An uneven skin tone can occur due to a variety of skin conditions--including freckles, age spots or other sun damage--and melasma. Topical treatments and dermatological procedures are available to help even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of red or brown splotchy areas on the skin.
Lightening Creams
Over-the-counter creams that contain deoxyarbutin, kojic acid, hydroquinone or glycolic acid may be helpful in reducing faint discolorations of the skin, the Mayo Clinic says. If over-the-counter creams aren't effective, a dermatologist can prescribe a stronger dose of hydroquinone, a bleaching cream that can help even out skin tone. Hydroquinone may be prescribed alone or with prescription retinoid creams, which are derived from vitamin A and help encourage skin cell exfoliation and regrowth. Lightening creams--either over-the-counter or prescription--make skin sensitive to the sun, so wear sunscreen when going outside.
Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing is a procedure that's performed in the office of a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. Laser resurfacing uses a laser light that shines on the afflicted area, destroying the melanocytes that darken the skin without damaging the skin's surface. Several laser resurfacing treatments may be required to completely remove the darkened spots on the face. It may take several months after the last laser resurfacing treatment for the dark areas of the skin to fade entirely, the Mayo Clinic says.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a medical procedure performed by a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. During a microdermabrasion procedure, the doctor sprays a fine stream of abrasive crystals at the skin, which wears away cells on the skin's surface. These cells are removed from the skin, allowing new skin cells to grow. According to the American Academy of Plastic Surgeons, more than one treatment may be required before the uneven skin tone has completely faded.
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