In case you still haven’t gotten the memo, daily sunscreen use is an essential, nonnegotiable step in anyone’s skin-care routine. But for those dealing with melasma and hyperpigmentation, sun protection is paramount. “‘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. “The root cause of melasma is unknown—though hormones do play a role—but we know that sun exposure is the main factor that exacerbates the condition,” he says. Sun-induced freckles or sunspots are yet another form of hyperpigmentation, and, as the name suggests, are also the result of chronic sun exposure.
TL; DR: No matter whether you’re dealing with a few stubborn spots or an allover mottled complexion, the sun is most likely to blame.
So, does sunscreen help with hyperpigmentation? It won’t get rid of it, but it will keep it from getting worse—and, oftentimes, from even occurring in the first place. Hence the importance of using sunscreen 365 days a year. “Melasma is very difficult to treat, often requiring many time-consuming and costly treatments. Sun protection is the only way to prevent it from worsening and recurring, once you do have it under control,” says Dr. Howe. Non-melasma types of hyperpigmentation may be a bit easier to address with things such as lasers and peels, but, again, without regular sunscreen application, you’re always running the risk of having that discoloration return. Point being, using sunscreen to prevent dark spots is paramount.
So what’s the best sunscreen for melasma? In short, opt for physical formulas over chemical ones. It’s not so much that chemical sunscreen is bad for melasma; it just lacks certain ingredients that are ideal for the condition. “Melasma is caused not only by ultraviolet light but also by infrared radiation and visible light,” explains Dr. Howe. The active ingredients in mineral sunscreens—zinc oxide and titanium dioxide—sit on top of the skin and deflect all three of these. On the other hand, the active ingredients in their chemical counterparts are able only to absorb and neutralize ultraviolet light and have no effect on the infrared radiation or visible light, he adds. That being said, the best sunscreen for melasma (and the best sunscreen for hyperpigmentation) is one that you like and are actually going to use—be it physical or chemical—and any sunscreen is better than no sunscreen. Still, if your goal is to clear up melasma and/or fade other kinds of hyperpigmentation, consider trying any one of these nine sunscreens.
Related: Tried-and-True Hyperpigmentation Solutions For Every Skin Tone, According to Dermatologists
Derm-recommended sunscreens for melasma and hyperpigmentation
EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 ($36)
Dr. Howe recommends this formula, thanks to its effective combination of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Oil- and fragrance-free, it’s a good option not only for those dealing with hyperpigmentation but also anyone with acne. It’s also a dermatologist-recommended sunscreen for sensitive skin. Hyaluronic acid ensures it’s nicely moisturizing, too. TL;DR: it’s great for all skin types.
Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen ($22)
Another effective mineral option, this relies solely on zinc oxide yet is nothing like the thick, goopy white cream you’ve tried in the past. Instead, it’s lightweight and silky, with a gorgeous, skin-like finish that’s neither too dewy nor too matte. It does have some pigment to it, though it’s not necessarily tinted; the added color simply works to ensure there’s no chalky residue left behind.
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50 ($65)
West Islip, New York, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Kavita Mariwalla recommends this powder sunscreen for several reasons. One, it contains iron oxides: “Data shows that this ingredient is particularly effective for preventing the worsening of melasma,” she says. There’s also the iron oxide visible light connection; iron oxides are effective at absorbing visible light, helping to prevent further skin damage. Two, it makes reapplication throughout the day—which is even more critical if you have melasma or hyperpigmentation, she says— easier than ever. It comes in four shades and can even be applied on top of makeup.
Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60 ($11)
Another of Dr. Howe’s picks, this is one of the best drugstore zinc-oxide sunscreens for a few reasons. 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. It also works equally well on face and body. Keep it on hand for beach or pool days since it’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Related: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding and Treating Melasma
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. 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. Bonus points for the addition of antioxidants, which act as a second layer of defense against both the sun and pollution.
Ava Isa Sun-e-Serum Drops SPF 35 ($50)
Sunscreen haters, this one’s for you. True to its name, the silky, featherweight feel is more akin to a serum than to a thick sunscreen—you’d never know it contains a 25% concentration of zinc oxide. There’s also micah in the mix, a potent antioxidant that’s been shown to protect skin from the blue light emitted by your electronics, which can also exacerbate melasma, says Dr. Mariwalla.
Tower28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation ($30)
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 only issue? Historically, most come in only one shade that may work for most light to medium complexions but exclude dark skin. That’s why we appreciate this more inclusive pick, which relies on zinc oxide for protective purposes and comes in an extensive range of 14 shades. About half of those are made for dark complexions, making this a best SPF for black skin. It’s also an incredibly gentle formula, touting the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Approval, making it one of the best sunscreens for rosacea as well.
Avene Mineral High Protection Tinted Compact SPF 50 ($36)
Dr. Mariwalla says this is another great choice for daily use, an entirely mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, for broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection. Fans of compact foundations will appreciate the easy-to-apply cream-to-powder formulation, which is not in the least bit greasy. Layer it over moisturizer in the morning or use it to reapply sun protection throughout the day.
Alastin SilkShield All Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 ($55)
Any sunscreen is a good anti-aging product in its own right, but this formula takes it one step further. It’s an especially great sunscreen for melasma, given that it contains zinc oxide to shield skin from UVA and UVB rays, plus antioxidants that guard against blue light and infrared rays. And per the anti-aging point, it also boasts the brand’s proprietary TriHex technology, which helps to clear out damaged collagen and elastin and promote the production of healthy, new versions of the proteins.
