PSA: Not all sunscreens can prevent melasma

While many non-colored sunscreens offer broad spectrum coverage to protect the skin from UV rays, “only a colored sunscreen can provide additional coverage for both UV and visible light,” says Dr. Rampveer. Also, those with melasma should consider choosing a mineral sunscreen (with zinc oxide away from the skin using the active ingredient titanium or zinc oxide). reason? Mineral sunscreens use UV filters that block both UVA and UVB rays from being absorbed by the skin, according to Dr. Hartman.

Chemical sunscreens are great for many people, but use filters that convert the sun’s rays into heat within the skin. “This can be caused by people who are prone to melasma or those who have melasma,” says Dr. Hartman. “If you have melasma, you should not cause a skin mechanism that produces the excess presence of melanin, as you will try to avoid overheating the skin. (So it is important to use a sunscreen with a mineral filter if you are dealing with other forms of pigmentation disorder, such as after dark spots from sun damage or acne breakouts.)

Of course, there is no shortage of colored mineral sunscreen on the market. But which of these is best to pair with melasma treatment? Continue reading. Earlier, we rounded up the seven best sunscreens for melasma to add to your skin care routine for peak UV protection.

Overall Best: Alastin Hydratint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen

Why it’s worth it: A favourite of attractive editors, Alastotin Hyertonto Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen is a favorite among dermatologists and editors alike, and is especially useful for people with dry skin. “This is because it’s a zinc-based sunscreen that contains hyaluronic acid, peptides and other moisturizers,” says Marys, M.D., a board certified dermatologist in San Diego, California. Furthermore, the light weight feeling is not necessarily given to minerals. “Because it’s comfortable to wear, you’ll want to apply it every two hours and reapply it,” says Shana Sharchi, a shopping director who deals with both melasma and redness during pregnancy. The non-comedogenic formula features a glow finish on the top skin tone and is available in neutral shades that work with most skin tones.

Best Shade Range: Tizotin Tint Moisturizing Serum Wide Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen

Why it’s worth it: Tizotint moisturizing serum available in five buildable shades is Dr. Ranveer’s top pick. Featuring 15% zinc oxide, this refined mineral formula combines sunscreen with a silky serum texture that works beautifully with a dark complexion,” she says. It is also concentrated with moisturizing hyaluronic acid, glycerin and ceramide, nourishing the skin and gives a slight glow with every swipe.

Best Drugstores: Neutrogena Pool Screen + Mineral UV Cinto Face Liquid Colored Sunscreen

Why it’s worth it: Iron Oxide combines Neutrogena Peace Screen + Mineral UV-colored facial liquid tint sunscreen mineral filter. Dr. Rampveer said: But if you want a little more coverage, don’t worry. It is designed to be seamlessly layered under makeup. Available in four shades, from light to deep, the budget-friendly sunscreen also offers a wide range of mineral SPF 30 protection and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes.

Perfect for brightening: Lanabut Brightening Mineral Sunscreen

Why it’s worth it: Made in a unique adaptive projection facility that combines antioxidant-rich zinc oxide with zinc oxide, Rabavat’s bright mineral sunscreen is laced with a cloak of protection from sun exposure and blue light. It also injects saffron to brighten it, and sprays scrarn for moisture. With a pink pearly tint designed to blend in with your skin tone, this coloured mineral sunscreen has a fan of Nina Desai, a board certified dermatologist in Manhattan Beach, California. Not only does it provide SPF 50, it “makes it into the skin, leaving you with hydration and glow,” she says. “I love how it combines the amazing SPF with the bright power of saffron.”

Perfect for mature skin: Isdin Photo eryfotana Ageless Ultralight Emulsion Broad Spectrum SPF 50

Why it’s worth it: For those who want to barely feel it from sunscreen, the Isdin photo eryfotana ageless ultralight emulsion broad spf 50 is “a very light, non-comedy sunscreen sunscreen,” says Dr. Rampveer. “It also contains peptide complexes that help support collagen production and improve the appearance of thin lines and wrinkles, blending in with a wide range of skin tones,” Formula also gives a thumbs up from Dr. Hartman. “It’s a 100% mineral sunscreen with zinc sunscreen, and DNA repair enzymes help to heal the skin and protect and repair vitamin E,” he says he personally uses it. “Finding mineral sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white cast can challenge dark skin tones, but this product is easy to apply and doesn’t leave a cast or feel oily on your skin.”

Perfect for sensitive skin: Toucha Silk Sunscreen SPF 50

Why it’s worth it: Jane Yu, MD, MPP, a certified double-board dermatologist and MOHS surgeon in New York City, encourages her melasma patients to use colored SPFs like Tacha Silk Day Screens. It “slips like silk, it has hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which moisturizes,” says Dr. Yoo. “This is especially useful if you’re drying with retinoids at night. You won’t get any additional peeling.” In the refined lilac bottle, the elegant formula is also made with silk extract. The pinkish tint disappears in all skin tones, with an exposed finish that gives the skin a healthy sun-swinging glow. The non-comedogenic formula that withstands water and sweat is gentle on sensitive skin.

Perfect for touch-ups: Avène Hightonotection Tinted Compact

Why it’s worth it: Housed in a compact suitable for touch-ups on the go, the Avène Hightonotection Tinted Compact is a formula between creams (which makes it very easy to blend) offered in two shades. That’s part of the reason why I like Yu. Plus, she says, “It really gives you good base coverage and has vitamin E.” Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, helps protect your skin from visible light. The Avène formula also contains titanium and zinc for broad spectrum sunscreen, which accumulates the brand’s signature hot water to soothe sensitive skin that is irritated. “A lot of my mature skin patients really like this,” says Dr. Yu.

FAQ

What is the best sunscreen for Melasma?

For Melasma, mineral sunscreen with wide spectrum protection is ideal. Those that contain iron oxide in particular, say Asmi Berry, a board certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist in Glendale, California. “Iron oxide, found in colored sunscreens, helps block visible light, a known trigger for melasma.”