Summer Isn't Over! 8 Must-Have Products for Melasma Season

I’m sure you’re experiencing it: the days have gotten warmer and longer. We’re officially towards the end of summer but that doesn’t mean that beach days, pool lounging, tropical vacations and weekend staycations are behind us.  

This time of year means lots and lots of sunshine.  It’s a welcome reprieve from those cold winter days, but if you are prone to flare-ups you might also think of summer as melasma season. Because heat and UV rays from the sun are known melasma triggers, melasma often appears or becomes more prominent in the warm, sunny summer months.

But that doesn’t necessarily have to be the case. While hiding out in an air-conditioned space until autumn arrives probably isn’t feasible, assembling an arsenal of protective products and accessories can help you avoid melasma flare-ups AND enjoy summer to the fullest – and look chic af while you do. Read on for my suggestions!

SPOILER ALERT: This list has a recurring theme, and that theme is “SPF.” Sunscreen is your best defense against sun damage (and not just melasma, but melanoma and photoaging too!), so it’s crucial to find the application method that’s easiest for you to be consistent with. After all, it won’t help if you have it but don’t wear it!

Another important note: If avoiding melasma flares is your goal, then you need mineral sunscreen. It uses physical blocking agents to deflect UV rays off the surface of the skin, unlike chemical sunscreens that allow skin to absorb UV rays and then turn them into heat. Because heat AND UV rays are known melasma triggers, turning one into the other isn’t ideal. 

1. SPF

I can’t stress this enough – SPF should be a staple in your everyday routine, whether or not melasma/hyperpigmentation is a concern for you. It’s one of the most effective ways to prevent a host of sun-related skin issues, including but definitely not limited to the development of skin cancer. If you don’t like the way sunscreen feels on your skin, there are all kinds of beauty products that provide SPF protection without feeling greasy or heavy. You can find SPF-containing moisturizers, BB creams, CC creams, primers, and even setting sprays!

If you’re planning to spend a day by the pool or at the beach, you will want a sunscreen product that you can use on your whole body. As mentioned above, mineral sunscreens are a much better option for melasma-prone skin than chemical sunscreens, in my opinion. The EWG is a great resource for finding a clean, effective sunscreen option that works for you.

2. Hat with UPF

We wear hats to shade our faces, but did you know that not all hats are created equal? Some carry UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) ratings, and the ones that offer the best protection have a rating of 50 or higher. SPF ratings are given to sunscreens based on the amount of time skin can be exposed to the sun without burning, and UPF ratings are given to hats based on the amount of UVA and UVB radiation that can penetrate the hat to the skin beneath. While it’s a good idea to wear a hat AND apply sunscreen, hats offer sun protection without an absorption delay or the need to continually reapply. Plus, they can be a poolside fashion statement. 

3. Electrolytes

Sure, they help speed up hangover recovery or recharge you after a workout, but why are electrolytes on a list of sun protection products? Same reason. When you’re dehydrated, your body has a harder time regulating its internal temperature and you’re more likely to overheat. When it’s hot and dry out, you might not realize how much water your body is losing because your sweat evaporates off your skin instead of collecting in beads or soaking into your clothes. And even if you’re drinking plenty of water, your body won’t be able to absorb it properly unless your electrolyte levels are sufficient. So charge up!

4. Spray Mist

If this brings back childhood memories of hot days at amusement parks, I’m right there with you. These days I’m a proponent of slightly more sophisticated options than that spray bottle with a fan that may or may not have had a Disney character on it, but the principle is the same – keeping your skin cool and well hydrated is a must in the summer. Facial spray ingredients like squalane, hyaluronic acid, aloe, sea minerals, and rosewater keep skin looking dewy and fresh while locking in moisture and nourishing skin!

5. Spray SPF

When the fun in the sun really gets going, it can be hard to take a break long enough to rub sunscreen all over your body. Good news! Mineral sunscreen is available in spray format. While aerosol cans aren’t the most environmentally friendly, mineral sunscreen itself isn’t as damaging as its chemical counterpart. So if some spray gets carried away on the breeze, you don’t have to feel guilty about it. Just get back to those summer activities!

6.Oral SPF

This could mean two things, and the answer is “both.” Lips are an often-forgotten part of the body when it comes to sunscreen, but they’re also more prone to burning! A chapstick or other lip product with SPF is essential for keeping your lips hydrated, soft, and free of sunburns. Oral SPF could also refer to “oral sunscreen,” an antioxidant supplement that can help prevent and repair sun damage from within the body. Added vitamins and minerals promote skin health and collagen retention too! Please note, oral sunscreen is NOT a substitute for topical SPF. Topical protection and exposure minimization are the best lines of defense against sun damage and inflammation caused by UV rays and heat.

7. Sunglasses

Sunglasses that offer UV protection and cover the skin around your eyes, your cheekbones, and/or your temples can help to prevent hyperpigmentation in those areas and protect against the development of sun damage. The bigger the glasses, the better the coverage! 

8. Umbrella

Last but not least, an umbrella can help keep you cool and covered during relentlessly sunny days. Again, you’ll want to look for one with a UPF rating of 50 or higher for effective protection. And by now it should go without saying that an umbrella is not a substitute for topical SPF! You’ll still want to apply sunscreen before you venture out for the day, and keep reapplying consistently throughout your time in the sun. The more layers of defense you have against heat and UV rays, the safer you’ll be – and the happier your skin will look!

As a person who has melasma, I offer these suggestions for products that have helped me manage my flare-ups in the summer. But given the extremely damaging nature of UV rays, these are good strategies for anyone who wants to keep their skin looking youthful and healthy for as long as possible! Any dermatologist will tell you that daily SPF is vital to prevent photoaging and deter the development of skin cancer. If you haven’t incorporated sunscreen into your daily routine yet, start now for a happier, healthier, more carefree summer!