Best Sunscreen For Melasma: Reviewed, Rated & Compared

Melasma is a common skin condition that causes your skin to develop a patchy tone.

It’s far more common in women than in men, with 90% of people developing it being women. It’s often, but not always, associated with pregnancy.

Do you suffer from these sometimes unpleasant-looking patches?

Are you unsure of what to do to help minimize the effects of your melasma?

Sunlight (including visible light) and hormones are the two main causes of melasma, according to Cleveland Clinic.

Protecting yourself from the sun is therefore one of the simplest ways to help keep your melasma under control.

Sunscreens come in various forms to cater for a large number of needs. Many of these needs go beyond sun protection.

It can be a hard task to find the best sunscreen for melasma, so if you’re in the market for melasma sunscreen, then this article is for you.

Keep reading to find out all you need to know about sunscreen for melasma.

How to Choose A Good Sunscreen For Melasma

Protection from the sun is one of the easiest ways to minimize the effects of melasma.

However, any old sunscreen won’t do.

There are certain factors and ingredients that you need to look out for when buying a sunscreen. It needs to protect you from the sun’s rays as well as preventing your melasma from getting worse.

Broad Spectrum Coverage

Damage from the sun comes from exposure to both UVA and UVB radiation. Not every sunscreen protects against both.

Keep your eyes open for a sunscreen that offers protection from both types, this is often called ‘broad spectrum’ sunscreen.

SPF Rating

The SPF Rating on sunscreen can be confusing and misleading, as higher isn’t always better.

However, it’s recommended that the sunscreen you use for melasma is at least SPF 30.

Ingredients

Dermatologists often recommend sunscreens with zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or iron oxide for melasma, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Tinted sunscreens contain iron oxides, which also help block the visible light that can darken melasma.

Ease of Use

You need to wear sunscreen every day in order for it to have an impact on the appearance of your melasma.

A thick, uncomfortable sunscreen may offer great protection, but it can sometimes feel greasy.

Choose a lightweight cream, particularly if you wear makeup, as it can be applied underneath.

How does SPF relate to Melasma?

Melasma is linked to hormones and sun exposure, and sunlight darkens the patches.

The SPF you use in your sunscreen can make a big difference to managing your skin condition.

SPF can seem pretty confusing, but it’s especially important to understand it if you have an existing skin condition.

A higher SPF blocks more UVB rays, but the gains shrink fast. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, and no sunscreen blocks 100%, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

SPF is sometimes explained as how much longer you can stay out before burning. That math doesn’t hold up in real life, because sunscreen rubs, sweats and washes off.

Reapply at least every two hours, and more often if you’re sweating or swimming.

It’s annoyingly complicated, so the main thing to remember is to reapply regularly and seek shade every so often, all while staying hydrated!

Sunscreens above SPF 50 do exist, but they add only a small amount of extra UVB protection.

They can also give a false sense of security if they tempt you to skip reapplying.

In terms of melasma, it’s recommended that people with this condition wear SPF 30­-50 sunscreen and reapply regularly.

Understanding how SPF works is an important part of staying safe in the sun.

Physical vs. Chemical Sunscreens: What’s The Difference?

It’s in the name, but physical sunscreens physically protect your skin from the sun by actively blocking sun rays from getting to your skin.

They normally contain zinc oxide, which acts as a physical block.

Anyone who’s ever surfed will be familiar with using zinc to stay safe in the sun.

Anyone who hasn’t surfed – remember the dodgy, thick foundation you wore when you were 15 that completely clashed with your actual skin color and gave you the worst ‘tide line’ between your face and neck? Yep.

Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays before they can damage your skin. Most combine several filters to cover both UVA and UVB.

The chemicals used are generally safe but can be irritating to certain skin types, depending on skin conditions and age, among other factors. They’re more likely to have added chemicals for fragrance that aren’t advisable for sensitive skin.

Both of these types of sunscreen will usually protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays, but always check the label – look for ‘broad spectrum’ products.

Whichever type you choose, the AAD suggests applying it about 15 minutes before you go outside.

What’s Best For Melasma?

Physical (also referred to as ‘mineral’) sunscreens are usually the best option for anyone with melasma. They’re less likely to irritate sensitive skin, and tinted versions add protection from visible light.

You can also find really lovely, organic physical sunscreens that are great for anyone with sensitive skin.

