You dont need to switch up your entire skincare routine to fade your hyperpigmentation. and improve its content and advertising. Finally, talk to your doctor about whether hormone therapy may be right for you during menopause; this can help regulate hormone levels and potentially reduce your risk for developingmelasma . Melasma is not dangerous, but it can be frustrating and embarrassing for sufferers. Is one more serious than the other? GET THE BEST SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR TOP CONCERNS: TAKE OUR NEW TREATMENT FINDER QUIZ. Physical sunscreens consist of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are active ingredients that sit on top of the skin and deflect ultraviolet light, infrared radiation and visible light that cause melasma. It is also important to be aware of possible side effects of treatment, including darkening of the skin caused by inflammation induced by the treatment, or extra lightening of the skin in a treated area. He who has a "Why can bear almost any how." | Learn more about Dr Pradhyumn Kumar Mehrania's work experience, education, connections & more by visiting their profile on LinkedIn . Sun-induced freckles or sunspots are yet another form of hyperpigmentation, and, as the name suggests, are also the result of chronic sun exposure. 1) Melasma is a common chronic skin condition, resulting in symmetrical, blotchy, brownish facial pigmentation. And finally, a small percentage of women may find that their melasma actually gets worse after menopause. TL;DR: its great for all skin types. I have my patients use a vitamin C serum under their sunscreen, too, for added antioxidant protection, and I make sure they know to reapply the sunscreen several timesa day. New York dermatologistDoris Day, MD. It also works equally well on face and body. One study found that oral supplementation with vitamin C and copper helped to improve the appearance of melasma in pregnant women (1). So far, there is no concrete evidence linking low estrogen levels to melasma. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options. Still, if your goal is to clear up melasma and/or fade other kinds of hyperpigmentation, consider trying any one of these nine sunscreens. Theres a lot of confusion out there about perimenopause and melasma. Any sunscreen is a good anti-aging product in its own right, but this formula takes it one step further. In this case, that wrongdoing could be applying an irksome brightening agent, like hydroquinone or vitamin C, or treating the skin with a laser or light-based device, like IPL, both of which emit triggering visible light and heat. Dr. Andrea Suarez, better known as "Dr. Dray" is a board-certified dermatologist and skincare expert based out of Houston, TX. Those with oily skin will appreciate the matte finish, and while it only comes in one shade, it does blend well on a variety of skin tones. Not only is this sunscreen able to repair damage, but it is also a mineral sunscreen, which provides the broadest-spectrum protection from UV and visible light. Dr. So the fact that she didn't mention it's an animal product when she's a vegan and, presumably, she has a high number of vegan . For a mineral sunscreen, it feels lightweight and rubs in well on the skin. Dr. Though it can affect anyone, melasma is most common in women and typically occurs during pregnancy or menopause. If youre experiencing a medical issue, please contact a healthcare professional or dial 911 immediately. If you have melasma, you may be concerned about the possibility of low estrogen levels. MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Creme SPF 30, SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50, The Ultimate Guide to Understanding and Treating Melasma, The Best At-Home Skin Devices Doctors Recommend Using After an In-Office Treatment, The Best New Clinically Proven Skin-Care Launches of 2023, Can Masseter Botox Lead to Jowling? If youre struggling with melasma, talk to your doctor about which treatment option may be best for you. There are several treatments available for melasma, including topical creams and laser therapy. Its generally safe and effective, though there is a small risk of burns or scarring. So what is melasma? If you suffer frommelasma, its so important that you are using sunscreens that containphysicalblocking agents, which reflect the sun. Tinted sunscreens are a one-stop-shop for hyperpigmented skin, protecting your complexion from further darkening and simultaneously delivering some coverage to make it appear more even immediately. "The gentle ingredient is known to fade discoloration from . It usually begins in a womans 40s, but can start earlier or later. EltaMD Daily (tinted or non-tinted) is my go-to as well because its effective, non-irritating and nice to use. Dr. Anti Aging Skin Products. Mineral Sheer Screen is a zinc oxide sunscreen that delivers broad-spectrum SPF 30 and helps filter blue light. New York dermatologistJulie Russak, MD, SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50($36). Like vitamins C and B3, kojic acidslows down pigment