Guide to get natural even skin tone

 Are you spending a whopping amount of money on concealers, color correctors and foundation to mask the uneven skin tone? What about the time spent in front of the mirror for applying “cover-up” makeup? Both time and money are precious but can be wasted so easily. Read on to find out ways in which we can help you to save both.  

What is uneven skin tone?

Uneven skin tone is characterized as hyperpigmentation, dark areas around the mouth and nose, sun spots, brown spots, marks left by healed wounds, acne scar etc.

Skin tone is also a lot about what the light does when it hits the face – does it get scattered or reflected back. Besides the obvious issue, uneven skin tone gives the face a dull appearance as the light scatters on hitting the face. Light also gets scattered when the texture of the skin is not smooth which further accentuates the brown spots on the skin.

For successful treatment to achieve a healthy radiant even skin tone, we need to work both on the texture of the skin and reduction of dark spot on face and redness. Applying natural and ayurvedic skincare products, which have natural herbs, known for fading away the dark spots and pigmentation, can go a long way in achieving even skin tone. A skin brightening cream with goodness of sandalwood and vitamin c are good for uneven skin tone.

What causes uneven skin tone?

While we may work on reducing the already visible spots, dark areas and rough skin, we need to know why they have occurred. It takes considerable time to treat the visible signs of uneven skin but a very short time for it to reappear. So, it is important to understand and address the root cause of uneven skin to prevent it from returning so quickly.

Our skin is affected by many factors, including our environment, health, the food we eat, and more. Let’s have a look at some of the most common possibilities for uneven skin. A person may be dealing with two-three issues at the same time.

• Skin inflammation

Our natural protector, melanin, gets triggered when our skin is going through the innate healing process. Injuries like cuts and burns, acne, pimples, bug bites, eczema etc can form scars and dark spot on face . It is also known as PIH- Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or simply darkening of skin due to scarring of skin.

• Exposure to sun and air pollutants

Long exposure to the sun causes flat dark brown spots to develop on the skin which are also known as sun spots. Pigment producing skin cells called melanocytes are work overtime to release higher levels of melanin to protect the skin from UV radiation.

While melanin is necessary, healthy and perfectly natural, overproduction of it can lead to a patchy looking skin.

Air pollutants create free radicals in our body which affect healthy cells. The best way to fight free radicals is antioxidants. Here is where melanin again comes in picture as it has antioxidant properties and excess melanin starts being produced. This leads to hyperpigmentation and dark spots on face. This can be prevented by using sunscreen body lotion with an SPF30 , which will shield the skin from air pollutants and harmful UV radiation.

• Dryness 

Skin which lacks sebum and hydration tends to crack easily. Sometimes you can see and experience the cracks, but many a times these cracks might not be visible to you. Damaged skin triggers the production of melanin which leads to discoloration and patchy skin.  Using skin brightening cream, such as day and night skin brightening cream,  provides skin with adequate hydration and moisture

• Aging

As we grow older, what was once a balanced skin tone starts looking patchy, blotchy and uneven. Skin discoloration over the age of 50 is common. We start showing prominent spots and patches which may be flat, oval-shaped, beige or brown or black in color. The skin becomes thinner, drier and produces less collagen and elastin causing it to lose its smoothness and plumpness. Skin brightening cream and anti ageing cream, if used at the right age, can help to delay the ageing process.

• Hormonal Imbalances

Blame it on the hormones! Another cause of uneven skin tone is hormonal imbalances which may be caused by pregnancy, oral contraceptives, infertility treatment or even puberty

Since hormonal imbalances are super personalized, for any advice regarding hormonal imbalances, it is best to talk to your dermatologist to figure out what works best for you.

• Medical Condition

Uneven skin can be caused by certain medical conditions like erythema or skin redness. Erythema can be caused by weakened and dilated superficial blood vessels under the skin which causes redness. It can be triggered by exposure to the sun.

Dermatitis and rosacea are some other diseases which result in uneven skin tone. These require to be looked at by a dermatologist and you should seek treatment for any underlying medical condition under qualified medical supervision only.

How to get an even skin tone?

Of various skincare products and skin brightening creams available, what will go a long way in treating uneven skin tone is - going all natural and organic. Here are some remedies and tips to get an even tone skin.

• Treat your skin with gentle love

First of all, you need to love your skin, and show some gentle love to your skin! Do not aim for a perfect skin, just a little bit of even skin tone works out well for most of us. Work out a skincare routine that is customized for your skin, by you. Try to include natural or ayurvedic skincare products like Kumkumadi face glowing oil and skin brightening cream for your skin.

• Exfoliation and hydration

Achieving a smoother skin is the first step to an even skin tone. Exfoliation helps in removing dead skin cells, minimizing pores and to even out fine lines. We recommend using Kumkumadi Scrub which is made with Kumkumadi face glowing oil and an exfoliant. This exfoliates skin well, without drying it.

Hydration from inside and outside is required to maintain the overall health and plumpness of the skin. Drink plenty of water and use moisturizer for face such as per your skin type. Monitor the amount of water you are consuming in a day. Regular consumption of 8 glasses of water a day will act as a natural skin cleanser.

• Sunscreen - come rain or shine

Exposure to sun is a major cause for pigmentation as the cells, that cause dark spots on face, are activated by sunlight. All the hard work can be reversed even by a little exposure to the sun. Use umbrella, shades or sunscreen, keep direct sun away from your face

• Hands Off Your Skin

Something as small as picking your skin can have dire consequences on your overall appearance as the melanin rushes to heal it resulting in overproduction and brown spots. So, keep your hand to yourself. No scratching, no excessive touching of the skin.

Use hands only when applying your skincare products including your skin brightening cream.

