Skin guide/Even Skin Tone
My playbook

Even Skin Tone

Fade dark marks, brighten dullness, and even out your complexion, steadily and safely.

SPF every single day
Best finds
For even skin tone
picked for this skin concern
  • Round Lab Camellia Deep Collagen Firming Sun Serum
  • Axis-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum
  • AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Toner
  • and more on my shelf
See them on my shelf →
Sound like you?
  • Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
  • Sun spots or melasma
  • General dullness and uneven skin tone
What I wish I knew sooner
  • SPF is non-negotiable, because UV undoes your progress
  • Give it two to three months at least
  • Melasma may need professional treatment

My routine, step by step

Morning and night. Skip the steps marked as optional if you want to keep it simple.

Morning

fast and light
1
Cleanse
Gentle cleanser
daily
2
Brightenoptional
Vitamin C or niacinamide
daily
3
Moisturize
Light to medium cream
daily
4
SPF
Broad-spectrum, generous amount
daily

Night

slow and caring
1
Cleanse
Gentle cleanser
daily
2
Treat
Azelaic acid, an AHA or a retinoid
a few nights a week
3
Moisturize
Cream suited to your skin type
daily

The ingredients I'd start with

You don't need all of them. Pick one or two and give them time.

Vitamin C
Also called: ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl glucoside

An antioxidant for brightening and extra daytime protection.

brightening / antioxidant / dullness
Works at: Ascorbic acid is usually used at about 10 to 20%
quite gentle
Read moreNiacinamide
Also called: niacinamide, nicotinamide, vitamin b3

A vitamin B3 that supports the barrier and evens the look of skin.

pore appearance / barrier support / uneven tone / oil control
Works at: Effective at 2 to 5%, many products go up to 10%
very gentle
Read moreAzelaic Acid
Also called: azelaic acid

Useful for redness, acne and post-breakout marks.

redness / acne / post-breakout marks
Works at: Over-the-counter products usually have about 10%
quite gentle
Read moreAHA
Also called: glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid

Surface exfoliants for texture, dullness and uneven tone.

texture / dullness / uneven tone
Works at: Leave-on products at about 5 to 10% are common for regular use
fairly gentle
Read moreRetinoids
Also called: retinol, retinal, adapalene

The vitamin A family, best known for texture, acne and fine lines.

texture / fine lines / acne / cell turnover
Works at: Start low (around 0.1 to 0.3% retinol) and build up
go slowly
Read more
From my bathroom shelf

What's on my shelf for this

Round Lab Camellia Deep Collagen Firming Sun Serum
Round Lab Camellia Deep Collagen Firming Sun Serum

The SPF I reach for under makeup.

Axis-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum
Axis-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum
AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Toner
AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Toner
ROUND LAB Vita Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum
ROUND LAB Vita Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum
medicube Deep Vita C Capsule Cream
medicube Deep Vita C Capsule Cream
AXIS-Y TXA 2.5% Intensive Brightening Cream
AXIS-Y TXA 2.5% Intensive Brightening Cream

Keep reading

Morning skincare routine for dry skin in winter→All skin goals→

This is general information from my own experience and reading, not medical advice. If your skin is painful, very irritated or not improving, please see a dermatologist.