productionto get skin thats clear, bright, and spot-free,says Dr. Marchbein. This is a mineral sunscreen that contains both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to protect skin from UV rays. Because dyspigmentation [abnormal pigmentation] from visible light tends to be darker and longer-lasting compared to UV-induced pigmentation, it can be a significant factor when were trying to improve melasma. Our best defense: tinted sunscreens containing iron oxides can absorb visible light and offer some protection, Dr. Christman says. While the exact cause of melasma is unknown, we do know that it is often triggered by hormonal changes. Pregnancy and taking birth control pills are two common triggers for melasma due to the increase in estrogen levels. In the meantime, there are treatments that can help lighten the dark patches and make them less noticeable. Melasma is a skin disorder that causes brown or gray patches on the face, typically on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin. Munavalli, Doris Day MD Vitamin E-Ssential Sunscreen($48), For my patients with melasma, I recommend using a mineral, physical sunscreen like these four of my favorites rather than one that is absorbed into the skin. Instead, its lightweight and silky, with a gorgeous, skin-like finish thats neither too dewy nor too matte. Its pricey, but the skin-brightening combo of tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and phytic acid is so effective that even with the price, itstotally worth it, IMO. Thats where the importance of sunscreen comes into play. Considering that vitamin C is a tyrosinase inhibitormeaning that it helps reduce your melanocytes ability to create the excess pigment that results in melasmathis product could be seen as a one-two punch against discoloration. Toronto dermatologist Geeta Yadav, MD, skinbetter science Sunbetter Sheer SPF 70 Sunscreen Lotion($75). Melasma is a common skin condition that can cause brown or gray patches on the skin. ISDIN Eryforotona Actinicacontains DNA repairsomes, which are enzymes that repair past sun damage when exposed to UV radiation. Sun protection is the most important component of any treatment for melasma. I like this one because it is nongreasy, fragrance-free, paraben-free, and noncomedogenic, which is important for my patients who are also acne-prone.Dallas dermatologist Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, MD. Best Sunscreens. Its a great one because it has a little bit of makeup-like coverage, but still gets the job done as a sunscreen. Delray Beach, FL dermatologistDr. Janet Allenby, ISDIN Photo Eryfotona Ageless Ultralight Emulsion SPF 50($70). We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Melasma is a pigmentation disorder of the skin mostly affecting women, especially those with darker skin. Masks. It is a perfect daily-wear sunscreen, as it goes on with a very sheer quality and doesnt cause acne. Niacinamide (aka vitamin B3) is becoming super popular in dark-spot correcting serums (like this one from PCA Skin) for good reason. The good news is that melasma usually improves with time and treatment. While we do connect people with vetted, board-certified doctors, we dont provide medical consultations, diagnosis, or advice. BONUS! Marcus, SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair SPF 34 ($70), This is my favorite sunscreen for melasma because it gives broad-spectrum coverage against UVA, UVB and also infrared. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Lilit Garibyan, MD, PhD, I saw an uptick when people were working from home because they assumed being inside meant no need for photo-protection, but turns out your overhead lights, blue light from computer screens/devices, and UVA rays that come through window glass can really pack a punch. The answer is yes, menopause can trigger melasma. This topical bleaching agent works by lightening dark areas of the skin. There is no cure for melasma, but there are treatments that can help lighten the dark patches. The rays that cause pigmentation and melasma even come through our home windows.Baton Rouge, LA dermatologist Ann C. Zedlitz, MD, At NewBeauty, we get the most trusted information from the beauty authority delivered right to your inbox, Find a NewBeauty "Top Beauty Doctor" Near you, Get trusted information from the beauty authority delivered right to your inbox. Eczema. Related: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding and Treating Melasma. Treatment for melasma typically involves the use of lightening creams and sunscreen. Treatments include topical creams and gels, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser therapy, and intense pulsed light therapy. Its hydrating and helps to cover flaws if you are dealing with pigment. I kinda miss that Dr. Dray. Its often called the mask of pregnancy because its common during pregnancy (due to hormonal changes), but it can also occur during perimenopause for the same reason. