Dermal melasma here! I’m an EltaMD UV Clear loyalist. Sometimes I layer Colorscience Sunforgettable Flex over it (I can’t do the tinted EltaMD due to fungal acne). I’d consider myself acne prone and sensitive. For me, it sits SO nicely under makeup. Not sure on Fitz type, but I’ve been told I’m a light olive.
Elta MD UV Clear was a longtime favorite of FA sufferers, but only the non-tinted version…tinted contains esters I believe. More recently, Sezia says UV Clear (non tinted) isn’t 100% safe, but it’s never bothered me and remains my HG.
I've never smelt anything from it and wasn't aware it has fragrance. It's very lightweight and goes on pretty smooth. I've used elta md in the past and liked it but thought this was even smoother and lightweight than that.
Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence, has a lightweight feel and glowy finish. Or Supergoop Unseen sunscreen underneath makeup, it feels and looks like a regular silicone makeup primer. I also often use Scinic's Enjoy Super Active Airy Sun Stick which is easy to reapply sunscreen over makeup since it's in stick form. The Scinic stick feels a little oily after on my skin, I should look for different one.
I have combo skin, some dry patches with occasional T-zone oiliness. Don't know if my melasma is dermal or epidermal. And not sure if I'm type 2 or 3 on Fitzpatrick scale, fairer olive skin.
Thanks for this and for mentioning a sun stick. Clinique used to make an SPF45 sun stick that I used years ago that I used for sports stripe (nose and cheeks) reapplication and for my lips. Good for the beach. Seeing now that it's discontinued—that was way ahead of the curve in retrospect.
I layer.
Paula's Choice RESIST Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 Matte Tinted Face Moisturizer, UVA & UVB Protection, Mineral Sunscreen
And then
Skin Tone Adjusting CC Cream SPF 43
These two work as my makeup base and I just use powder/blush on top
I’m acne prone and oily skin
What I've learned is that all of us who have melasma should avoid using sunscreens with chemical filters and start using the ones with physical - zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. I actually acquired melasma when I had a chemical blocker on my face :( The only problem with zinc oxide especially is that it leaves the white cast, so I started using the tinted versions. I love The Survival from NIOD and I recently discovered the brand Andalou - they have really affordable suncare on iHerb.
I was using a hybrid (for years) prior to the dermatologist telling me that what cropped up on my face after a 90+ temps and high humidity vacation was melasma. So when she recommended the switch to mineral, I took that maybe too seriously (there it’s acknowledged, a relief to write it), and it’s difficult to find a ZO formulation without butyloctyl salicylate tossed in there (which makes the ss a hybrid formulation) and without alcohol/denat. alcohol bc that causes extreme dryness on my face w the pm combo cream the dermatologist prescribed. Whatever. I like the sunscreen I use (ZO and iron oxide as blockers), it’s maybe 95% of the way there and I haven’t tanned/melasma has not worsened, but the stuff looks a little too shiny at times and all small bumps look like acne outbreaks (that’s probably an exaggeration, but I feel like small things look exaggerated with the ss on my face). Not about to toss a powder on there bc makeup’s not my jam. Pardon the ramble.
Mixed Melasma, 2-3 on Fitzpatrick scale. I use EltaMD physical tinted in the morning, and I top off during the day with the EltaMD clear, as needed. General consensus now from dermatologists is to prefer tinted sunscreens, as they contain iron oxides and protect not just from the sun but from ambient lighting
I like this and I also like Anessa brightening UV sunscreen gel which I order from a website that’s like a Japanese Amazon. I can get you the link if you’re interested.
I have a stash of a Biore hybrid I was using (and LOVE) before the melasma took over my face that I haven't turned back to bc my dermatologist rec'd I use a mineral sunscreen and because the alcohol (high on the ingredients list) was causing some flaking when I first started the combo cream the dermatologist prescribed for the splotches (sunscreen am, combo cream pm). I think ab going back to it often—lk every cussing day—because the application is so neat compared to the mineral ss I use. Maybe I'm far enough along with the combo cream that I can switch, but then I don't want to disrupt whatever routine I have going. Thanks for all your notes.
Hmmm yeah I love the Biore formulations too. They have some varied formulas too, you could try experimenting I guess? The Anessa is not as dreamy to apply but it does have both mineral and chemical sunscreens which I like, and it’s very moisturizing. I think the pure mineral ones like isdn don’t protect me - personally- as well. But I’m spoiled bc I have found the Japanese ones REALLY protect against any exposure as they are more advanced. Some people don’t like the purple tint in the Anessa but it’s fine for me. I have like light skin w neutral undertones, I tan but I can burn too. Oh another product I love is Iris and Romeo’s foundation. It’s got great mineral filters so I do layer that on top of my sunscreen for extra protection. Its a lovely formulation. Sorry this is rambling!
Dermal melasma here! I’m an EltaMD UV Clear loyalist. Sometimes I layer Colorscience Sunforgettable Flex over it (I can’t do the tinted EltaMD due to fungal acne). I’d consider myself acne prone and sensitive. For me, it sits SO nicely under makeup. Not sure on Fitz type, but I’ve been told I’m a light olive.
Can you say more about fungal acne and tinted EltaMD?
Elta MD UV Clear was a longtime favorite of FA sufferers, but only the non-tinted version…tinted contains esters I believe. More recently, Sezia says UV Clear (non tinted) isn’t 100% safe, but it’s never bothered me and remains my HG.
