You feel at your best when your skin is healthy, glowing,  and even. While makeup can always help provide the illusion of a photo-perfect complexion, there’s an extra layer of confidence when your skin looks great  without  any assistance.  However, on many days, weather, irritants, and other causes can leave skin blotchy, red, and dull.

As we age, the long-term effects of sun damage and pollutants can take an increasing toll. Many cosmetic and dermatologic solutions come with a hefty price tag and intimidating names. But there are natural ways to help improve your skin’s appearance. 

What Is The Cause Of Uneven Skin Tone On The Face?

• Sun exposure – We all know Vitamin D is essential for health. Yet prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause skin damage and affect its pigmentation. How does this happen? Melanin (pigmentation) skin cells try to protect the skin by absorbing more of the sun’s rays. While sun exposure can sometimes result in an even tan, it can also lead to cellular damage and resulting pigmentation change and skin discoloration, often called “sunspots.”

• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation – UV rays aren’t the only potential cause of dark spots. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to a perceived threat. Any kind of inflammation on your skin, from acne to an insect bite to skin irritation, can stimulate increased melanin production, leading to darker spots or darker skin tone areas.

• Melasma – Similar to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma is a result of the skin’s changing melanin production. However, melasma refers specifically to changes that take place as a result of hormones. For example, during pregnancy, brown spots on the abdomen and face are common. You may also experience melasma during menopause, which can disrupt your even skin tone.

• Inflamed blood vessels – Small red spots may be caused by vasculitis, the irritation or inflammation of blood capillaries and vessels. This is usually caused by trauma or damaged skin, whether as a result of squeezing pimples or exposure to UV rays. In some cases, capillaries will burst, creating raised red bumps that look like zits. Don’t squeeze these! It may cause further damage and even scarring.

• Redness – Uneven skin tone can also include red and pink areas. Whether the root cause is eczema, dry skin, blemishes, or sun exposure, it’s important to treat irritated skin. Otherwise, it can lead to further damage (including hyperpigmentation and inflamed blood vessels).

Do any of the above causes sound like the source of your uneven skin tone? If you’re unsure, you can always consult with a dermatologist to get more information. This can help you determine the best course of action.

Luckily, many of the same preventative measures and remedies can help you begin to improve your skin tone without having to fork out money for laser treatment.

Prevention Is The First Line Of Defense

• Cleansing

• Moisturizer

• Sun protection

How Can I Treat An Uneven Skin Tone At Home?

Make Your Own Exfoliant

Uneven texture and oil levels across your skin can contribute to cellular-level differences that affect pigmentation. Likewise, dead, dry, and damaged skin cells can make your skin appear less even and toned. This is why chemical peels are often the first line of treatment for uneven skin tone. These peels remove the top layer of dead skin. However, regular at-home exfoliation can have powerful effects. 

To make your own exfoliant, you only need a few ingredients:

• Brown sugar – Brown sugar’s fine, gritty particles serve as the mechanical exfoliant that you’ll use to abrade your skin.

• Coconut oil – Coconut oil is known for its antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. In traditional medicine, it’s used for redness, dryness, and even the sensation of heat. With its own impressive qualities, Fractionated Coconut oil is an ideal base for your exfoliant.

• Skin Love Synergy Blend – Skin Love has Frankincense as one of its properties which is a staple of Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is frequently used to improve skin health and tone. The other properties in the blend present anti-inflammatory and calming properties when combined to help firm, heal, and tone the skin.  

1. Combine 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp Coconut oil, and 3 drops Frankincense CO2, Age Defy Synergy Blend or Skin Love Synergy Blend (you can also scale up to make a large batch)

2. Apply to skin, rubbing in a gentle circular motion for 30 seconds

3. Rinse off with lukewarm water

4. Exfoliate twice a week after cleansing and before applying toner or moisturizer

Apple Cider Vinegar

Create Your Own Frankincense Toner

• 1 oz cooled green tea

• 1 oz Witch hazel

• 12 drops Frankincense CO2

• Solubilizer (manufacturer's recommended amount)

• Preservative (manufacturer's recommended amount)

Turmeric Face Mask

• 1 tsp Turmeric powder

• 1 T Lemon juice

• 3 T Rosehip oil

• 12 drops Frankincense Essential oil or CO2

Protecting Your Skin From UVA And UVB Rays

• Physical sunscreen – Minerals, including zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, provide natural protection from UVA and UVB rays. Physical sunscreen is effective as soon as you apply it. The only downside is its characteristic white residue, and the need to reapply frequently.

• Chemical sunscreen – Chemical sunscreen includes an array of chemical ingredients that provide protection about 20 minutes after application. The advanced chemical composition makes it more transparent and waterproof than physical sunscreen. However, chemical sunscreen can be more irritating for some people’s skin due to the significant number of artificial and chemical ingredients.

Whether your preference is physical or chemical, find a face and body sunscreen that does not irritate your skin. Then, apply sunscreen to exposed skin whenever you’re out and about, even if it’s only for chores. Consistent protection can help to improve your skin tone over time.

In addition, if you are burned, treat your skin right away. This can help reduce irritation as well as long-term damage. View our guide on essential oils for sunburn treatment for helpful treatment ideas.

Whether you’re looking to improve your skin tone, soothe your nerves, or create your own botanical remedies, we have the perfect ingredients for your project at Edens Garden.

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