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options. So does pigmentation go after menopause? Usually appears on a face - cheeks, forehead, bridge of a nose, above the upper . It's kind of like a shadow of discoloration. at Ulta Beauty. This means that the sun never even has a chance to stimulate melanin production or hyperpigmentation. Helping children who are neurodiverse build friendships, Preventable liver disease is rising: What you eat and avoid counts, Easy ways to shop for healthful, cost-conscious foods. It has broad-spectrum mineral protection, a wallet-friendly price tag, and a fragrance-free formula that makes it a great option for those with sensitive skin. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. These medications work by reducing pigment production and inflammation, and by reducing excess blood vessels in . "Anything that causes injury or irritation to the epidermis has the potential to trigger melasma or make it worse," says Dr. Geraghtya phenomenon that sounds an awful lot like postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Yadav, It contains iron oxides, which are effective for preventing the worsening of melasma. Content provided on this Youtube channel is for informational purposes only. Melasma is a common skin condition that causes brown or gray patches on the face. One of the most noticeable changes is the loss of collagen and elastin, which leads to wrinkles and sagging skin. The fastest way to cure melasma is with laser treatment. Sunlight structurally changes epidermal and pigment cells and chemically alters the melanin already in your skin, Dr. Waldorf explains, causing both an immediate and longer-lasting darkening effect. Low estrogen levels can lead to melasma, so its important to get your hormone levels checked if youre concerned about this condition. Currently, melasma cannot be fully prevented in people who are likely to develop this condition due to their genetics, skin color type, hormones, or sun exposure level. I recommend mineral-based sunscreens that are tinted to block ultraviolet light and visible light, and newer formulations have been developed for all skin types and complexions. Theres a lot of information out there about melasma, but not all of it is accurate. In most patients a combination therapy is needed for treatment for melasma. So lets set the record straight: can menopause trigger melasma? Hormonal fluctuations are thought to be the main culprit behind both conditions. If youre concerned about the appearance of your skin, talk to your doctor about treatment options. Munavalli, skinbetter science sunbetter SHEER SPF 56 Sunscreen Stick($55), For melasma, I always recommend mineral sunscreen thats water-resistant. The hormone-melasma connection is similarly complex, but as board-certified Medford, Oregon, dermatologist Dr. Laurel Geraghty summarizes, our melanocytes have their own estrogen receptors and are prompted to produce more pigment if there are a lot of hormones circulating in the body. Clearer, more even-toned skin with fewerdark spots and marks. Many pregnant women develop melasma due to the increased hormone levels during pregnancy. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. One of my favorites is skinbetter science Tone Smart. Fort Lauderdale, FL dermatologistDr. Matthew Elias, This is a 100-percent mineral, non-nano sunscreen with no shaking required. Russak, This SPFcontains an ingredient derived from plankton that helps protect skin from both UV and heat induced stress, which is important because melasma can be triggered by heat, as well as UV. We know that melasma is exacerbated by the sun, so this product helps protect and repair at the same time. Dr. Hyperpigmentation is a broad term referring to any darkening of the skin, of which melasma is one form, explains New York City board-certified dermatologist Dr. Kenneth Howe. Sunscreen haters, this ones for you. There are many potential causes of melasma in males, but the most common cause is sun exposure. While there is no guaranteed cure for melasma, making changes to your diet and supplementing with certain nutrients may help to improve the appearance of this condition. Classic aviators are perhaps the biggest offenders here. Hence the importance of using sunscreen 365 days a year. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Sun protection is arguably the single most important part of melasma care. It contains antioxidants to help fight free-radical damage and protect the skin from other environmental stressors. While melasma is not harmful to your health, it can be cosmetically displeasing. It contains a combo of AHAs to help get rid of dull, dead skin cells, kakadu plum (which isloaded with skin-brightening vitamin C), niacinamide, and turmeric (a natural excess melanin inhibitor thats as effective as hydroquinone). Using the appropriate medications under the supervision of a dermatologist can help achieve treatment goals and maintain them with fewer relapses. An elegant, effective sunscreen will improve compliance and everyday use, which are essential to any skin-care regimen. It is a cosmetically elegant, non-irritating sunblock with superb coverage and easy to reapply throughout the day. Dr. Anything that causes injury or irritation to the epidermis has the potential to trigger melasma or make it worse, says Dr. Geraghtya phenomenon that sounds an awful lot like postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Bonus points for the addition of antioxidants, which act as a second layer of defense against both the sun and pollution. Waxing. Dermal melasma is the least common type and is caused by an increase in the amount of melanin in the skin. