There are a myriad causes, but the most common are:

• Hormones: Melasma is a hormone-related hyper pigmentation caused by increased hormone stimulation. It is most commonly experienced by women who are pregnant (which is why it’s also known as the “mask of pregnancy”) or taking contraceptives, but can also be a reaction to cosmetics or medications.
   
• Sun exposure: When one’s skin is repeatedly exposed to UV light, sun damage occurs. Brown spots and uneven skin tone develop as a result of too much melanin being produced to help protect one’s skin from UV light.
   
• Pollution: Particles and gasses  from traffic-related air pollution  penetrate  into the skin and lead to the formation of brown spots, particularly on the face.
   
• Scarring: Scarring can be caused by acne lesions or skin injury.This results in darkening of the skin.
   
• Ageing: With age, melanin can clump up and cause age spots, commonly referred to as liver spots. Age spots are not necessarily dangerous because they are only on the top layers of the skin, but they can make the skin appear unsightly.

Many treatment options are available for the problem at Sri Skin and Cosmetology Centre such as:

• Vitamin C creams used for mild discoloration, leads to gentle exfoliation, and is believed to even out skin’s pigmentation.
   
• Skin brightening creams: These creams work by inhibiting the production of melanin, most commonly through the use of the bleaching agent hydroquinone. But hydroquinone may reduce the speed at which melanin is produced by inhibiting other enzymes. In some people, this can cause permanent skin discoloration, and can aggravate any potential sun damage after the treatment. Therefore it is always advisable and safe  to consult a dermatologist before one starts using any creams or medications for uneven skin tone. Dr.Sudha Vani has a vast experience in dealing with the problem and advises the best treatment after examining the patient .
   
• Laser peels remove the dead skin cells from the upper layers of skin, thereby diminishing the appearance of discoloration. Sri Skin and Cosmetology Centre has world class Laser machines and well trained staff and give optimum results.
   
• Micro-dermabrasion: Works by brushing off old skin cells with a fine wire brush to make room for new growth.
   
• Chemical peels: This treatment uses chemicals that irritate the upper layers of skin, causing it to bubble up and eventually blister off. Since in this treatment it removes the upper layers of the skin, and stimulates the body to produce healthier skin cells, it has a similar effect as microdermabrasion or laser peels.

There are many causes for uneven skin tone.There are many treatment options as well. There is no single cream or procedure that can give one amazing and/or immediate results. Therefore it is important that one consults a dermatologist to get advise for the beat treatment option .

Dr.Sudha Vani , can be consulted with as she has over 19 years of experience in dealing with pigmentation and other skin related problems .