best SUNSCREEN FOR melasma & hyperpigmentation

A good mineral sunscreen is the foundation and starting point for overall skin health, preventing aging, and preventing hyperpigmentation and melasma.

Finding the best sunscreen for melasma is crucial for your skin's health and beauty. It effectively prevents sunburns, reduces the risk of skin cancer, acts as a powerful shield against premature aging, fine lines, and wrinkles and prevents melasma & h yperpigmentation. Dive into the essential role sunscreen plays in preventing dark spots, melasma, and hyperpigmentation. According to board certified dermatologist at Harvard School of Medicine, Dr. Shadi Kourosh, melasma affects up to six million women in the U.S. alone.

Best Sunscreen For Melasma and Hyperpigmentation:

Tips for Sunscreen for melasma:

  • Extend your application of sunscreen to your neck and chest for comprehensive protection.

  • Opt for a mineral-based SPF 30 or higher for optimal effectiveness. Mineral sunscreen is best for melasma and chemical sunscreen can actually worsen melasma.

  • General reapplication every 2 hours is key, but for those combating melasma & hyperpigmentation, an hour in the sun should prompt reapplication.

  • Check the expiration date of sunscreen. FDA requires it to last for 3 years but things like leaving sunscreen out in the heat can break down the ingredients and make it ineffective. Make sure to never leave sunscreen out in your car. Dermatologist Dr. Spearman advises ‘Expired sunscreens may break down and cause irritated skin or even an allergic skin reaction. It’s also possible to develop a skin infection because over time, mold or bacteria can grow inside the container’.

  • Consider blue light blockers on your electronics. There are some studies suggesting blue light worsens hyperpigmentation & melasma. Iron Oxide Sunscreens will also protect against blue light. ‘To overcome this cosmetic hurdle, iron oxides are now incorporated into these sunscreens, allowing for a more elegant and compatible cosmetic application while still providing further visible light protection’ says (Dermatologist Dr. Robert Quiring) on the matter of best sunscreen for melasma.

    Dr. Anna Lien-Lun Chien, MD at John Hopkins agrees that sunscreen is the easiest and most cost-effective solution to combat aging signs and achieve a flawless, even skin tone.

BEST Tinted Sunscreen For Melasma & Hyperpigmentation: Colorescience Sunforgettable Flex Face shield

BEST Sunscreen For Melasma, tinted
best sunscreen for melasma, blocks uv light
color match sunscreen for hyperpigmentation

THIS IS MY OVERALL # 1 PICK FOR BEST SUNSCREEN FOR MELASMA & HYPERPIGMENTATION

WHY I LOVE:

  • Color pigment adapts to your hyperpigmented skin tone. I use medium in the summer and I mix medium and fair for winter months

  • The color is so beautiful and goes on flawless. If my melasma isn’t flared up too terribly I am able to use it as my foundation but it also goes on smoothly under makeup. It gives the right bit of color but with more of a natural look.

  • The color hides melasma as some tinted sunscreens seem to accentuate hyperpigmented spots but this sunscreen helps mask it

  • Blocks blue light! It’s hard to find a sunscreen that blocks blue light. I am convinced my melasma has worsened with the blue light from my electronic devices

  • Free of parabens, sulfates, pthalates, soil, dyes and fragrance (which can often irritate melasma)

Colorscience Sunforgettable SPF 50:

Zinc Oxide-12% Also contains Titanium Dioxide

Sunscreen with Iron Oxide: Yes

BEST SUNSCREEN FOR MELASMA & HYPERPIGMENTATION WITH BUILT IN FOUNDATION-It Cosmetics CC Cream

sunscreen for melasma with makeup

WHY I LOVE:

  • I’ve included this under SPFs because it serves as a duo SPF and full coverage. It’s very hard to find a makeup that has a physical sunscreen (most of them use chemical sunscreens) so this is a go to of mine. I put it on after my vitamin c serum and moisturizer in the morning.

  • Some makeups give melasma & hyperpigmentation a grayish tint, this makeup covers my melasma beautifully, it tone matches so well

  • It has anti-aging properties built in including hyaluronic acid and products that helps lighten melasma such as vitamin c and niacinamide

  • It’s lightweight yet provides full coverage

  • This holds up during my workouts. I sweat pretty hard in zumba and it holds up very well. My melasma darkens during workouts due to the heat but this covers it very well. Other makeups I used sweat right off of me

Tip for applying:

To help prevent heavy look mix the sunscreen in your palm for 10 seconds and then dab around your face. This helps prevent a heavy, cakey look

It Cosmetics CC Cream:

Titanium Oxide: 9%

Zinc Oxide: 6.3%

Sunscreen with Iron Oxide: Yes

BEST TINTED MINERAL SUNSCREEN FOR MELASMA & HYPERPIGMENTATION- FOR OILY SKIN: Supergoop Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40

best sunscreen for melasma for oily skin

WHY I LOVE:

  • It goes on quite flawlessly under makeup and creates a beautiful matte appearance which helps reduce shine and minimize the appearance of pores

  • Very lightweight and the tint is subtle

  • Beautiful tint do you don’t have to worry about a white cast. It also blends across multiple skin tones. The tint doesn’t cover fully melasma so you will need additional foundation over it.