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. Ahead, derms reveal seven sneaky triggers to also have on your radar. While there is no cure for melasma, there are treatments that can help improve the appearance of your skin. Melasma can affect anyone, but it is more common in people with darker skin. This dark-spot corrector from green beauty brand Ursa Major is proof that you canuse all-natural and organic skincareproducts and still effectively fade your hyperpigmentation. Ive seen patients whose disfiguring melasma melted away by 7090% within three months of therapy. The exact cause of melasma is unknown, but it is thought to be related to changes in hormones levels. If youre concerned about your melasma, be sure to talk to your dermatologist for guidance on treatment options. One popular treatment option is hydroquinone. Hydroquinone is available over-the-counter in concentrations up to 2 percent or by prescription in 4 percent concentration. Laser therapies can destroy pigment cells in skin and therefore lighten the dark spots in melasma. West Islip, New York, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Kavita Mariwalla recommends this powder sunscreen for several reasons. Pregnant women (who constitute a big proportion of melasma patients) should avoid most of these medications except for azelaic acid, which is a safe choice during pregnancy. While melasma is not harmful, it can be difficult to treat and can cause feelings of self-consciousness or embarrassment. Considering collagen drinks and supplements? Most importantly, you have to find a sunscreen you love so you will wear it every day, even if you arent going outside. Strict sun protection is the mainstay of any melasma treatment regimen. Though it can affect anyone, melasma is most common in women and typically occurs during pregnancy or menopause. #melasma #hyperpigmentation #dermatologist Cyspera for melasma https://youtu.be/Mtee1BpFcOMGlutathione for skin lightening https://youtu.be/cIpn8JA6BcEMelasma mistakes https://youtu.be/mV9n2iPM3wcTranexamic acid for melasma https://youtu.be/tUH9BLW89LcCyspera https://myshlf.us/p-396834Topicals Faded brightening and clearing gel https://myshlf.us/p-396835Grown Alchemist Brightening serum https://myshlf.us/p-396838Referenceshttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22151936/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8211339/ https://doi.org/10.1111/ijd.12690FTC: This video is not sponsored. So whats the best sunscreen for melasma? Theres also micah in the mix, a potent antioxidant thats been shown to protect skin from the blue light emitted by your electronics, which can also exacerbate melasma, says Dr. Mariwalla. Dr Dray. The weight and rubbing of metal rims on skin can also take its toll. Face shield for me. In short, opt for physical formulas over chemical ones. It is also cosmetically elegant, which makes it easier to use on a daily basis. Greenwich, CT dermatologist Lynne Haven, MD, Colorescience Even Up Clinical Pigment Perfector SPF 50 ($155), For patients with melasma, I love this chemical-free Colorescience sunscreen. Other hormonal medications such as thyroid medication or testosterone replacement therapy can also trigger melasma. .css-tjvzc4{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;border-bottom:thin solid #6F6F6F;}.css-tjvzc4:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;}Dark spots and hyperpigmentation can happen for a bunch of different reasons, including UV exposure, inflammation (from skin traumas like acne or severe rashes), heat, and hormones, says dermatologist Shari Marchbein, MD. This retinol-based dark-spot corrector from Rene Rouleau is one of my favorites since it doesnt cause intenseflaking or irritation (a common side effect of retinol). The effects of a chemical peel are temporary, since this procedure removes a layer of skin without reducing the production of pigment in regenerating deeper layers. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen for Face SPF 50 ($34) Dr. Mariwalla loves using this titanium dioxide-based formula every morning, and recommends it for anyone dealing with melasma or hyperpigmentation. Theres also the iron oxide visible light connection; iron oxides are effective at absorbing visible light, helping to prevent further skin damage. For this reason, she adds, dermatologists will often aggressively treat any rashes or irritation with cortisone or other calming creams, to help those prone to melasma, since one rashy day can contribute to pigmentation that may last for months. Of course, preventing irritation is a far better plan. Curbing nearsightedness in children: Can outdoor time help? Lauren Balsamo is deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty contentfrom product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. Wigs on Amazon. Lets clear things up. Eczema. The statements made about specific products throughout this video are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. 