With July being UV Safety Awareness month, it’s perhaps more important than ever to cover up – for a variety of reasons. Not only can harmful UV rays cause skin cancer, but exposure to the sun can also create or worsen instances of melasma.
What Is Melasma?
Melasma is a specific form of hyperpigmentation that generally presents in patches of brown or brownish-gray, according to dermatologist Michele Green.
“Melasma is hyperpigmentation, but not all hyperpigmentation is melasma. Melasma is triggered and exacerbated by various factors that differ from other types of hyperpigmentation,” her site outlined.
Some risk factors underscored by Dr. Green’s website were:
- sun exposure
- hormonal changes (such as pregnancy or the usage of oral contraceptives)
- certain medications
- skin tone
- genetics
- thyroid disease
Melasma typically appears on the face – particularly the forehead, nose bridge, upper lip and cheeks – and usually is symmetrical in its occurrence.
How Can You Treat Melasma?
While treatments vary, Sentè offers a solution targeted specifically at reducing the effects of hyperpigmentation, melasma included.
Our Cysteamine HSA Pigment & Tone Corrector is formulated with ingredients that are safe for all skin types. In particular, ingredients such as our patented heparan sulfate analog (HSA) and Cysteamine HCI work in tandem to minimize the appearance of existing melasma while also promoting a healthy skin barrier to help lessen irritation.
Dermatologist Alexis Stevens spoke to this combination of ingredients and their efficacy:
"Cysteamine is a powerful antioxidant that can reduce the oxidative stress that contributes to hyperpigmentation, plus HSA provides a natural boost to the skin’s immune response to fight inflammation [leading to] hyperpigmentation."
Using the cream is easy – you simply apply a thin layer of mask to clean, dry skin in the morning or night. Leave it on for 15 minutes, then thoroughly wash it off with a mild cleanser. Finish with a moisturizer. If you’re headed outside for the day, be sure to apply SPF 30+ sunscreen before you leave your home.
The results speak for themselves: One extremely recent review from one of our customers, Skylar P., read as follows:
“I've been really impressed with the pigment & tone corrector! I've only been using it a couple of weeks, but I'm already seeing a ton of improvement in the stubborn melasma on my cheek. It's pricey, but definitely seems to be working! So pleased!”
Other options on the table for more moderate to severe melasma also include chemical peels, microneedling, or hydroquinone solutions. All of these options are typically conducted under the care of a certified dermatologist, however.
Preventing Melasma Due to Sun Exposure
If you want to prevent melasma caused by sun exposure, sunscreen should be your go-to.
We’ve got you covered: Sentè’s Even Tone Mineral Sunscreen is the perfect addition to your skincare collection.
It’s all there in the name. Containing HSA, iron oxides, and zinc and titanium dioxide (both of which are natural antioxidants), this sunscreen goes on silky smooth and decreases the appearance of uneven skin tone.
One verified buyer tended to agree. Brandon wrote:
“Maybe the best mineral SPF I’ve ever found and I’ve spent a few thousand on sunscreen, it’s a great natural finish, not dewy or matte, it feels silky to apply. I hope they expand the shade range.”
Ranging from SPF 36 (in the medium dark tone) and SPF 40 (in the light medium shade), you can spend some time having fun in the sun without worry. Just be sure to reapply every two hours, or after you decide to take a quick dip in the pool!