Many physical sunscreens are based on zinc oxide, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

If you have dark skin, look for a tinted formula or ‘invisible zinc’ as it will blend much better. This is also a good option for anyone who wants to wear sunscreen under their makeup as it has much better transparency.

Top 5 Sunscreens for Melasma

1. Health Priority Natural Products Vitamin E Moisturizer with SPF 30

Health Priority Natural Products Vitamin E Moisturizer contains SPF 30 to offer great protection from the sun’s harmful rays.

The vitamin E content and smooth, light texture makes it amazing to wear everyday.

You can even wear it under makeup, ensuring that your skin is always protected.

This protection extends to both UVA and UVB rays.

It uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, the mineral filters dermatologists look for in a melasma sunscreen.

Vitamins E and B5 add moisture.

pros & cons

Health Priority Natural Products Vitamin E Moisturizer with SPF 30 is comfortable to wear everyday. It has the added bonus of moisturizing your skin.

The brand says it’s made with natural and organic ingredients in the USA.

It offers broad spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays. The bottle is small, though.

If you have melasma over a larger area, you’ll go through it faster.

It’s generally safe for allergy sufferers. Some users may experience adverse side effects, so it’s advised to test the product on a small area of skin first.

2. La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Sunscreen for Face, Ultra-Light Fluid SPF 50

This product has featured on several of my favorite sunscreen lists, and for good reason.

La Roche Posay is a wonderful brand.

This sunscreen is SPF 50, so is pretty much the highest I’d suggest going for before you’re not getting much more bang for your buck.

This product also contains antioxidants, which may add some protection against UV damage. They don’t replace sunscreen.

It’s also water-resistant for up to 40 minutes, so reapply after 40 minutes of sweating or swimming.

Already having to be overly-aware of your skin when you’re out in the sun is no fun, but hopefully, this makes it slightly easier for you!

3. Invisible Zinc Tinted Daywear (Medium) SPF 30+ UVA-UVB

Another fantastic product for anyone with melasma or other skin conditions that leave you extra sensitive to the sun.

This sunscreen offers both UVA and UVB protection, and I would suggest going for SPF 30.

There are high levels of zinc oxide in this sunscreen, making it perfect for anyone with a skin condition as it forms a protective layer on your skin.

It’s also fragrance-free, which makes it less likely to aggravate sensitive skin.

I like this for its transparency on skin – it blends in really well so is perfect under makeup or for anyone with dark skin who doesn’t want greasy, white streaks!

4. Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen, Sensitive SPF 30+

I love this sunscreen from Blue Lizard.

This zinc-based sunscreen acts as a physical barrier to sunlight in order to protect your skin from harmful rays.

It’s free from chemical filters as well as parabens and fragrances, so is a good choice for anyone with melasma as well as most other skin conditions that cause sun sensitivity; such as photosensitivity, although you may want a higher SPF .

One of my favorite things about this product is that it actively tells you when to cover up and stay safe. The bottle changes color in UV light, a reminder that UV rays are present and you need to be extra careful.

This is a little gimmicky, sure, but it’s really helpful and works as a great visual aid in teaching children about the importance of sun safety.

5. Coppertone Sensitive Skin SPF 50 Lotion

This is one of the best products out there for anyone with melasma or any other skin conditions that make skin extra sensitive to sunlight.

It’s designed for sensitive skin, so it’s fragrance-free and labeled hypoallergenic. Check the Drug Facts label if you specifically want a mineral formula.

This is another broad spectrum sunscreen and is also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes – although I’d personally recommend reapplying within that time period. It should help calm any sun-related anxiety just a little.

It’s easy to find at most drugstores.

In Conclusion

Even though melasma is a common condition, it can be a little embarrassing for those who suffer from it.

Sunscreen is incredibly beneficial to help minimize the effects. It’s important to use a product that caters specifically for your melasma needs.

You should be looking for a physical sunscreen that’s SPF 30 to 50, ideally tinted.

Our top pick is the Health Priority Natural Products Vitamin E Moisturizer, light but effective, perfect for wearing under makeup.

This product ticks all our boxes. Sunscreen won’t erase melasma, but daily use helps keep it from darkening. A dermatologist can recommend treatments for existing patches.

If that doesn’t appeal, we’ve reviewed four other options in depth, so there’s something for everyone. Choose the best sunscreen for melasma skin and take a weight off your mind.

Sources

• Melasma, Cleveland Clinic
• Melasma: Diagnosis and treatment, American Academy of Dermatology
• Sunscreen FAQs, American Academy of Dermatology