
WHAT CAUSES UNEVEN SKIN TONE
AND HOW TO CARE FOR IT
What is
UNEVEN SKIN TONE
Uneven skin tone refers to variations in pigmentation or colour across the skin, which can make the complexion appear patchy, dull, or less uniform in appearance. It is a
common skin concern that can affect both the face and body.1
These variations may appear as areas of darker or lighter skin and can be influenced by internal skin processes as well as external environmental factors.2
6 Causes Of
Uneven Skin Tone
balance.

- 1. Hormonal Changes
Hormonal fluctuations can increase melanocyte activity (pigment-
producing cells), leading to excess melanin production that may result in
patchy areas of discolouration such as melasma, often seen during
pregnancy, menstruation or menopause.3 - 3. Sun Exposure (UV Damage)
Unprotected exposure to UVA and UVB rays stimulates melanocytes to
produce melanin. Excess melanin in localised areas can cause visible
changes in skin tone, which may lead to sun spots, age spots and
uneven-looking pigmentation over time.5
- 4. Post-Inflammatory Marks and Scarring
After skin inflammation such as breakouts, irritation or minor injuries, the
skin may produce excess melanin during the healing process, leaving
behind dark marks or discolouration known as post-inflammatory
hyperpigmentation.6 - 5. Skin Dryness and Dehydration
When the skin barrier lacks moisture, its surface becomes less smooth
and light reflects unevenly, making the complexion appear dull, rough
and less uniform even without changes in pigment.7 - 6. Environmental Factors
Pollution and environmental stressors can trigger oxidative stress and
low-level inflammation in the skin, which may disrupt melanin regulation
and contribute to an uneven-looking complexion over time.8

FACTS OVERVIEW
Causes of Uneven Skin Tone: Uneven skin tone can be influenced by sun exposure, ageing, hormones, post-blemish marks, dryness and environmental factors.
Development: Uneven skin tone can develop gradually over time as skin renewal slows and external stressorsaffect overall skin appearance.
Visible Signs: Uneven skin tone may appear as patchiness, redness, dullness, post-blemish marks or areasthat look less even in tone and radiance.
How to Care for Uneven Skin Tone: Gentle cleansing, exfoliation, hydration and daily SPF may help support amore even-looking complexion.
4 Signs of
Uneven Skin Tone
Uneven skin tone can appear in different ways across the skin. These signs reflect changes in skin appearance, discolouration, texture and overall skin clarity.

- 1Darker or Lighter Patches of Skin Tone
Some areas of the skin may appear darker and less even in tone than surrounding areas, which can contribute to a patchy-looking complexion.
- 2Red Marks
After breakouts or irritation, the skin may show temporary redness or discolouration, contributing to an uneven-looking complexion.9
- 3Dull or Tired-Looking Complexion
Skin may appear less radiant or lack natural luminosity, which can make the tone look less even.10
- 4Rough or Dry TextureUneven skin tone may also be accompanied by areas of rough or dry texture, which can make the complexion feel less smooth and appear less uniform in tone.
4 Ways To Improve And
Maintain An Even-looking Skin Tone
A consistent skincare routine can help support and maintain a more balanced-looking complexion over time. Focusing on gentle care, protection, hydration and skin-
supporting ingredients can help keep skin looking more even, smooth and radiant.
- 1. Daily Sun Protection
Using sun protection every day helps protect the skin from UV exposure,
which contributes to uneven looking skin tone over time.11 Daily SPF will
help prevent uneven skin tone developing. - 2. Gentle Exfoliation
Gentle exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells from the skin's surface,
supporting skin cell renewal.12 Over time, this may help support a
smoother, more refined and more even-looking skin texture. - 3. Hydration and Moisture Support
Keeping the skin well-hydrated can help maintain a balanced-looking
complexion.13 Moisturised skin can appear more radiant and supported,
helping reduce the appearance of dullness and uneven tone over time.


- 4. Targeted Ingredients
Certain skincare ingredients are commonly used in formulas designed to
help improve the appearance of uneven skin tone and support a more
balanced-looking complexion.14
Thiamidol®:
Patented Thiamidol® found in many products across the NIVEA Luminous630® range helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and
uneven pigmentation, supporting a more even-looking and radiant
complexion over time.
Vitamin C:
Often used to help brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark
spots linked to environmental stressors such as UV exposure and
pollution.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3):
Helps support the skin barrier while helping reduce the appearance of
redness and uneven-looking pigmentation.
Skincare Routine To
Support Uneven Skin Tone
A consistent routine may help support a more even-looking complexion over time.
- Step 1: Cleanse
Cleansing helps remove SPF, makeup and impurities that can affect skin clarity. NIVEA Serum Infused Micellar Water Luminous630® Skin Glow effectively removes waterproof make-up and sunscreen while helping to refine the appearance of pores and reveal a more radiant, even-looking complexion. Formulated with a 5% serum containing 1% PHA and Hyaluronic Acid, it deeply cleanses, gently exfoliates and helps reduce the appearance of redness, leaving skin feeling hydrated, soft and soothed.
- Step 2: Exfoliate (1-2 Times Per Week)
Exfoliation helps support natural skin renewal and refine skin texture over time. Use NIVEA Luminous630® Skin Glow Daily Liquid Exfoliant once per day, in the morning or evening, if you want to help remove dead skin cells and support a more refined, even looking and radiant complexion. Formulated with 4% AHA, 1% PHA and Aloe Vera, this leave-on exfoliant helps refine pores and support a smoother-looking skin surface.
Note: A slight tingling sensation may occur during use. Do not apply to irritated skin and avoid direct contact with the eyes. As this product may increase the skin's
sensitivity to the sun, it is recommended to use sunscreen and limit sun exposure.
Use only one chemical exfoliant per day.


