7 formas expertas de prevenir las manchas de melasma en verano en 2025

SHORT ANSWER: The top ways to prevent summer melasma spots are to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear UPF clothing, use gentle skincare products and try prescription combination melasma treatment.

Skin is full of melanocytes—special cells that produce the three forms of melaninthat determine skin and eye color. When sunlight hits skin, an excess of eumelanin can cause gray or brown patches or dark spots to develop. That’s why summer months are often difficult for those most likely to develop melasma, like those with light brown or darker skin. But these 7 melasma tips can help you prevent summer melasma spots.

Use broad-spectrum sunscreen

The most consistent way to prevent melasma spots during the summer is by regularly applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Two types of ultraviolet light affect skin: UVB and UVA. UVB rays cause sunburns and skin cancers. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, causing wrinkles and increased melanin production. Broad-spectrum sunscreens block both. When in a pinch, grab a zinc-based sunscreen—zinc effectively blocks both UVA and UVB rays.

Avoid sun exposure

Visible light (VL) also contributes to melasma spots. So the layers of skin regularly exposed to sunlight—such as the cheeks, upper lip, forehead, arms, and chest—are more prone to developing them. To protect these areas, wear a wide-brimmed hat and clothing with a UPF rating of 15 or higher. Sunscreens do not protect against VL, and studies show that combining UV and VL protection is the best way to avoid excess melanin production.

Try prescription treatment

Consult a dermatologist for prescription treatment that combines several different types of medication. For example, Hydroquinone lightens pigment. Retinoids encourage skin turnover. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation. Topical medicines like Tri-Luma contain these three effective ingredients.

Address hormonal triggers

Estrogen, progesterone and cortisol can increase the binding capacity of melanocyte-stimulating hormone receptors. In turn, this prompts the cells to increase melanin production. That’s why melasma can affect up to 30% of pregnant women. If you take hormonal birth control or have a thyroid disease, you’re also at increased risk. If you think hormones may be at play, seek help from an endocrinologist or obstetrician/gynecologist.

Avoid perfumes and harsh ingredients

Dr. B’s dermatology medical advisor, Dr. Alison Gruen, warns against aggressive exfoliation and harsh ingredients—like overusing acids—which can damage the skin barrier and cause inflammation. “One of our skin’s main reactions to inflammation is to make more melanin,” she says. So inflammation can trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation! Also, avoid perfumes or perfumed products, she advises. They may contain ingredients (like Balsam of Peru) that increase melanin production.

Use gentle skincare products

A skin care routine that gently cleanses, calms inflammation and brightens fading skin can help you prevent increased summer melasma spots. Serums containing vitamins C and E can help skin turnover. Azelaic acid can prevent melanin overproduction. And a good moisturizer can restore your skin barrier, protecting it from further damage.

Wear mineral-based makeup

Mineral makeup often contains ground-up zinc oxide, talc, and iron oxide, which can reduce inflammation and soothe skin. It also doesn’t contain filler ingredients that can irritate skin. Use such products regularly, and you may find your skin is less prone to inflammation and melasma darkening.

The bottom line:

Preventing melasma during the summer can be difficult, but a consistent prevention routine can help. Regularly apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective UPF clothing, and use gentle skincare and makeup products. When in doubt, seek the help of a board-certified dermatologist for a prescription treatment plan!

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Sources

Basit H, et al. (2023). Melasma. StatPearls Publishing.

Fatima, S., et al. (2020). The role of sunscreen in melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Indian Journal of Dermatology.

Gannet, S. (2024). Sun-protective clothing is a reliable UV-blocker. Here are some options we love. The New York Times.

Garibyan, L., et al. (2022). Melasma: What are the best treatments? Harvard Health.

Geisler, A.N., et al. (2021) Visible light. Part II: Photoprotection against visible and ultraviolet light. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Rajanala, S, et al. (2019). Melasma pathogenesis: a review of the latest research, pathological findings, and investigational therapies. Dermatology Online Journal.

Schlessinger, D.I., et al. (2023). Biochemistry, Melanin. StatPearls Publishing.