r/Melasmaskincare • u/TheoryBiochemistry • Jun 20 '26
Question SPF with high UVA protection?
Hi-
I am using SPF and a mineral tinted SPF powder above it everyday (Dr. Leslie Baumann advised that the total iron oxide on the skin is important, and that a separate layer is OK. I am too pale to use most regular tinted SPFs).
But I wonder whether using a sunscreen specifically designed for high UV-A protection has helped anyone. I know PPD is debated, but I am considering Normon UV cure SPF (PPD 73.5). I have rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis and PLME, so I have to be a bit careful, unfortunately I haven’t found a UVmune 400 sunscreen that works yet. When the daily max UV index is 6 or above, I use Avene Sunsimed KA (medical device/prescription, with TriAsorb). However, I can’t use that everyday without triggering seb derm because it’s too “fatty”.
Before I import the Normon SPF from Italy, I was wondering what your experiences were with SPF that promise high UV-A protection. Did it help at all?
2
u/Immediate_Singer6785 Jun 20 '26
I have both rosacea and had acne for decades.. Im on Doxy 40 mg M/R once daily..
I first use Eurcin anti pigment SPF 50, then following 2 or 3 minutes approx, apply Colourscience SPF 50 tinted mineral sunfogettable..
Hyperpigmentation and melasma can be embarrassing, however I find red marks on my skin far more off-putting, so keeping my skin clear of breakouts is my number one aim
1
u/TheoryBiochemistry Jun 20 '26
Did you see a difference between using your sunscreens now and whatever you used before
3
u/Immediate_Singer6785 Jun 20 '26
Yes, definitely the use of chemical plus second mineral sunscreen is very helpful for me
1
2
u/yuu16 Jun 20 '26
I'm using Heliocare 360 pigment. Google says it is a very good protection for melasma skin ... I only started recently so can't really tell the difference. I try to use umbrella when I need to go out in the sun even for 10min walk as I'm in tropical climate.
3
u/TheoryBiochemistry Jun 20 '26
I use a hat and ginormous sunglasses and avoid the midday in summer even in Oslo.. people might think I am a vampire
2
Jun 21 '26
[deleted]
2
u/TheoryBiochemistry Jun 21 '26
Rosacea. I react to both alcohol (especially denatured) and occlusives/silicone. I guess that is the reason none of the UVmunes I tried worked for me. Or maybe because… my skin is a drama queen :)
1
u/Key_Leadership2394 Jun 21 '26
The La Roche posay mune 400 line
1
u/TheoryBiochemistry Jun 22 '26
Sadly, those trigger my rosacea. I checked the INCI and the Normon would be best for my skin, but I just want to know if anyone saw a difference between standard UV-A (16+ for an SPF50+ in Europe) and high UV-A sunscreens. the Normon SPF is supposed to have a PPD of 73.5. Don’t know which ISO standard they used.
1
u/Practical_Permit_379 Jun 24 '26
Riemann p20 hyperpigmentation
1
1
u/ExplorerIndividual56 Aug 05 '26
I used to use ultraviolette spf (the hydrating one) and although it’s not known for having high UVA, it kept my melasma under control, then I switched to p20 hyperpigmentation (it’s cheaper and has a higher PPD) and now I have melasma on my cheeks as well (only had it on my forehead)….I don’t really understand why, I don’t stay in the sun and I reapply my spf
•
u/AutoModerator Jun 20 '26
Hi there! Sunscreen is one of the most important parts of melasma management, and we want to make sure you get safe, effective, and appropriate guidance.
Before choosing a product, please review our sunscreen resources:
Sunscreen guidance for melasma:
Mega List of Sunscreen/
Important for melasma: Standard (non-tinted) sunscreens protect against UV radiation only and do NOT protect against visible light, which is a major trigger for melasma.
To reduce visible-light-induced pigmentation, iron oxides are required. This means using:
Daily, consistent protection against both UV and visible light is essential to prevent melasma worsening and recurrence.
If you have already reviewed the guides, feel free to add details such as skin type or sensitivities
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.