How to Diminish Uneven Skin Tone & Get Your Glow Back

The appearance of uneven skin tone on the face, chest, and hands is a clear sign of aging skin, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. With the right mix of anti-aging ingredients, you really can get your youthful, radiant glow back! We’ll share the most effective skin-brightening tips and formulas and help you narrow down the choices by skin type.

Top ingredients for glowing, even skin tone

Today, we know even more from research about the ingredients proven effective for combating uneven skin tone, helping to brighten dull skin, and more. Unfortunately, that doesn't make it any easier for you to sort through the parade of products that often rely on gimmicky, unproven, and sometimes even skin-aggravating ingredients.

That's where we can help. Backed by research, we highlight below the ingredients that are considered among the most effective for improving the appearance of uneven skin tone while also addressing visible signs of aging. These are multi-taskers you’ll want to get to know!

1. Niacinamide + acetyl glucosamine

The two ingredients in this duo — niacinamide and acetyl glucosamine — have impressive research showing their ability to help alleviate the appearance of uneven skin tone and red spots!

All skin types can benefit from this ingredient coupling, found in our CLINICAL Niacinamide 20% Treatment. This innovative serum also includes potent antioxidants to support skin health and give your skin an overall youthful, hydrated glow.

2. Tranexamic acid + niacinamide

This pairing is another research-supported combination to improve uneven skin tone and target stubborn, patchy discolourations and hyperpigmentations. Tranexamic acid and niacinamide work along different pathways to improve the look of hyperpigmentation and help restore a remarkably more even skin tone. Featured in our CLINICAL Discoloration Repair Serum, this duo is also excellent for fading the look of reds and dark spots from post-breakout marks.

3. Ascorbic acid: vitamin C

Products with high concentrations of ascorbic acid (the technical name for pure vitamin C) have been shown to significantly improve the appearance of uneven skin tone. Research has also shown that combining vitamin C with other skin-brighteners, such as antioxidants, liquorice extract, and bearberry extract, can produce even better results for a glowing complexion and a more even skin tone.

For everyday brightening, apply our C5 Super Boost Moisturizer and C5 Super Boost Eye Cream, each featuring a 5% concentration of vitamin C for lightweight hydration and a smoother, more radiant glow.

For an all-over solution, apply our BOOST C15 Super Booster before your serum and moisturizer. Its light-as-water formula contains 15% ascorbic acid with a unique peptide plus antioxidant blend, helping your skin to appear dramatically more even, firmer, and healthier.

4. Azelaic acid

High concentrations of azelaic acid (10% or greater) can bring about a remarkable difference in a blotchy, uneven skin tone. Azelaic acid's refining abilities also allow it to progressively brighten a dull skin tone, restoring a more youthful look. What’s more, azelaic acid can be used by all skin types and is even suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin.

Why sun protection is a must!

Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or greater is the number one way to stave off the appearance of uneven skin tone. If used as directed with other sun protection measures, it also decreases the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun. If you aren't using sunscreen 365 days a year, you aren't going to be able to maintain an even skin tone no matter what else you do — sun protection is a must!

At Paula's Choice Singapore, we’re particularly keen on mineral-based sunscreens (titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide are the active ingredients) for this issue. Their reflective quality, which is what helps guard your skin against UV rays, gives them an edge in warding off uneven skin tone and fine lines at the same time.

For oily, combination, or breakout-prone skin, try our RESIST Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30, which provides a sheer tint of colour and gentle mineral-derived protection.

For normal to dry skin, consider our RESIST Skin Restoring Moisturizer SPF 50. This antioxidant-rich moisturizer hydrates and protects with superstar ingredients like niacinamide, shea butter, and liquorice, helping restore flawless, younger-looking skin with a dewy finish.

For your hands, décolletage, and body, check out our Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50, a synthetic sunscreen that absorbs quickly into skin so you can go about your day — no slick, creamy residue left behind.

Discover more tips on how to stay young looking with Paula’s Choice Singapore.

Shop our products that can help combat uneven skin tones today.

References for this information

• Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, May 2019, pages 454–459
• International Journal of Women’s Dermatology, February 2019, pages 30–36
• The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, August 2014, pages 13-17
• International Journal of Molecular Sciences, June 2013, pages 12,222-12,248
• Indian Dermatology Online Journal, April-June 2013, pages 143-146
• Archives of Dermatological Research, November 2011, pages 669-678
• British Journal of Dermatology, February 2010, pages 435-441
• Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, March 2007, pages 20-26