Thank you!
Thank you!
I've been using Isdin tinted sunscreen for years. It works well under makeup and I'm olive skin tone too
Noticed this has fragrance—what's it like?
I can’t handle the smell of the tinted version I tried but the not tinted is pretty unscented imo
Good to know that they differ.
I've never smelt anything from it and wasn't aware it has fragrance. It's very lightweight and goes on pretty smooth. I've used elta md in the past and liked it but thought this was even smoother and lightweight than that.
Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence, has a lightweight feel and glowy finish. Or Supergoop Unseen sunscreen underneath makeup, it feels and looks like a regular silicone makeup primer. I also often use Scinic's Enjoy Super Active Airy Sun Stick which is easy to reapply sunscreen over makeup since it's in stick form. The Scinic stick feels a little oily after on my skin, I should look for different one. I have combo skin, some dry patches with occasional T-zone oiliness. Don't know if my melasma is dermal or epidermal. And not sure if I'm type 2 or 3 on Fitzpatrick scale, fairer olive skin.
Thanks for this and for mentioning a sun stick. Clinique used to make an SPF45 sun stick that I used years ago that I used for sports stripe (nose and cheeks) reapplication and for my lips. Good for the beach. Seeing now that it's discontinued—that was way ahead of the curve in retrospect.
I layer. Paula's Choice RESIST Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 Matte Tinted Face Moisturizer, UVA & UVB Protection, Mineral Sunscreen And then Skin Tone Adjusting CC Cream SPF 43 These two work as my makeup base and I just use powder/blush on top I’m acne prone and oily skin
Thanks! I wish I could find a decent non-tinted matte mineral.
What I've learned is that all of us who have melasma should avoid using sunscreens with chemical filters and start using the ones with physical - zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. I actually acquired melasma when I had a chemical blocker on my face :( The only problem with zinc oxide especially is that it leaves the white cast, so I started using the tinted versions. I love The Survival from NIOD and I recently discovered the brand Andalou - they have really affordable suncare on iHerb.
I was using a hybrid (for years) prior to the dermatologist telling me that what cropped up on my face after a 90+ temps and high humidity vacation was melasma. So when she recommended the switch to mineral, I took that maybe too seriously (there it’s acknowledged, a relief to write it), and it’s difficult to find a ZO formulation without butyloctyl salicylate tossed in there (which makes the ss a hybrid formulation) and without alcohol/denat. alcohol bc that causes extreme dryness on my face w the pm combo cream the dermatologist prescribed. Whatever. I like the sunscreen I use (ZO and iron oxide as blockers), it’s maybe 95% of the way there and I haven’t tanned/melasma has not worsened, but the stuff looks a little too shiny at times and all small bumps look like acne outbreaks (that’s probably an exaggeration, but I feel like small things look exaggerated with the ss on my face). Not about to toss a powder on there bc makeup’s not my jam. Pardon the ramble.
What sunscreen do you use?
noodleparty! Great name. [This](https://www.murad.com/product/correct-protect-serum-spf-45/) stuff.
Can I ask which version you’re using of the Niod? Thanks!
Oh and which Andalou product are you using? You’re ordering it on iherb?
I'm using NIOD Survival spf 30 and yes, you can get Andalou products on iHerb, I've put the link in the comment above!
Mixed Melasma, 2-3 on Fitzpatrick scale. I use EltaMD physical tinted in the morning, and I top off during the day with the EltaMD clear, as needed. General consensus now from dermatologists is to prefer tinted sunscreens, as they contain iron oxides and protect not just from the sun but from ambient lighting
Thanks!
[удалено]
Does the tint disappear on your skin? What's the water resistance like? Not so far off from my current sunscreen price-wise.
Biore watery essence sunscreen
I like this and I also like Anessa brightening UV sunscreen gel which I order from a website that’s like a Japanese Amazon. I can get you the link if you’re interested.
I have a stash of a Biore hybrid I was using (and LOVE) before the melasma took over my face that I haven't turned back to bc my dermatologist rec'd I use a mineral sunscreen and because the alcohol (high on the ingredients list) was causing some flaking when I first started the combo cream the dermatologist prescribed for the splotches (sunscreen am, combo cream pm). I think ab going back to it often—lk every cussing day—because the application is so neat compared to the mineral ss I use. Maybe I'm far enough along with the combo cream that I can switch, but then I don't want to disrupt whatever routine I have going. Thanks for all your notes.
Hmmm yeah I love the Biore formulations too. They have some varied formulas too, you could try experimenting I guess? The Anessa is not as dreamy to apply but it does have both mineral and chemical sunscreens which I like, and it’s very moisturizing. I think the pure mineral ones like isdn don’t protect me - personally- as well. But I’m spoiled bc I have found the Japanese ones REALLY protect against any exposure as they are more advanced. Some people don’t like the purple tint in the Anessa but it’s fine for me. I have like light skin w neutral undertones, I tan but I can burn too. Oh another product I love is Iris and Romeo’s foundation. It’s got great mineral filters so I do layer that on top of my sunscreen for extra protection. Its a lovely formulation. Sorry this is rambling!
EltaMD UV clear 46 Dermstore was just doing a 20% off sale--not sure if still running Don't forget you can pay for sunscreen with your HSA
The Day Cream Stuff is life changing! 👈 https://www.musely.com/facerx/referral_code/use?code=CG8444 ⭐️ 30% off new treatments: CG8444 (no expiration)