I have hyperpigmentation on the sides of my cheeks. I'm mixed race White british/ African American . I'm 63 years old but look younger.
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Actually ignore this, she said you can use it AM or PM :)
I am worries that the Inzincable sunscreen might leave too much of a white cast for your skin tone? I'd select something from these products: https://whatsinmyjar.com/search/sunscreens?filter_type=%22Chemical%22%20only&countries=United%20States&sortBy=Irritancy
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Hi Maria. WIMJ is a very unique and useful website. However my impression also is that it needs a lot more information on hyperpigmentation, including melasma, and also on the characteristics of skin of colour. Skin of colour actually is “a thing.” Most of the world has it. But dermatology and skincare science, research and practice have not been founded upon this basic fact. The problem of chalky, or white, cast from mineral sunscreens is surpassed by the fact that many or most CHEMICAL sunscreens irritate skin of colour and can cause or worsen hyperpigmentation/melasma. This is a huge consideration, and a skincare game-changer! Thanks so much.
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Thank you so much for your feedback! Unfortunately you are right, we do not have enough research about skin that produces more melanin than pale to light tones.
With sunscreens, the issue is made worse by the fact that FDA in the US doesn’t not approve modern chemical filters that cause less reactions without leaving a white cast.
Our sunscreen finder currently recommends sunscreens with organic (chemical) filters for people with darker skin tones - because of the white cast that the mineral filters use. But of course it doesn’t help if your skin gets irritated by those no-white-cast organic filters… not sure what to do tbh, we’ll get Dr. Sandy and a few other folks from the derm side to help us out here (I hope there is a solution).
In the meantime, maybe this tool could be helpful: in our sunscreen search, you could select specific sunscreen filters you do want, and also those you do not want in your sunscreens. There is also a filter for “mineral only” sunscreen https://whatsinmyjar.com/search/sunscreens
Apparently mineral sunscreen is better for POC trying to clear hyperpigmentation (Dr V & Dr Alexis Stephens on Youtube).
From the list, I've tried the MD solar sciences SPF 50 which I like. It does have a silicone feel to it, meaning that it feels like it sits on top of the skin. So some may not like it. But I'm ok with it & it also looks good under makeup.
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Wrote you a reply but it “disappeared.” I’ve ordered the MDSolarSciences and waiting for delivery. I have medium-lightish brown skin with golden undertones (MAC NC44 or 45). I’ve also tried Colorescience Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50, in Tan, and I like it. Another recc: L’Oreal Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation Sunscreen, Broad Spectrum, SPF 50. Im using shade Almond-120. 😉
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Btw, you are also right to use tinted sunscreens: they are better for people with melasma because they also offer protection against visible light that causes hyperpigmentation and is affecting darker skin more. (The better protection in tinted sunscreens is due to iron oxides used for their tint - they can protect from visible light).
Can you get Ultrasun products where you live? They have a very reliable tinted sunscreen. They shades are not great, but they have a darker honey tone which actually might fit you
I use ultrasun tinted honey tone and its perfect match for my skin tone. I gives a good finish . I use rimmel lasting concealer on the areas around my temples where there's melasma . It blends well with ultrasun tinted 50. During the day I top up with ISDIN UV 50+ Mineral Brush Powder Sunscreen or La Roche-Posay Anthelios 400 50+ I still use at night Palmer's Skin Sucess Anti Dark Spot. Alternating with The Ordinary Products. I am a hay-fever sufferer and also can get contact dermatitis. Hence why I vary my night routine according to my skin sensitivity.
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If it’s not too much to ask, could you post a picture of how the ultrasun honey looks on your skin tone (maybe on a back of a hand - just for Mataharo to see it’s color)? It would need to be a separate post - I’m sorry it’s not possible to add a picture to a comment yet. I have the product myself but my skin is light, so a picture from me won’t be very useful). It is too dark for me, but I tested it multiple times on very sunny days so can vouch for its protection based on my experience. My skin is also sensitive and I didn’t have any issues with it.
My go-to sunscreen is the Australian screen BLUE LIZARD. The Australians take sun-damage very seriously. As people of colour (and many of us are “mixed race”— we just don’t necessarily discuss it much, and the white people we’re actually related to *really* don’t ever want to talk about it— “funny” but not funny), we always need to look forward BROAD SPECTRUM sunscreens. They have both UV-A and UV-B protection. Generally I go for SPF 50 sunscreens, but I think if I am layering a moisturiser and/or a foundation or BB or CC cream that also has at least SPF 30, then I’m getting good coverage. Especially if I’m only indoors, or only popping outside extremely briefly. But SPF 50, reapplied every TWO hours, is best. Hope this helps. Also remember our hats and WIDE-STEM polarised sunglasses, and sometimes also a polarised, adjustable face visor (looks like a welder’s mask).
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Looks like a great routine, is it working? Just to mention, Dr V said on her YT channel that it's better to use actives like Alpha Arbutin in the PM.