Managing Hyperpigmentation: How Sunscreen Can Help You

Sunlight is a chief cause of dark patches or spots on the face, neck, shoulders and hands, also called hyperpigmentation. Sunspots can go away on their own, but they can also remain forever. Hyperpigmentation is difficult to treat - in cases where simple brightening agents don't work, you will need retinoids and retinols, or a laser procedure. When it comes to protecting against UV rays, the best defense is a good offense. There is such a thing as the best sunscreen for hyperpigmentation - for your skin. Here's what you should know to keep hyperpigmentation at bay or prevent its relapse due to sun exposure.

What exactly is hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin overproduces melanocytes, the cells responsible for giving skin its color. This results in spots or patches that are darker than the surrounding skin.

The common causes of hyperpigmentation include medications, inflammation following an injury to the skin, sun exposure and certain medical conditions. Both dark and light skin colors are susceptible to hyperpigmentation, but dark spots are severe and longer lasting with darker skin tones.

UV Protection and How it Impacts Skin Pigmentation

Sunscreen is a low-maintenance and effective way to prevent hyperpigmentation. A sunscreen that helps with hyperpigmentation will also protect against premature skin aging, helping maintain your skin's youthfulness and beauty.

Why do dermatologists recommend using sunscreen for hyperpigmentation?

Melanin is your body's defense against UV rays; it is the reason you tan. But excessive sun exposure can stress your skin, causing it to overproduce melanin. Due to the resulting damage, chronic or intermittent UV radiation can make pigment-producing cells more active, leading to dark spots or patches on skin. This naturally makes combating UV rays a priority, and here's where sunscreen comes in. A sunscreen for hyperpigmented skin blocks the UV radiation responsible for rustling up melanocytes, thereby preventing an increase in the number of melanin pigments.

As you already know, dark spots on skin with color, such as Indian skin, can last longer. Sunspots can recur as a result of daily or longer exposure to the sun, particularly between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun's rays are strongest. Once the spots or patches appear, hoping that they will go away on their own is wishful thinking. Adequate sun protection is your best bet to prevent hyperpigmentation from developing and improving how fast it fades. Exploring the sunscreen market to find the best face sunscreen for hyperpigmentation is worth your time.

Tips for Safeguarding against and Treating Hyperpigmentation

Limiting your exposure to UV light is a reliable measure to reduce chances of hyperpigmentation. If you need to step out in the sun daily, try to walk in the shade if possible as it can help prevent UV exposure to some extent. Wear protective clothing that covers your arms and shoulders. Apply sunscreen before heading out. Some sunscreens take time to absorb into your skin, so a wait time of 15-20 minutes is necessary for the desired sun protection.

Sunscreen doesn't stay on all day. It can mix with sweat and drip, effectively exposing your skin to UV rays. Reapplying sunscreen every two hours can help lessen hyperpigmentation. A water-resistant or sweat-resistant sunscreen is less likely to drip but isn't completely waterproof or sweat-proof.

How to Choose the Best Sunscreen for Hyperpigmentation?

SPF matters. A sunscreen with SPF of at least 30 will block at least 97% of UVB rays. An SPF of 100, which blocks 99% of UVB rays, may be more effective in preventing hyperpigmentation.

UVB protection is insufficient. You also need to defend against UVA rays, which are responsible for premature skin aging. A broad-spectrum sunscreen provides dual protection against both types of harmful rays.

If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, a non-comedogenic sunscreen with a lightweight formulation is ideal. Look at mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide as the main active ingredient as they create a physical barrier against UV rays and are less likely to cause irritation.

There is evidence that blue light from electronic devices causes hyperpigmentation, with susceptibility higher for skin of color. It's worth looking up sunscreens that protect against visible (blue) light in addition to invisible UV rays.

A sunscreen for the body should not be used for the face. The former's heavier formulation can make your skin greasy and feel uncomfortable. This may disincline you from wearing sunscreen every day. Check the label carefully to be sure you're buying a sunscreen for hyperpigmentation on face.

Conclusion

Sun exposure is a common cause of hyperpigmentation. While you cannot avoid the sun, you can protect your skin against UV radiation by applying sunscreen daily. Choosing the best sunscreen for hyperpigmented skin doesn't require much effort - a higher SPF and broad-spectrum protection works for all. A lightweight formulation is ideal for sensitive or combination skin. If you have other skin concerns, it's best to consult your dermatologist to identify the best sunscreen for hyperpigmentation.