Causes of dull, uneven skin tone

(Baohatinh.vn) - Dull, discolored skin can be caused by sun exposure, hormonal imbalances, stress, lack of sleep, and an unhealthy diet.

Melanin is the pigment that determines each person's skin color and plays a role in protecting the skin against ultraviolet rays from sunlight. Melanin is produced by melanocytes (pigment-producing epidermal cells) scattered in the basal layer of the epidermis. If there are too many harmful factors affecting the skin, it will stimulate excessive melanin production, causing the skin to become dull, discolored, and develop age spots and freckles.

Pharmacist Do Xuan Hoa, from the Medical Information Center at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, stated that both external and internal factors can cause skin darkening and dullness.

UV rays from sunlight

When exposed to UV rays, the body increases melanin production to protect skin cells from damage. UVA and UVB rays in sunlight can also destroy collagen in the skin, accelerating the aging process. Simultaneously, they cause skin cells to produce MMPs, enzymes that break down the skin's underlying structure. MMPs break down and destroy fibrous proteins and proteoglycan molecules, causing the skin to lose its firmness and radiance. Areas of skin frequently exposed to sunlight, such as the cheeks, nose, forehead, or back of the hands, are more prone to darkening and dullness.

Doctors at Tam Anh General Hospital examine a patient's skin. Photo: Provided by the hospital.

Endocrine disorders

Changes in the levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone hormones are one of the common causes of facial skin darkening, especially in people over 40, during perimenopause, menopause, or pregnancy. At these times, the body stimulates excessive melanin production in certain areas of the skin, causing darkening and dullness.

Dermatitis, acne

Certain skin conditions, such as dermatitis and acne, can affect the process of pigment regulation. During inflammation, melanocyte cells may be stimulated to produce more melanin. After the skin condition heals, the excess melanin accumulates on the skin, creating dark spots, commonly found on the cheeks, forehead, chin, or jawline.

Stress, lack of sleep

Prolonged stress can increase cortisol levels and boost sebaceous gland activity, promoting inflammatory responses and affecting skin pigmentation regulation, leading to acne, dullness, and slow skin recovery.

During deep sleep, the body undergoes processes of regeneration and repair of damaged skin cells. Staying up late and lack of sleep disrupt or shorten the time it takes for new skin cells to regenerate. As a result, the skin becomes dull, lifeless, and more vulnerable over time.

An unbalanced diet

Eating a lot of fried foods, sweets, sugary drinks, and processed foods, while eating too few green vegetables and fruits... can lead to a deficiency of essential nutrients in the body, making the skin prone to dullness.

Conversely, a varied diet rich in vitamins and minerals contributes to healthier, brighter skin. Supplementing with certain natural extracts such as P. leucotomos (fern extract), sakura (cherry blossom), lemon powder, or pomegranate can reduce melanin formation and improve skin brightness, thus nourishing the skin from within.

To reduce the risk of skin darkening, pharmacist Hoa recommends limiting sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm when UV intensity is high. When going outside, use sunscreen and protect your skin with sun-protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats. Maintaining a balanced diet, lifestyle, and sleep schedule contributes to nourishing the skin from within. If skin darkening persists, patients should consult a dermatologist for appropriate advice and treatment.

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