Uneven skin tone
Uneven skin tone describes areas that look darker, lighter or redder than surrounding skin. It is not a diagnosis. Inflammation, sun exposure, melasma, pigment loss and other skin conditions can cause different patterns that need different care.
What you may notice
- Darker or lighter patches
- Marks after acne, irritation or injury
- Mottled colour on sun-exposed skin
- Persistent redness
- A new spot that differs from surrounding marks
Why it can happen
Pigment can increase after inflammation, hormonal changes or light exposure. Reduced pigment may follow inflammation or a pigment disorder. Redness can reflect blood vessels or inflammation rather than pigment. Medicines and, less commonly, underlying illness can also alter skin colour.
What may help
Sun protection and gentle skincare are useful foundations. Treatment should address the diagnosed cause. Unexplained patches or individual spots should be assessed before bleaching products, peels, laser or other cosmetic treatment. Irritation and procedures can worsen pigmentation, particularly in darker skin tones.
When to consult
Arrange assessment for unexplained, spreading or changing colour, especially with other symptoms. A spot that grows, changes shape or colour, bleeds or looks unlike the others needs prompt medical review before cosmetic treatment.
Evidence and sources
- DermNet. Pigmentation disorders [Internet]. Auckland: DermNet New Zealand Trust; 2023 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/pigmentation-disorders (new tab)
- DermNet. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation [Internet]. Auckland: DermNet New Zealand Trust; 2023 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/postinflammatory-hyperpigmentation (new tab)
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Skin rejuvenation and resurfacing [Internet]. Arlington Heights (IL): American Society of Plastic Surgeons; [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/skin-rejuvenation-and-resurfacing (new tab)
- DermNet. Melanoma [Internet]. Auckland: DermNet New Zealand Trust; [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/melanoma (new tab)