Dark spots, patchy colour and marks that linger after a breakout are some of the most common things we see in clinic. The good news: a lot can be done with the right everyday skincare. The honest news: it takes time, and it only works with daily sunscreen.

Here is how we help people choose, step by step.

First, a quick word on what you are treating

Uneven tone has a few common causes:

Sun spots from years of UV exposure
Marks after spots or irritation, which fade slowly on their own
Hormone-related patches, often on the cheeks, forehead or upper lip, which can be stubborn

Skincare can help all of these look more even. Some, especially hormone-related patches, often need a clinic plan as well. More on that below.

Step 1: Sunscreen, every single day

This is the step that makes everything else work. UV light (and, for some people, visible light) keeps pigment active. Without SPF, brightening products are fighting a losing battle.

Choose broad-spectrum SPF 50, every morning, all year round
A tinted formula helps even out tone straight away and adds protection from visible light

Good choices for pigmentation:

Not sure which? See our sunscreen guide.

Step 2: Add a brightening product

Pick one to start. Add more later if your skin is happy.

Vitamin C serum (mornings)

Antioxidant protection alongside your SPF
Helps brighten and soften the look of dark spots over time
A good first step if you also care about dullness and fine lines

More detail in our vitamin C guide.

Claribright Radiance Brightening Lotion

A simple, non-prescription brightening lotion
Good if you want one easy step rather than a full routine
Sits well alongside a vitamin C in the morning or on its own

Obagi-C Fx: a ready-made brightening routine

For people whose main concern is uneven tone and dullness
Cleanser, clarifying serum (vitamin C with arbutin) and an exfoliating day lotion
Takes the guesswork out of layering

Or choose our clinic-built set:

Step 3: Ready for more? The Nu-Derm Fx path

The Nu-Derm Fx range is Obagi’s more structured, non-prescription system for tone and texture. It suits people who are happy with a multi-step routine and want a bigger change.

Or go for a full system:

Good to know:

Some dryness and flaking in the first few weeks is common
Introduce slowly and keep up the SPF
If your skin is sensitive, start with vitamin C 10% or Claribright first

Step 4: Retinol at night (optional)

Retinol helps skin renew and can improve the look of uneven tone and texture over time.

Start with Obagi Retinol 0.5, two or three nights a week
Do not use it on the same night as exfoliating products
Read our retinol guide first

A simple starter routine

Morning: cleanse → vitamin C or Claribright → moisturiser → SPF 50
Evening: cleanse → brightening step or retinol (not both on day one) → moisturiser

Give it 12 weeks before judging. Pigment fades slowly.

When to book a consultation instead

Please book in with us rather than buying more products if:

A mark is new, growing, changing colour or shape, itchy or bleeding – have it checked first
Patches are hormone-related or keep coming back
You have tried a good routine with daily SPF for three months with little change
You are pregnant or breastfeeding – ask before starting any brightening active

Some pigmentation responds better to prescription-strength treatment or in-clinic treatments. Prescription products are only supplied after a consultation with Dr Ed or our clinical team, so we can make sure they are right for you.

Still not sure?

Take our skin quiz, or message a specialist on WhatsApp at 0161 399 0631. Kate and Amy are happy to help you choose.

Delivery and collection

We deliver within the UK only. Royal Mail delivery is a flat £10, with free delivery on orders over £200, and click and collect from our Hale clinic is complimentary. All products are genuine stock from an authorised stockist.

This guide is general information, not personalised medical advice. Prescription items require a consultation.