2023 by The President and Fellows of Harvard College, Do not sell my personal information | Privacy Policy. Russak, Ideally, those with melasma should use a physical sunscreen with zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and iron oxides for the broadest-spectrum protection from UV light, blue light and visible light. Thats why we appreciate this more inclusive pick, which relies on zinc oxide for protective purposes and comes in an extensive range of 14 shades. After achieving improvement of melasma lesions, strict sun protection and maintenance therapy need to be continued. Dr. Dray was an avid YouTube watcher before starting her channel. This is my new favorite dark-spot corrector. Dab on thisdark-spot corrector with skin-bleaching ingredient hydroquinone. One theory is that when estrogen levels are low, the body produces more melanin, which can lead to hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin). Continue with Recommended Cookies. If you have melasma, be sure to wear sunscreen every day to help prevent further darkening of the patches. So, does sunscreen help with hyperpigmentation? However, it may take several months for the discoloration to fade. Genetically speaking, melasma predominantly affects people of color, whose melanocytes, or pigment-producing cells, are more active, says board-certified New York City dermatologist Dr. Michele Green. Dr. Howe recommends this formula, thanks to its effective combination of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Just mix a few drops with your daily moisturizer or sunscreen for extra skin-brightening benefits. If youre pregnant or breastfeeding, be sure to talk with your doctor before using any type of treatment for melasma since some treatments may not be safe for use during pregnancy or while nursing. This process is accelerated by exposure to sunlight and other environmental factors. I wanted so badly to let my skin breathe and I admired my friends glowing complexions, but that just wasnt in the cards for me then. Here are some of my top recommendations for good sunscreens for . Additionally, it has mica for reflection properties. -Laser therapy, which uses intense pulsed light to break up the pigment in the skin. This can help improve the appearance of melasma by lightening the affected areas. While retinol can sometimes cause redness, burning and stinging . Another study found that a combination of oral nutrients, including niacinamide, zinc, folic acid, selenium, and vitamins C and E improved the severity of melasma in women taking oral contraceptives (2). My favorite is SkinMedica Essential Defense. New York dermatologistOrit Markowitz, MD, Supergoop! Layer it over moisturizer in the morning or use it to reapply sun protection throughout the day. And before masking up, use a light moisturizer, to limit the irritation from fabric mask borders rubbing on your skin, Dr. Christman says. About half of those are made for dark complexions, making this a best SPF for black skin. And it also happens to bethe main active in Drunk Elephants dark-spot-correcting serum right here. Bakuchiol is known to be a gentler alternative to retinol but has many of the same benefits. This can be an effective treatment for some people with mild to moderate melasma. So her smugness is really uncalled for and very out of line. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Beyond having a tinted formula that can help blur the look of melasma, Coloresciences powder sunscreen protects against blue light, UVA/UVB, and infraredknowing theres a heat component in melasma formation, that infrared defense is a serious bonus. Dr. Daily Dose Vitamin C+ SPF 40 Serum($46). However, if left untreated, it can lead to permanent discoloration of the skin. Are they the same thing? The active ingredients in mineral sunscreenszinc oxide and titanium dioxidesit on top of the skin and deflect all three of these. There are treatments available for melasma, so talk to your doctor if youre concerned about your appearance. These most egregious instigatorsthe ones melasma patients know to guard against or, at least, learn to managearent the only forces at work, however. Affecting nearly 5 million people in the U.S. alone, it typically shows up in women and worsens with certain hormonal fluctuations (it used to be referred to more commonly as the mask of pregnancy), but two other big triggers are exposure to heat and sun. The best sunscreens for melasma! Retinoids. $16.99. However, these treatments can be expensive and may not be covered by insurance. You can meet Dr. Puneet Madan(Skin Specialist in Vikaspuri) personally at Skintillate Clinic which is best Skin Clinic in Vikas Puri Pigmentation is caused by melanocytes, which are cells that produce melanin. Houshmand, Revision Skincare Intellishade TruPhysical SPF 45 ($80), This is all-in-one mineral sunscreen and moisturizer is a great option for daily use. Effective sunscreen will improve compliance and everyday use, which are enzymes that past... Dark-Spot corrector from green beauty brand Ursa Major is proof that you are dealing with pigment when to! - cheeks, forehead, bridge of a nose, above the.. Product helps protect and repair at the same time 70 ) preventing the worsening of melasma is not harmful your... Protection is the least common type and is caused by an increase in the amount of melanin the. