Do you have hyperpigmentation or want to prevent it? You need to be wearing sunscreen! These are the best sunscreens for hyperpigmentation.
Everyone should be wearing sunscreen, even people with dark skin. It is a myth that dark skin isn’t affected by UV rays.
What is Hyperpigmentation?
It is when your body develops dark spots on your skin through the overproduction of melanin in your skin. These can be small or large areas anywhere on your body’s skin.
When you keep exposing yourself to things that can increase hyperpigmentation like the sun’s rays or getting a tan, you can develop different types of hyperpigmentation like sunspots, melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and freckles.
Why is it important that you wear sunscreen?
One of the ways you can develop hyperpigmentation is from too much exposure from the sun. You want to use sunscreen to prevent getting burnt by the UV rays.
Your body produces more melanin to protect itself from the sun’s rays which can accelerate the development of dark spots. So, even if you are just going outside for a 15-minute walk, always wear your sunscreen or protect your skin with long clothing, a hat, and sunglasses.
How to use your sunscreens:
Follow the directions on each sunscreen bottle. The general rule is to stay out of the sun as much as possible between the hours of 10AM – 2PM as that’s when the UV rays are the strongest and will burn your skin the most.
Sunscreen is not 100% effective, so you still want to be taking preventative methods in other areas. Most people don’t put enough sunscreen on when they go out, leaving their skin vulnerable.
You should be reapplying at least every 2 hours if your skin is dry. If your skin is wet, you need to apply it more frequently.
You should look for a sunscreen of SPF 30 and has Broad Spectrum. The physical and mineral sunscreens are better if you’re staying outdoors for longer periods of time. If you have darker skin, you will have to find one that doesn’t have white cast.
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Best Sunscreens for Hyperpigmentation:
EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Do you have hyperpigmentation and sensitive or acne-prone skin? This is a great sunscreen for you! Two of the key ingredients are zinc oxide and niacinamide which are great for fading dark spots.
It’s oil-free and won’t give you a greasy look.
This popular dermatologist-recommended facial sunscreen was created for hyperpigmentation.
- SPF: 46
- Benefits: Light texture, great for sensitive and acne-prone skin types, best-seller facial sunscreen, fragrance-free, paraben-free
TIZO 3 Mineral Sunscreen for face SPF 40
Here is a sunscreen that is also a primer without the chemical sunscreen filters. You can use it with makeup or by itself. It’s great to use when you are having an outdoor photo shoot.
- Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 8%, Zinc Oxide 3.8%
- SPF: 40
- Benefits: Can replace makeup foundation primer, gives a matte finish, gentle on sensitive skin, lightweight, unscented, good for daily use, oil-free, paraben-free
Coral Reef Safe Sunscreen:
The best sunscreens for hyperpigmentation include environment-friendly products too. Certain ingredients such as octinoxate and oxybenzone are considered harmful to coral reefs in the ocean. Not all top brands have removed these ingredients yet.
Ethical Zinc Mineral Sunscreen Zinc Oxide Physical SPF 50+
If you are into products that don’t harm the environment as much, this sunscreen was made using 100% solar power. You can help protect the ocean by using this when you go to the beach.
- Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 22%
- SPF: 50+
- Benefits: Water resistant up to 80 minutes, for sensitive skin, no chemicals, paraben and PABA free, cruelty free, natural ingredients
Reel Safe Sunscreen SPF 30+ All Natural, Water Resistant
This sunscreen is good if you want something that’s easy to put on as it’s not sticky and you don’t have to rub it in much.
- Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 20% (Non-Nano)
- SPF: 30+
- Benefits: Water resistant up to 80 minutes, paraben free, completely chemical free, non-oily, no whitecast
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Clear Sunscreen with Zinc
Are you looking to travel soon? This sunscreen is a great size for that. It also smells like summer.
- SPF: 50
- Benefits: TSA Size Approved, vegan, cruelty-free, recyclable, oil-free, water resistant, for all skin types
Final Thoughts
Not all sunscreens will work for you. You will have to try out different sunscreens to find out which works. Some people have darker skin and will have to find sunscreens that don’t have white cast.
Whenever you try out a new sunscreen, test it on a small area to see whether you have an allergic reaction first. Avoid sunscreens that make your skin feel dry.
Make sure you clean your skin well every night and morning, especially if you have oily skin. You don’t want to create more blockage.
What do you think are the best sunscreens for hyperpigmentation?