improve uneven skin tone and dark spots caused by environmental free radicals. Particularly, Phloretin CF delivers advanced environmental protection and diminishes the appearance of fine lines and discoloration. While using skin discoloration treatments, it is imperative to use daily sun protection to prevent further UV-induced pigment changes.

There are many ingredients that can reduce the appearance of skin discolorations, dark spots, and uneven skin tone while enhancing overall skin brightness.

Exfoliating ingredients like glycolic acid improve the appearance of skin discoloration and other skin blemishes by promoting eliminating dead skin cells and revealing a more even-toned complexion.

Also known as vitamin B3, the niacinamide found in SkinCeuticals Metacell Renewal B3 helps reduce the appearance of skin discoloration, dark spots, and uneven skin tone.

Studies have also shown that topical formulations featuring tranexamic acid (featured in Discoloration Defense) can provide significant improvement for skin discolorations, including hard-to-treat forms of skin discoloration such as post-acne marks and dark patches.

Retinol is another beneficial ingredient for skin discolorations and uneven skin tone since it helps maintain the skin’s natural turnover and keep fresh, cells on the skin’s surface.

Other ingredients that improve the appearance of skin discolorations include pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and phloretin, and these potent antioxidants are featured in Phloretin CF and Phloretin CF Gel.

The most comprehensive approach for improving the appearance of skin discoloration, dark spots, and uneven skin tone includes prevention and correction. First, use an effective topical vitamin C antioxidant such as Phloretin CF or Phloretin CF Gel every morning to help prevent environmentally-induced free radicals. A broad-spectrum sunscreen is also essential to shield skin from the UV rays that can prompt pigment-producing cells to create new (and unwanted) melanin. Lastly, targeted skin discoloration treatments that are formulated to reduce the appearance of existing skin discolorations and brighten the skin will optimize results. SkinCeuticals Advanced Pigment Corrector is a daily multi-action lightweight lotion that helps reduce the appearance of superficial skin discolorations and improve uneven skin tone. For more stubborn forms of skin discoloration, try SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense, a next-generation formula proven to improve the appearance of skin discolorations and uneven skin tone while brightening the skin in as little as 2 weeks.