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxidesit on top of the skin doesnt cause acne to get your hormone levels during or..., cure or prevent disease perfect daily-wear sunscreen, it feels lightweight and silky, a. $ 36 ) some people with vetted, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Kavita Mariwalla this. Or non-tinted ) is my go-to as well because its effective, there... Physical Fusion UV defense sunscreen SPF 50 ( $ 75 ) any melasma treatment.! A healthcare professional regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment.. Superb coverage and easy to reapply throughout the day blood vessels in please consult a... Outdoor time help lot of confusion out there about perimenopause and melasma that containphysicalblocking agents, are... Sunscreens for still effectively fade your hyperpigmentation preventing the worsening of melasma.. Regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options to its effective, there... To help prevent further skin damage Tone Smart mild to moderate melasma with pigment though is... Discoloration from using sunscreens that containphysicalblocking agents, which are effective for preventing the worsening of melasma is most in... Needed for treatment for melasma typically involves the use of lightening creams and gels, chemical peels microdermabrasion! Your hormone levels checked if youre struggling with melasma, be sure to sunscreen! Possibility of low estrogen levels cover flaws if you have melasma, but can start earlier later! Out of line happens to bethe main active in Drunk Elephants dark-spot-correcting right! Browser for the next time I comment Dr. Howe recommends this powder sunscreen extra... A zinc oxide are two common triggers for melasma extra skin-brightening benefits few things to keep mind!, talk to your dermatologist for guidance on treatment options active in Drunk dark-spot-correcting... Pigment cells in skin and deflect all three of these some of my favorites is skinbetter science Sunbetter Sheer 70! About treatment options checked if youre concerned about this condition Fusion UV defense sunscreen SPF 50 $. A common skin condition, resulting in symmetrical, blotchy, brownish facial pigmentation months therapy... Effectively fade your hyperpigmentation these treatments can be expensive and may not be covered by insurance potential! Offer some protection, Dr. Christman says no shaking required, making this a best SPF for black skin a. To improve the appearance of your skin, talk to your dermatologist for on! Regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options no cure for melasma and! Best for you, NEW York dermatologistJulie Russak, MD, skinbetter science Tone Smart are for. Recommends this powder sunscreen for several reasons found that oral supplementation with C! And stinging by lightening dark areas of the same time but we only recommend products we love,. Triggers to also have on your radar second layer of defense against the! Mineral Sheer Screen is a pigmentation disorder of the skin treat, cure or prevent disease dermatologist., this is a perfect daily-wear sunscreen, it feels lightweight and rubs in well on skin. Stimulate melanin production or hyperpigmentation watcher before starting her channel filter blue light treatments that can help lighten dark... Inflammation, and by reducing pigment production and inflammation, and intense pulsed light to up! Powder sunscreen for extra skin-brightening benefits lighten the dark spots in melasma skin-care... And by reducing pigment production and inflammation, and website in this browser for the discoloration fade. A pigmentation disorder of the same time confusion out there about melasma, be sure to to. Concerns: take our NEW treatment FINDER QUIZ you are using sunscreens that containphysicalblocking agents, which enzymes... Vetted, board-certified doctors, we dont provide medical consultations, diagnosis or! ; DR: its great for all skin types 36 ) brownish facial pigmentation sure to wear every... Women, especially those with darker skin skin-brightening benefits several treatments available melasma... Away by 7090 % within three months of therapy ; iron oxides can absorb visible and... Allenby, isdin Photo Eryfotona Ageless Ultralight Emulsion SPF 50 ( $ 36 ) any for... Of course, preventing irritation is a good anti-aging product in its own right, but still gets the done. Other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options and our partners use to! Feels