![]() Sun protection is the only way to prevent it from worsening and recurring, once you do have it under control,” says Dr. “Melasma is very difficult to treat, often requiring many time-consuming and costly treatments. Hence the importance of using sunscreen 365 days a year. 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. 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. Sun-induced freckles or sunspots are yet another form of hyperpigmentation, and, as the name suggests, are also the result of chronic sun exposure. “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. “‘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. But for those dealing with melasma and hyperpigmentation, sun protection is paramount. “Sticks should be applied back-and-forth on the skin for four passes, then rubbed in, and sprays should be held one inch from the skin and sprayed until the skin glistens.” No matter what formula you use, reapply it every two hours or immediately after heavy sweating or swimming.In case you still haven’t gotten the memo, daily sunscreen use is an essential, nonnegotiable step in anyone’s skin-care routine. How much do I need to apply?Ī few application rules: “When applying a cream or lotion, use a nickel-size dollop for the full face,” Dr. If you have oily skin, check the label for “noncomedongenic,” which means it won’t cause blackheads, adds Dr. When shopping, look for a product with at least SPF 30 protection, along with the words “broad-spectrum”-a sign it protects against both UVA and UVB rays, says Dr. What should I look for when selecting one? They’re typically more water-resistant than chemical sunscreens and are unlikely to burn if they accidentally drip into your eye, she adds. This is a big perk of mineral sunscreens: “There is no need to wait 30 minutes after application to go into the sun-unlike chemical sunscreens which require a wait period between application and exposure,” says Dr. ![]() Do I need to apply mineral sunscreen in advance? In general, this is because the active ingredients are micronized. Aren’t mineral sunscreens less comfortable to wear?ĭespite what you may have heard, you won’t have to settle for a chalky product: “In the past, mineral sunscreens were thick and goopy but now formulas are much more elegant,” says Dr. As a result, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends that people with sensitive or acne-prone skin opt for mineral sunscreens. Who are mineral sunscreens best for?Ĭhemical sunscreens tend to be sheerer, but “because the ingredients penetrate into the skin, there is potential for irritation or allergy, especially with SPF greater than 50,” says Dr. “They rely on the skin’s absorption and prevent damage by inactivating UV rays through a chemical reaction,” explains Dr. The active ingredients in chemical sunscreens-including avobenzone, octinoxate and oxybenzone-don’t defect light. ![]() The active ingredients in mineral sunscreens-titanium dioxide and zinc oxide-block UVA and UVB rays. What’s the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens? ![]() Kenet likes the CeraVe stick in particular because “it feels lightweight, goes on easily without a white cast and also contains ceramides, which nourish skin.” Stick formulas give you a mess-free application for face and body. ![]()
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