How to Balance Uneven Skin Complexion

A facial scrub can help even out your complexion.

A radiant complexion can greatly improve your self esteem and self confidence. When meeting new people, your complexion is the first thing they notice. If your complexion is uneven, hiding behind layers of makeup and sunglasses is not going to improve it. Uneven pigment buildup and a combination of dry and oily skin can flaw your complexion. Instead of trying to hide your skin, incorporate a regular skincare routine to help even out your complexion.

Things You'll Need

• Facial cleanser
• Facial scrub
• 1 tsp. sugar
• Lemon
• Moisturizer
• Sunscreen
• Water
• Multivitamins

Instructions

1. Cleanse your skin twice a day; once in the morning and once before going to bed. Avoid going to bed with makeup on because this can clog your pores and trigger breakouts. Use cleansers made for your skin type according to the packaging instructions; if your skin is oily, a targeted cleanser can remove excess oil; if you skin is dry, a cleanser for dry skin can avoid over drying your skin. Acne prone skin, which is often oily, can benefit from cleansers that contain acne-combating salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.

2. Use a commercial skin-brightening facial scrub twice a week. A skin-brightening scrub helps lighten up dark patches and spots on your skin and removes dirt and dead skin cells. Splash warm water over your face to open your pores. Distribute the scrub over your face. Massage it into your skin with your fingertips using circular motions. Rinse off the scrub with lukewarm water. As an alternative, sprinkle 1 tsp. sugar on a slice of lemon and rub the slice over your face. The sugar exfoliates dead skin, while the acid in the lemon naturally bleaches dark spots.

3. Moisturize your skin using a moisturizer for your skin type. During daytime, use a moisturizer that contains a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, or apply a separate sunscreen before applying an SPF-free moisturizer. Sunscreen protects your skin from damaging ultraviolet rays, which can bring on or worsen dark skin patches. Before bedtime, use a nighttime moisturizer that focuses on restoring your skin.

4. Keep your body hydrated. Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily to keep your body functioning at its best. A lack of hydration can lead to dry, dull skin.

5. Exercise at least 30 minutes every day to increase blood circulation and to maintain healthy skin.

6. Eat a balance diet and avoid processed foods, sugar and fat. Consume a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Include tuna and salmon in your diet because these contain essential fatty acids, which helps avoid inflammation and wrinkly skin. Include olive oil, avocados and raw nuts in your diet to get vitamin A, which helps prevent signs of premature aging. Take a multivitamin daily to make sure you get the daily required vitamins and minerals.

7. Get your daily eight hours of sleep. While you sleep, your body, including your facial skin, recovers and replenishes itself. Getting sufficient rest also prevents dark under-eye circles.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult a dermatologist if your complexion doesn't improve. A dermatologist can recommend various in-office treatments and prescription skin care remedies.

References

• Docshop: Skin Texture
• "Health" Magazine: How to Let Fresh, Radiant Skin Shine Through
• PubMed: Comparison of A Salicylic Acid Cleanser and A Benzoyl Peroxide Wash in the reatment of Acne Vulgaris.
• Daily Glow: Lighten Dark Skin Tone and Clear the Skin Using Lemon and Milk Cream
• "Cosmopolitan" Magazine: A Diet for Gorgeous Skin
• Women Fitness: Top 10 Tips for A Healthy Complexion