The number one factor separating my patients who battle with pigment rebound from those who maintain an even skin tone is whether or not they use a tinted sunscreen.
Visible light, especially high-energy blue light, can worsen hyperpigmentation like melasma and PIH by stimulating melanocytes to produce more melanin. This is particularly true for those with deeper skin tones due to the opsin gene.
Regular sunscreens don’t protect against visible light, but tinted sunscreens, which contain iron oxides, offer essential protection.
Certain antioxidants can lessen pigment production after blue light exposure, but the main goal should be to prevent blue light from reaching your skin. This can be achieved with products specifically designed for blue light protection, similar to how sunscreen protects against UV rays.
My current favorites are:
✨ Naturium Dew-Glow Tinted Moisturizer SPF 50 PA++++ Deep (Organic/Chemical)
✨ The CoTZ Flawless Complexion Richly Tinted SPF 50 – (Inorganic/Mineral)
✨ Elta MD Deep 46/40 Tinted Sunscreen- Hybrid (organic and Inorganic)
For melanin-rich skin, VL protection is essential. The most effective ingredient for blocking blue light is iron oxide, found in tinted sunscreens, skin tints, and makeup. If tinted sunscreen isn’t your preference, or you already have a favorite sunscreen that doesn’t block visible light, you can apply your sunscreen first and then layer a skin tint or foundation on top. This method provides superior protection against UVA, UVB, and visible light to help effectively manage hyperpigmentation.
#hyperpigmentation #melasma #tintedsunscreen
wow, thankyou so much! and i must say you’re very beautiful ♡´･ᴗ･`♡
My pleasure and thank you!
aww she sure is
I don’t want to use tinted products because they look cakey on my skin. I use a vitamin c serum and sunscreen. I have a little tube of SPF 50 to reapply at work if I go out to lunch and when I leave. I hope that’s good enough 😅
Live to hear it! Nice routine. And I totally understand about the cake face. The 3 I listed luckily have a beautiful natural finish☺️
You can replace tinted with any foundation or concealer that has iron oxides in the ingredients, that you like that matches your skin in terms of tone and texture (e.g. for my skin texture I find cheapie Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless does not cake nor settle in my pores or lines creases and it comes with so many shades — you may find one that suits you and use that instead of a tinted sunscreen, which some can be heavy and limited in shades).
This was SO informative and explained so well. Thank you!
Hi Dr. Stephens, which one would you recommend for oily, acne-prone skin? Currently using a Korean sunscreen. Thank you so much for your content🤎🤎. Saves me from multiple trips to my local dermatologist.
could you please explain if chemical sunscreens are truly bad for you due to the forever chemicals??
Well whenever I run out of the one I just bought… I’ll get tinted 😅😅😅
Thank you! I knew a bit about skincare due to Cosmetology and Esthetic school and reading on my own. But I didn’t know thid about the blue light/sunscreen! While I look younger than my age, my past smoking and suntanning habits are catching up to me! I can’t get rid of an old age spot on my cheek where the sun hits in the car. It’s time to buy new sunscreen and skin care, so I’m on it now! I just signed up for your texts to my phone! Thank you for the discount also! So exciting!
Dr Stephens, thank you so much! I prefer mineral but it’s so hard to find one that doesn’t clown-cast your face. Can you recommend a non-greasy, sticky mineral sunscreen for the body?
I ❤ CoTZ!
Thank you
In the summer sun is the only time my hyperpigmentation clears up
What is the lime green sunscreen
Danessa Myricks never fails!
I’m too paranoid at this point. I layer my sunscreen and tinted SPF lotion. I need all the protection I can get. I have been fighting hyperpigmentation for years and just now solving it to completion.
Cotz is my favorite, too. I will have to try Elta MD.
What’s your thoughts on the brand “Black Girl Sunscreen”
Thoughts on Korean sunscreens that are SPF 50 PA +++???
I am black and I would also recommend ColorScience’s Unseen sunscreen. That one is very good
Tinted sunscreens are tricky for black ppl. Plus its like wearing makeup all day and requires that care to touchup. Plus you cant put it on the neck depending on the top your wearing
Thank you.