Having great skin makes all the difference when it comes to your makeup, but it can sometimes feel out of reach. It doesn’t have to be though. With a little research, a consistent routine, and time, you can get closer to a complexion that’s smooth, clear, and even. 

If you want to even your skin tone, read on about how to achieve skin that’s more balanced and shows less signs of discoloration. We will also dive into what uneven skin tone is and what steps to take to even the appearance of your complexion.

What Is Uneven Skin Tone?

Uneven skin tone is a catch-all term that applies to skin issues that make the skin look dull and discolored—and it's a rising concern for many. 

It can affect all ages and skin types, and is caused by a few factors, some of which are unavoidable:

-Sun damage: Constant sun exposure (UV rays) can cause the skin to produce melanin, but too much melanin can cause sun spots, skin discoloration, and hyperpigmentation in lighter complexions.

-Scarring/dark spots: Sometimes this occurs due to acne, post-inflammatory injuries, or other hyperpigmentation issues.

-Aging: As we get older, our skin tends to experience dullness, dryness, and age spots.

How Do I Even My Skin Tone?

There are many things we can do to support an even and healthy-looking skin tone. From the products we use to the foods we eat, there are easy steps anyone can take to better take care of their skin health. 

1. Use Sunscreen

No matter your skin type, sunscreen is the one proactive skincare treatment everyone should be building into their skincare routine. Sun damage can cause an uneven skin tone (not to mention wrinkles, cancer, and more), so it’s important to wear sunscreen every day to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to protect from UVA and UVB rays. 

Even on cloudy days, generously apply—and reapply—sunscreen, and wear a hat on particularly sunny days. Sunscreen comes in a wide variety of formulas, so you can easily find a formulation that is perfect for your skin. 

2. Use Color-Correcting Products

Using color-correcting products can help to give the appearance of an even skin tone when you are looking to minimize the appearance of dark spots. These dark spots are known as hyperpigmentation and can be caused by melasma, acne scars, or skin injury. Orange and peach-tinted products can help cover the purplish areas known as dark spots.

Our Face Pencil, an easy-to-master concealer that seamlessly covers areas of redness and darkness is buildable and blendable with the perfect amount of coverage. With 25 shades to choose from (including varying peach tones), you have plenty of options to conceal or neutralize areas of concern. We even have a shade-matching quiz to ensure you pick the right color for your complexion. 

Having more than one color in your makeup bag is also good practice for covering different areas on your face. For example, your forehead may be a shade or two lighter than your cheeks. Or your complexion may also be lighter in the winter and darker in the summer, even if you’ve been judicious about your sunscreen application. 

Although makeup isn’t the overall cure for skin tone concerns, it can help give you a smoother, clearer complexion. If you're looking for additional coverage, pair What The Foundation with The Face Pencil. WTF blends seamlessly into your skin and leaves you with a natural base that looks like your own skin on its best day. Read up on how to best find the right foundation for your skin tone.

3. Look for Niacinamide 

Niacinamide is popular in skincare products, and for good reason. A type of vitamin B3, it is known to brighten the appearance of skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. 

Niacinamide supports a healthy-looking texture and can be found in our Light Moisture Cream. Lightweight and easily absorbed, you’ll barely feel like you are wearing moisturizer at all.

While it takes time, studies have found that you can see results from using niacinamide within four weeks. Proof that it pays to be consistent with skincare.

4. Don’t Pick

It can be hard to resist, but leave any blemishes alone. When your skin is inflamed due to a pimple or a larger breakout, your skin produces collagen to help repair the damage. If your body produces too much, or too little collagen, you can be left with a scar.

You can help with this collagen production by leaving blemishes alone to heal on their own. It’s not news that picking or squeezing makes things worse—more visible and even more painful, too. Acne scars can appear as dark spots, raised scars (when there’s too much collagen), or even indented scarring (there’s too little collagen). 

While topical treatments can help with pigmentation issues, textural issues may have to be treated with procedures like chemical peels, laser treatments, microneedling, or even dermal fillers. Leaving these areas alone is a healthier (and more cost-conscious) option.

5. Have a Consistent Skincare Routine

Having a consistent skincare routine keeps your skin nourished and balanced, and will alleviate any issues that may crop up due to neglect. A good first step to maintaining your skin’s health is through consistent cleansing, which will help prevent breakouts (and therefore picking and popping).

Ingredients in skincare also can take a while to see results, meaning you won’t see overnight results—more like weeks to months. A consistent skincare routine ensures that your skin receives the active ingredients regularly. 

Jones Road makes having a consistent skincare routine easy. When it comes to cleansers try The Cleansing Stick. This oil cleanser easily dissolves makeup and removes the impurities you pick up daily, like pollution and dirt. It cleans effectively but doesn't strip your face of essential oils, which can leave your skin feeling tight and dry. It’s the perfect, low-maintenance way to ensure you regularly cleanse your face.

If you are using any topical serums or treatments, use them as directed. Also, keep it simple. Using too many treatments can cause reactions when ingredients that do not work well together get mixed. If you use any treatments, make sure they are recommended under a board-certified dermatologist's supervision.  

6. Moisturize

If your skin is looking and feeling dull, it is likely dehydrated and could use some moisturizer to refresh your complexion. Our Miracle Cream contains both shea butter and sunflower seed oil, both powerhouses in the moisturizing department. Your skin will look radiant and hydrated with consistent application. 

Dry skin can result from weather, humidity, and regular skin texture changes as you age. If your skin is feeling particularly parched, apply a thick layer as an overnight mask. Your face will look refreshed in the morning. 

7. Exfoliate Regularly

If your skin looks a little lifeless, add exfoliation to your routine. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells from the top layer of your skin, leaving your skin smoother and more even. 

This supports the natural texture of your skin and cell turnover, which is the process of producing new skin cells. Also, when you exfoliate regularly, your skin can better absorb other skincare products. It is like creating a clean slate for those active ingredients to work their skincare magic. But it is important not to over-exfoliate. This can cause irritation and can lead to skin damage. 

Choose a gentle exfoliator, and depending on your skin type, work yourself up from exfoliating once a week to a few times a week. If you have more sensitive skin, be gentle when exfoliating.

8. Eat a Healthy Diet

A good skincare routine can only do so much if you aren't taking care of what you're putting into your body. Drink plenty of water and include fruits and vegetables in your diet. Eating foods rich in antioxidants and vitamins can support your skin health from within.

The Bottom Line 

There are countless products that promise a more even skin tone and the best skin of your life. The most important thing to remember is that using effective ingredients and consistency are the two main actions to improve your skin tone.