Does sunscreen help melisma? Yes, it does, and we’ve put together the best sunscreen for melasma so you can make a perfect choice.
Melasma is a skin problem that leads to discolored dark patches on the skin. It happens to about 90 percent more women than men. Usually, these patches appear around the chin, bridge of the nose, forehead, and cheeks. Melasma causes no physical harm, but it can make most people conscious of their looks.
Scientists don’t fully understand the leading causes of melisma, but stress, pills, pregnancy, and hormone therapy can trigger it. Darker-skinned individuals also have a more substantial risk compared to those with fair skin.
Furthermore, melasma is called the mask of pregnancy because the hormone increase can trigger the condition.
Nevertheless, sun exposure can trigger the condition, so you must use sunscreen to control pigmentation caused by melanocytes.
Does sunscreen help melasma?
Since the harsh rays of the sun can trigger melasma, you should use it (among other things) to prevent the condition. Even more, sunscreen is essential when treating melasma because it protects your skin during the healing process. You must understand that without sunscreen, any medication taken to eradicate the problem might be ineffective. However, not all sunscreen products are okay for melasma.
Generally, there are two types available:
- Sunscreens with chemicals like oxybenzone
- Sunscreens with zinc and titanium dioxide (physical blockers)
For sufficient cover against all kinds of wavelengths, opt for sunscreens with physical blockers. Today’s formulas with physical blockers are made to absorb into the skin and offer that maximum protection. Avoiding chemical sunscreens can also help you avoid allergic reactions as well, so there’s no reason you shouldn’t go for them.
Top picks: Best Sunscreen For Melasma
Now to help you make the best choice, here are some of the best sunscreens for melasma you should purchase.
1. Thinkbaby SPF 50 Sunscreen
The Thinkbaby SPF is one of the best sunscreens for melasma. It is free of chemicals like parabens, oxybenzone, gluten, avobenzone, PABA, UV chemical absorbers. The Thinkbaby formula absorbs into your skin without any greasiness or smell. It’s a perfect choice because it delivers sun protection with biodegradable non-Nano zinc oxide formulation.
2. La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50
The La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 is excellent for your day out on the beach. It is resistant to water and can protect sensitive skin against the harsh rays of the sun. It is also free of oxybenzone, parabens, or fragrance. However, it is not entirely chemical-free because it contains avobenzone and glycerin.
3. Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF Powder 50
This fantastic product helps protect the skin from sunburns and works as a finishing powder after applying your makeup. It is entirely neutral so that it would work with all skin tones and skin types.
4. The Invisible Zinc SPF 50
As the name implies, it is a zinc-based sunscreen. It is perfect for all skin types and does not stain or make your skin feel greasy. However, the product might leave a little white residue if you don’t rub it thoroughly. Due to the white tint, it might not work for most people who want to wear wit make up.
5. Blue Lizard Sensitive SPF 50
The Blue Lizard Sensitive is entirely free of chemicals, parabens, or fragrance. It is ideal for sensitive skin and delivers perfect cover with a unique blend of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. This product won’t feel heavy on your skin or leave any oily outlook behind.
6. SkinCeuticals Mineral Defense SPF 50
SkinCeuticals Mineral Defence provides maximum protection from the sun without any creamy finish. Made with titanium dioxide, it is a perfect choice, especially when you live in high heat and humid conditions.
7. SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion is excellent for all skin tones. It will not make your skin greasy or leaving behind residue. It contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Because of its super absorbent properties, you can use it beneath your makeup without worries.
8. Suntegrity 5-in-1 SPF 30
Suntegrity acts as a sunscreen, foundation, moisturizer, and skin-restorative lotion. It comes with a unique blend of non-Nano size zinc oxide, red algae, jojoba, sunflower, cucumber, and a hundred more plant-based ingredients. It’s the perfect lotion when treating skin conditions like acne, rosacea, and melasma.
9. Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen SPF 30
Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen contains no fragrance or chemical additives like oxybenzone or octinoxate. It is specially formulated for babies, kids, and sensitive skin. You don’t also have to worry about allergies because it does not contain peanut, dairy, soy, walnut, almond, gluten, and soy.
10. Obagi Sun Shield Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Obagi Sun Shield gives an excellent buffer to your skin against the sun’s harmful rays. It is made with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. However, not everyone can use it since it is made for people with warm skin tones.
11.DRMTLGY Tinted Face Moisturizer SPF 46
DRMTLGY Tinted Face Moisturizer works as a foundation and face sunscreen. It’s specially formulated to leave no stains or residues on your skin. The good part is that you can enjoy that flawless concealing look even when you decide to go without makeup as you give your skin the chance to heal.
12.Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Mineral Lotion SPF 30
Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen comes with no sulfates, dye, parabens, phthalates, or oxybenzone. It is water-resistant and delivers its skin protection using the blend of Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. It also has skin-restorative properties afforded by the mix of Kakadu plum, red algae and eucalyptus.
Please note: You should always use a sunscreen with SPF 30 and above when dealing with skin conditions like melasma.
Concluding Thoughts
Melasma is a condition that affects millions of people all over the world. Sunscreen can help when repairing your skin. However, not all sunscreen, especially those with chemicals, offer little protection. With the list above, we are sure you will purchase only the best sunscreen for melasma.
Nevertheless, sunscreens alone cannot heal the condition. Talk to your dermatologist about the possible medications and topical treatment. You should also invest in Vitamin E and C to help restore your skin’s natural glow.
Overall, melasma can return if you go about without sun protection. Therefore, using sunscreen is not about treating the condition but protecting your skin.
References
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323715
- https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/color-problems/melasma#causes
- https://www.webmd.com/melanoma-skin-cancer/qa/what-causes-melasma
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/unmasking-the-causes-and-treatments-of-melasma