{"id":2154,"date":"2026-06-27T00:29:05","date_gmt":"2026-06-26T16:29:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nichebeaty.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/27\/the-sunscreen-upgrade-dermatologists-recommend-for-melasma\/"},"modified":"2026-06-27T00:29:05","modified_gmt":"2026-06-26T16:29:05","slug":"the-sunscreen-upgrade-dermatologists-recommend-for-melasma","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nichebeaty.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/27\/the-sunscreen-upgrade-dermatologists-recommend-for-melasma\/","title":{"rendered":"The Sunscreen Upgrade Dermatologists Recommend for Melasma"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Melasma is notorious for being challenging to fade. As someone who has it and struggles with it during the warm summer months, I can attest to this. With numerous treatments available, including lasers, chemical peels, skin-care actives and prescription topicals and oral medication, sometimes the best approach can be throwing the kitchen sink at the situation.<\/p>\n

Wearing sunscreen daily is non-negotiable for everyone, but especially for those with melasma. Ahead, we break down the causes of melasma, treatment and prevention options and why certain sunscreens can help minimize its effects.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Featured experts<\/h2>\n
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  • Dr. Shereen Teymour is a board-certified dermatologist in New York<\/li>\n
  • Connie Yang, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in New York<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    What is melasma?<\/h2>\n

    \u201cMelasma is a chronic pigmentary disorder that causes symmetrical brown or gray-brown patches on the skin, most commonly on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip and chin,\u201d explains New York dermatologist Dr. Shereene Teymour. These patches sometimes look like they have hazy, moth-eaten borders. Melasma is not harmful, but it can be difficult to treat because it tends to recur.<\/p>\n

    \u201cIt\u2019s triggered by a combination of factors, including UV exposure, visible light, hormones, genetics and even heat. It\u2019s especially common during pregnancy, which is why it\u2019s sometimes called the \u2018mask of pregnancy,\u2019 and it can also be triggered or worsened by hormonal contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy,\u201d explains New York dermatologist Connie Yang, MD.<\/p>\n

    Melasma occurs when melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in the skin, become overactive and produce excess melanin. Though it can affect anyone, those most prone to melasma are women, individuals with darker skin tones and those with a genetic predisposition.<\/p>\n

    Melasma vs. hyperpigmentation<\/h2>\n

    Melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation, which is considered an umbrella term that refers to any area of the skin that becomes darker due to excess pigment production. As dermatologists say, all melasma is hyperpigmentation, but not all hyperpigmentation is melasma. What differentiates melasma from other types of hyperpigmentation is its triggers and tendency to recur, making it one of the more challenging pigmentary conditions to treat. \u201cUnlike post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which develops after skin injury or inflammation caused by acne, eczema or a rash, melasma tends to appear symmetrically on the face in larger patchy areas and is strongly influenced by hormones, UV exposure, visible light and heat,\u201d says Dr. Yang.<\/p>\n

    What is the best way to prevent and treat melasma?<\/h2>\n

    The most effective approach to treating melasma, according to dermatologists, is a combination of prevention and treatment, but the most important part of the equation is sun protection. \u201cMany patients focus on finding the perfect cream, laser, peel or prescription, but the reality is you can spend thousands of dollars on the best treatments available and still struggle with melasma if you\u2019re not diligent about sun protection,\u201d Dr. Teymour says. She further explains that melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in our skin, have memory. \u201cOnce they\u2019ve been activated, they\u2019re much quicker to produce pigment again in response to triggers.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Dr. Yang likes to combine topical lightening agents, such as hydroquinone and retinoids, with oral tranexamic acid and a series of gentle laser treatments. \u201cOver-the-counter topical pigment suppressors like tranexamic acid, cysteamine, azelaic acid and vitamin C can also be helpful but better used as a preventative measure for milder cases.\u201d Since melasma is considered a chronic condition, the best treatment plan is focused on long-term management.<\/p>\n

    Tinted sunscreen is better for melasma<\/h2>\n

    Sunscreen is a must\u2014melasma or no melasma. However, dermatologists specifically recommend tinted sunscreens because they offer something extra to help keep annoying melasma patches at bay. \u201cTinted sunscreens contain iron oxides, which provide additional protection from visible light (specifically high-energy blue light), which can worsen pigmentation,\u201d explains Dr. Yang.<\/p>\n

    Dr. Teymour says that while we have a standardized way to measure UV protection with SPF, we don\u2019t currently have a universally accepted way to measure protection against visible or blue light. \u201cThis is particularly important for melasma patients because visible light is known to trigger pigmentation and SPFs that contain iron oxides are known to offer protection from this.\u201d She cautions that, though they offer protection, the degree of protection can vary across formulas due to a lack of standardization.<\/p>\n

    Tinted sunscreen recommendations<\/h2>\n
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    1<\/span> \/ 7<\/span><\/p>\n

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    A dermatologist favorite, Colorscience\u2019s SPF provides excellent visible light protection and comes in multiple flexible shades. \u201cI love that Colorscience is one of the few brands that actually tested its visible light protection, which is particularly important for melasma patients,\u201d says Dr. Teymour.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    \"Colorescience<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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    2<\/span> \/ 7<\/span><\/p>\n

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    An affordable option that works well for any skin type, CeraVe\u2019s Face Sheer comes in three shades that promote a healthy glow. Formulated with mineral titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, expect full protection from both UVA and UVB rays.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    \"CeraVe<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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    3<\/span> \/ 7<\/span><\/p>\n

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    This sunscreen is formulated with zinc and titanium dioxide, plus green tea and coenzyme Q10, to defend against UVA and UVB rays while enhancing skin quality. Plus, it\u2019s offered across three flexible shades.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    \"Jan<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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    4<\/span> \/ 7<\/span><\/p>\n

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    With a tint that fits most skin tones, EltaMD\u2019s tinted SPF is lightweight and particularly popular among those who are acne and rosacea-prone. Niacinamide helps alleviate inflammation and reduce the formation of hyperpigmentation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    \"\"<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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    5<\/span> \/ 7<\/span><\/p>\n

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    If you\u2019re looking for a tinted glow, Innbeauty Project\u2019s sunscreen is your perfect fit. Not only does it protect against UV rays, but it also protects against blue light, which can be harmful to those who suffer from melasma. Added peptides give the skin a little extra plumpness and hydration.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    \"iNNBEAUTY<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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    6<\/span> \/ 7<\/span><\/p>\n

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    This tinted sunscreen is powered by non-nano zinc oxide and patented KLEAIR technology, helping to block up to 98 percent of UV rays and 35 percent of blue light. It also offers lightweight hydration, doubling as a tinted moisturizer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    Agent Nateur holi (sun) spf 50 dewy tinted skin drops<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    7<\/span> \/ 7<\/span><\/p>\n

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    Origins’ unique formulation combines caffeine (to energize and revitalize) with ginseng (to boost collagen and brighten the skin) for a little something extra something in your daily tinted SPF.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    \"Origins<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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