  • Sweat/Water resistant for 80 minutes

Supergoop Mineral Matte

Zinc Oxide: 17.42%

Titanium Dioxide: 1.33%

Sunscreen with Iron Oxide: yes

BEST SUNSCREEN FOR REAPPLYING OVER MAKEUP FOR HYPERPIGMENTATION & MELASMA:

Colorescience takes this spot too. Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On

reapply over makeup, best sunscreen for melasma
best sunscreen for melasma

WHY I LOVE:

  • As with all their products, color pigment adapts to your skintone. I use medium and love to add their bronze or glow. The glow helps mask melasma. Some of my melasma spots are slightly different shades and this seems to adapt color to each shade.

  • It’s convenient to bring everywhere which is crucial with how often you have to reapply sunscreen for melasma

  • Mineral based, SPF 50 and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes. When I go for walks outdoor or workout outside I like to this as it doesn’t sweat off easily

  • Bonus: My daughters love applying this (they feel like they’re wearing makeup) so it’s not hard to get them to wear sunscreen which as many of you parents know can be an absolute nightmare

Tips for applying:

  • As seen in the above image just make sure you flip it over, tap a few times and flick the brush (flick the bristles to ensure the powder is flowing). They have a great video on their site also

Colorscience Sunforgettable Brush-On Shield SPF 50

Titanium Dioxide: 22.5%

Zinc Oxide: 22.5%

Sunscreen with Iron Oxide: yes

sunscreen for melasma

BEST DRUG STORE MINERAL TINTED SUNSCREEN FOR MELASMA & HYPERPIGMENTATION

CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Sheer Tint

tinted sunscreen for melasma

WHY I LOVE:

  • Just as it claims this sunscreen truly does adapt to different skin tones/colors and hyperpigmented areas. I’ve tested this out on a few friends with different skin colors/tones than me and it blends/adapts beautifully

  • Contains hyaluronic acid so great for those with dry skin but also not too moisturizing. I have a mix of dry and oily skin and it doesn’t look too dewy but certainly doesn’t dry my skin out

  • Mineral based, SPF 30, fragrance & paraben free

  • Goes on well under makeup or provides just enough tint it could be used as a very light coverage if you’re going for more of a natural look. It won’t fully cover melasma though so you will need additional foundation

  • Very affordable for a high quality with an average price tag around $15.00

Cerave Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Sheer Tint:

Titanium Dioxide: 5.5%

Zinc Oxide 10%

Sunscreen with Iron Oxide: Yes

BEST DRUG STORE SHEER SUNSCREEN FOR MELASMA & HYPERPIGMENTATION

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Oxyide Dry-Touch Face

sheer sunscreen for melasma

WHY I LOVE:

  • This is a great go to drug store sunscreen for melasma if you prefer no tint. It is 100% mineral based which I’ve found to be quite hard to find in a drug-store sunscreen

  • Water & sweat resistant up to 80 minutes but with melasma if you are outside sweating or in the water I would definitely pair any sunscreen with a hat

  • Free of fragrance, parabens, phthalates, dyes and chemicals so it’s great melasma as it’s non irritating, and overall great for sensitive skin

  • Contains antioxidants so it helps protect against skin-damaging free radicals

  • Very affordable for a high quality with an average price tag around $12.00

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Face Mineral:

Zinc Oxide: 21.6%

Sunscreen with Iron Oxide: No

on the go sunscreen for melasma, spf 50, mineral sunscreen

BEST SUNSCREEN FOR MELASMA & HYPERPIGMENTATION -ON THE GO

elta MD UV Stick

WHY I LOVE:

  • This mineral based 50 SPF stick is super convenient and easy to reapply and tote around which is great for melasma since we have to apply so often

  • Water & sweat resistant up to 80 minutes

  • Residue-free, does not leave a white cast which many mineral sunscreens tend to do.