- Step 3: Target Uneven Tone
This step focuses on supporting a more even-looking complexion and improving overall skin appearance over time. Serums and targeted care help support skin clarity and radiance.
NIVEA Luminous630® Advanced Anti Dark-Spot Serum
Powered by patented Thiamidol® , helps reduce the appearance of dark spots over time for a more even-looking complexion and prevent the appearance of new spots. Enriched with Hyaluronic Acid, the formula is suitable for all skin types. Use morning and evening to help reveal a brighter, more even-looking complexion.
NIVEA Luminous630® Anti Dark-Spot Eye Treatment
With Thiamidol®, Hyaluronic Acid and Caffeine, helps reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness for a more refreshed-looking eye area. and puffiness for a more refreshed-looking eye area.
Moisturising helps maintain hydration and supports the skin's barrier for a more balanced-looking complexion.
Day Care
Use a daily SPF moisturiser to hydrate skin and help protect against UV exposure that may contribute to uneven tone. Use NIVEA Luminous630® Anti Dark-Spot UV Face Fluid SPF50 if you want to reduce the appearance of dark spots over time and achieve a more even-looking skin tone. Formulated with Thiamidol®, Hyaluronic Acid, vitamin E and UVA/UVB filters, it helps keep skin hydrated and smoother day after day while helping to protect against UV rays, one of the leading causes of dark spots.
Night Care
NIVEA Luminous630® Anti Dark-Spot Even Tone Night Cream supports overnight skin renewal. Ideal if you want to reduce the appearance of dark spots over time while supporting the skin's natural overnight renewal process. Formulated with Thiamidol® and Hyaluronic Acid, it helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and wrinkles, leaving skin looking smoother, revitalised and more radiant by morning.
Please Note:
Do not use products containing Thiamidol® more than 4 times per day in total.
UV protection is one of the most effective ways to prevent the appearance of dark spots and an uneven complexion. Limit your sun exposure by staying in the shade when UV rays are strongest, wear protective clothing, and reapply sunscreen regularly to exposed areas.
Summary
FAQ
patchy. It may appear as areas of redness, dullness, post-blemish marks or uneven-looking texture.
irritation, ageing, hormonal changes and environmental stressors, all of which can affect the appearance
of skin tone and texture.
environmental stress and reduced skin renewal, which can affect skin radiance and overall balance.
support a more even-looking complexion over time by improving skin clarity and radiance.
exfoliation and SPF can help improve the appearance of uneven skin tone and support a more even-
looking complexion.
over time. Regular use helps support a more even-looking complexion and prevents further imbalance.
Where possible, try to avoid prolonged sun exposure during the hottest part of the day and wear
protective accessories such as a hat and sunglasses.
Related
Products
Related
Articles
- Cleveland Clinic. Skin Discoloration: Causes and Treatments; Cleveland Clinic: Cleveland, OH. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/11014-skin-discoloration
- Pandya, A. G .; Hynan, L. S .; Bhore, R .; et al. Melasma: A Comprehensive Update. J.Am. Acad. Dermatol. 2022. https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(22)00252-3/abstract
- Cleveland Clinic. Melasma: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment; Cleveland Clinic: Cleveland, OH.https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21454-melasma
- StatPearls Publishing. Hyperpigmentation; NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556106/
- World Health Organization. Radiation: Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation-Questions and Answers; WHO. https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/radiation-ultraviolet-(uv) (accessed June 23, 2026).
- Grimes, P.E .; et al. Updates in the Understanding and Treatment of Hyperpigmentation Disorders. J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. 2017. https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(17)30129-9/abstract (accessed June 23, 2026).
- Cleveland Clinic. Dry Skin (Xerosis): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment; Cleveland Clinic: Cleveland, OH. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16940-dry-skin
- Bocheva, G .; Slominski, R. M .; Slominski, A. T. Neuroendocrine Aspects of Skin Aging. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22 (2), 676. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7838324
- StatPearls Publishing. Xerosis Cutis; NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559150/
- Article available via PubMed Central. PMC10337531. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10337531/
- Rawlings, A. V .; Harding, C. R. Moisturization and Skin Barrier Function. Dermatol. Ther. 2004, 17 (Suppl. 1), 43-48. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2921758/
- Verdier-Sevrain, S .; Bonte, F. Skin Hydration: A Review on Its Molecular Mechanisms. J. Cosmet. Dermatol. 2007, 6 (2), 75-82. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC358389
- Article available via PubMed Central. PMC11896616. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11896616/
- Draelos, Z. D. The Science Behind Skin Care: Moisturizers. J. Cosmet. Dermatol. 2013, 12 (Suppl. 2), 2-8. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3673383/