• Saffron and honey mask

Saffron is the secret beauty ingredient for natural skin glow in many cultures since ancient time. Considered as world's most expensive herb, saffron is prescribed in ayurveda for evening out skin tone and for a genuinely radiant skin.

On other hand raw honey is a natural humectant for hydrating the skin, and maintaining its moisture while gently cleansing and exfoliating the skin.

Saffron and honey face mask combines these two skin superfoods to get rid of uneven skin tone.

Crush 3-5 strands of saffron to powder and mix it in 1 tsp raw honey. Apply this mixture on your face using a brush. Within 10 minutes, the face mask shall penetrate in the skin and you will feel it drying out.

Rinse off using a wet soft cotton or just fresh water and enjoy the beautiful natural glow on your skin. Alternatively, you can just buy Kumkumadi face glowing oil and use it as a face mask.

• Kumkumadi tailam aka Kumkumadi face glowing oil

Ever heard of Kumkumadi face glowing oil? Kumkum in Sanskrit means Saffron, and adi means more. Tailam is the Sanskrit word for Oil. Kumkumadi Tailam is essentially a face oil that contains “Saffron and more” and hence the name Kumkumadi face glowing oil. Apart from Saffron, Kumkumadi face glowing oil contains 25 potent herbal ingredients like Sandalwood, Manjishtha (Indian Madder), Liquorice (Mulethi), Goat Milk, Tree Turmeric etc. This traditional blend of herbal extracts and natural oils is known for its effectiveness for skin brightening, anti pigmentation effect and anti wrinkle effect.

Use of Kumkumadi Tailam/ Kumkumadi face glowing oil as a night serum will leave you with a brightening glow on your face and visible reduction in signs of aging like wrinkles, crow feet lines and sagging skin.

• Skin Brightening Cream

Environmental stressors are common, thus there are higher chances that your skin will be impacted and will become dull, damaged, as well as other signs that may result in an uneven skin tone. It is best to use skin brightening cream that is suitable for your skin type, to prevent uneven skin tone. Skin brightening cream not only brightens the skin but also repairs scars, dark spots on the face, and hyperpigmentation by providing an even skin tone.

Some of the best skin brightening creams that work best on skin type are:

1. Vitamin C skin brightening cream: This Vitamin C skin brightening cream is made with natural ingredients that helps to lightening and brightening the skin. The skin brightening cream shields the skin from pollutants and UV damage that cause skin to seem lifeless and dull. Regular usage of this skin brightening cream gives dull skin a shine and radiance. And, you simply say goodbye to blemishes and dark spot on face.

2. Night repair skin brightening cream: This night repair skin brightening cream contains 16 ayurvedic herbs that help the skin rejuvenate. The night repair skin brightening cream has ingredients such as Turmeric, Almond Oil, Organic Ghee, and Kumkumadi Tailam that gives the radiance to the face. It also contains apricot and pachouli oils to protect skin from sun exposure and prevent ageing signs. This powerful skin brightening cream works like a sleeping mask at night to give you beautiful skin every morning!

Natural remedies for an even skin tone

Natural ingredients like Green Tea, Turmeric and Licorice etc have shown promise as natural treatments for hyperpigmentation. DIY face pack for glowing skin with potent ingredients work wonders for the skin and also make your skin feel loved. As with most natural products, one needs to have patience, before one can experience visible results.

Turmeric and gram flour mask

Gram flour is an excellent cleanser and exfoliator which makes the skin shiny and bright. Turmeric is lauded for effectively irradiating free radicals, having healing properties and enhancing collagen production. Use of gram flour-based mask mixed with some turmeric is helpful in most cases, for an even skin tone.

Mix a pinch of pure turmeric powder, with 2-3 table spoons of gram flour and add raw milk, or water, or both to make a paste. Apply the paste on your face or body. Leave it for few minutes, letting it dry out. When it starts making you feel stretchy, wash it off with fresh water.

Tip: If your skin is dry, add Nalpamaradi Thailam or Kumkumadi face glowing oil to this face pack for glowing skin.

Vitamin C Face Serum

Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that protects skin against free radical damage. Topical application of Vitamin C through Face Serum or face oils help skin absorb this vital nutrient directly. It vitamin c face serum  has hydrating properties and is known to decrease loss of water through skin helping lock in the moisture in skin. It inhibits production of excess melanin, helping fight dark spot on face and achieve an even skin tone. Top up the serum with a skin brightening cream to seal in the moisture.

Lemon Sugar Scrub

Now this is a quick and effective DIY way to achieve an even skin tone. With just few simple, easily available natural ingredients you can have a naturally glow-y skin in a matter of few minutes. This is typically prescribed as a bed time routine as use of lemon in a scrub may increase skin’s sensitivity to sunlight.

Just add two tablespoons of sugar to one tablespoon of honey and mix with sieved juice of one lemon to make a consistent mixture. First massage your face with couple of drops of natural face oil like olive oil or kumkumadi oil so that exfoliating action of sugar is under control. Apply lemon honey sugar mix to your face in upward circular motion. After a gentle massage, you should leave the scrub on your face for about 5 minutes, to allow skin to absorb nutrients from these wonderful natural ingredients.

Rinse off your face with cold water and pat dry. In case your skin feels a little stretchy, top it up with Kumkumadi face glowing oil or a skin brightening cream.

Recommended Products by Blue Nectar 

Kumkumadi Tailam Face Serum for Glowing Skin with Pure Sandalwood & Saffron

Shubhr Vitamin C Face Serum with Hyaluronic Acid | Radiant & Spotless Skin

Shubhr Sandalwood Skin Brightening Cream for Women | Even Skin Tone and Radiance