  • Free of fragrance, parabens, dyes, alcohol. It’s also Vegan

  • Goes on pretty well under melasma makeup

eltamd UV stick SPF 50

Zinc Oxide: 22%

Sunscreen with Iron Oxide: No

BEST SWEATPROOF SUNSCREEN FOR MELASMA & HYPERPIGMENTATION

Skinbetter Science Tone Smart Compact SPF

tinted sunscreen for melasma, sweatproof sunscreen for hyperpigmentation

WHY I LOVE:

  • I absolutely love this tinted mineral based sunscreen (they have a sheer one as well but honestly I didn’t really care for the sheer version of this)! The compact design makes it easy to carry around your purse which is essential for the frequent reapplication that melasma requires

  • This is by far the best sweat/water resistant sunscreen for melasma I have found, hands down. When I exercise outside or plan on going swimming this is my go to. I’ve tried others and (I’m a sweater)others that claim to be ‘sweat proof’ just sweat off. Having melasma, I cannot take the chance of my sunscreen sweating off.

  • Blocks blue light in addition to sunlight

  • Their tone smart technology is incredible, it really does adapt to various skin colors/tones

  • It provides decent coverage so sometimes I will solely use this without additional makeup so it’s nice when you don’t want to have too heavy of coverage but want your spots covered

Skinbetter Science Sunbetter Tone Smart SPF 68 Compact

Titanium Dioxide: 8.4%

Zinc Oxide 10%

Sunscreen with Iron Oxide: Yes

Not all sunscreens provide the same protection. It’s important to understand the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreen for melasma.

Mineral Based (Physical Sunscreens) for Melasma & Hyperpigmentation

Explore the shield-like protection of mineral based sunscreens, blocking and reflecting UV rays for enhanced skin defense. They protect against UVA rays (aging rays) and UVB rays (burning rays). Discover the key ingredients, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, ensuring a robust protective barrier. These sunscreens sit delicately on top of the skin, providing effective and reliable coverage for melasma. If you’re looking for added UV blue light protection opt in for a tinted mineral sunscreen with iron oxide. Elevate your sun protection game with our guide to mineral-based sunscreens, your natural defense against harmful UV rays and hyperpigmentation.

Chemical Sunscreens

Chemical sunscreens should be avoided in those with hyperpigmentation & melasma. Chemical sunscreens act like a sponge to absorb UV rays effectively. Identify key ingredients such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, and avobenzone. These sunscreens are designed to be absorbed into the skin. Studies have shown chemicals such as oxybenzone stays in your bloodstream and has even been detected in breast milk. Studies show chemical sunscreens remain in the bloodstream up to four days after application. ‘The recent findings that sunscreen ingredients can be found in the bloodstream after use and that some sunscreens contain benzene give consumers reason for concern,” notes Dr. Vij. “While it’s hard to prove or disprove a link between sunscreen and cancer, we know that for most people, the benefits of using a mineral-based sunscreen — like lowering the risk of skin cancer and slowing down the aging process — far outweigh the risks.’-Dr. Vij, board certified dermatologist. Chemicals also convert UV rays into heat and heat is a trigger for melasma & hyperpigmentation.

Safer on your skin

Mineral sunscreens don’t contain harsh chemicals like chemical sunscreens so they are better on acne prone and sensitive skin and less likely to cause irritation to melasma & hyperpigmentation. Chemical sunscreens are absorbed into your skin so they are more likely to irritate your skin. Irritation to the skin can exacerbate melasma and hyperpigmentation. Mineral sunscreens are less likely to clog pores and cause break outs. Because chemical sunscreens absorb in your skin, more research is needed on the safety of chemical sunscreens in our bodies.

‘In recent years, studies have shown that many of the common chemical ingredients used in sunscreens are absorbed into the body’s bloodstream at concentration levels higher than the FDA’s safety threshold. One concern is that the chemicals can disrupt hormones in the body.’ -Yale Medicine.

Provides better UV protection

Because mineral sunscreens sit on top of your outer dermal layer they deflect uv rays as opposed to chemical sunscreens allowing UV rays to be absorbed into your skin. Think of Mineral sunscreens like a protective shield. Hyperpigmentation & melasma are primarily triggered by the sun so a sunscreen that shields against UV rays is essential in maintaining hyperpigmentation. Chemical sunscreens are popular because they don’t leave a white cast like mineral sunscreens however tinted mineral sunscreens have solved this dilemma. In addition to blocking harmful uv rays tinted sunscreens offer color that adapts to your skin tone to help cover hyperpigmentation & melasma.

Mineral only for melasma & hyperpigmentation

Two triggers for melasma & hyperpigmentation are heat and the sun. Chemical sunscreens convert uv rays to heat which often triggers melasma. Because mineral sunscreen acts as more of a shield against the sun it blocks more uv rays which protects against melasma.