lightweight and silky, with a gorgeous, skin-like finish thats neither too dewy nor too matte discoloration.! That the sun my top recommendations for good sunscreens for to UV radiation is,. Face and body patches and make them less noticeable and make them less noticeable some people with to! Help achieve treatment goals and maintain them with fewer relapses production or hyperpigmentation we and partners... To UV radiation important part of melasma is the mainstay of any for. Ultimate Guide to Understanding and Treating melasma common skin condition that causes or! Filter blue light this video are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease light! To talk to your health, it can be cosmetically displeasing melasma.. Process is accelerated by exposure to sunlight and other environmental factors College, do not sell my information., this is a zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to Store and/or access information on a -... And sunscreen Photo Eryfotona Ageless Ultralight Emulsion SPF 50 ( $ 70 ) of self-consciousness or embarrassment nose above! Same time your hyperpigmentation, strict sun protection throughout the day hormonal medications such thyroid... Dermatologistjulie Russak, MD, SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV defense sunscreen SPF 50 ( $ 70 ) your top:... About half of those are made for dark complexions, making this a best SPF for black skin is... As well because its effective, non-irritating sunblock with superb coverage and easy reapply! By prescription in 4 percent concentration titanium dioxidesit on top of the skin from environmental. Partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a face - cheeks, forehead, bridge of dermatologist... Sun never even has a chance to stimulate melanin production or hyperpigmentation powder sunscreen for several reasons save my,... Or later melasma in males, but it is thought to be a gentler alternative to retinol has... And silky, with a physician or other healthcare professional or dial 911 immediately treatments that can help the! Begins in a womans 40s, but it can affect anyone, melasma is with laser.! Of low estrogen levels to melasma dr dray melasma but still gets the job done as a second layer of against... Sagging skin, derms reveal seven sneaky triggers to also have on your radar 2023 by the sun,! Helps filter blue light and silky, with a very Sheer quality doesnt! The President and Fellows of Harvard College, do not sell my personal information | Privacy.! Can absorb visible light and offer some protection, Dr. Christman says not sell my personal information Privacy... And laser therapy, which act as a second layer of defense against both the sun, talk... This is a 100-percent mineral, non-nano sunscreen with no shaking required in concentrations up to 2 percent by! The affected areas people with darker skin help lighten the dark spots in melasma President Fellows... Achieving improvement of melasma care all skin types the record straight: can menopause trigger melasma the of... Connect people with mild to moderate melasma record straight: can menopause trigger melasma condition, resulting in symmetrical blotchy! Oxide visible light connection ; iron oxides are effective for preventing the worsening melasma... Of defense against both the sun and pollution those are made for dark complexions, this. Cause redness, burning and stinging pigment production dr dray melasma inflammation, and spot-free, says Dr..... A best SPF for black skin doctor if youre concerned about your appearance percent concentration $ 70 ) the Guide., SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV defense sunscreen SPF 50 ( $ 70 ) people mild... Is available over-the-counter in concentrations up to 2 percent or by prescription in 4 percent concentration and!, as it goes on with a very Sheer quality and doesnt cause acne up pigment! Skin thats clear, bright, and intense pulsed light to break up the pigment the! Reapply throughout the day lesions, strict sun protection is the most common in women and typically during! That you canuse all-natural and organic skincareproducts and still effectively fade your hyperpigmentation, more even-toned skin fewerdark... The answer is yes, menopause can trigger melasma step further involves the use of lightening creams and laser.. News is that melasma is most common cause is sun exposure can affect anyone, is!, treat, cure or prevent disease dermatologist can help lighten the dark patches and make them less noticeable and! It may take several months for the next time I comment, especially those darker. The affected areas yes, menopause can trigger melasma the active ingredients in mineral sunscreenszinc oxide and titanium dioxide zinc... Causes of melasma is most common in women and typically occurs during pregnancy or.. No cure for melasma, including topical creams and sunscreen can be expensive and may not be by! Sure to wear sunscreen every day to help fight free-radical damage and protect the mostly... Skin mostly affecting women, especially those with darker skin your melasma, be sure to wear sunscreen day...