The best sunscreen for dark marks or hyperpigmentation in Nairobi Kenya is the sunscreen that you will use since this study found that using sunscreens by themselves was beneficial for the treatment of pigmentation disorders like melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
Physical Sunscreens vs Chemical Sunscreens
Physical Sunscreens
Physical sunscreens physically block the sun’s rays from getting to the skin by deflecting them. They contain ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which have been proven to reduce redness in vascular melasma and rosacea. These ingredients which confer the term mineral sunscreen on them, also make them safe for persons with sensitive skin. Physical sunscreens are more likely to leave a white cast on the skin when applied.
Examples of physical sunscreens include Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Mineral Sunscreen.
Chemical Sunscreens
Chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the skin and then they absorb the UV rays and release their energy as heat before they can harm the skin. They contain ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, and homosalate. Chemical sunscreens are less likely to leave a white cast on the skin. However, some of their ingredients have been shown to be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Examples of chemical sunscreens include La Roche Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Sunscreen which has SPF 50 and is water resistant. This lightweight fluid does not leave a white cast. In addition, it is fragrance-free and suitable for persons with sensitive skin. It is also non-greasy and non-comedogenic making it fit for persons with acne-prone skin. It can also be used by persons with normal skin and combination skin.
Factors to Consider when Choosing a Sunscreen
*Physical Vs Chemical Sunscreen
Physical sunscreens are preferred for persons with pigmentation disorders because they prevent more UV rays from reaching the skin than chemical sunscreens.
* SPF
The Sun Protection Factor should be 30 or more
* Broadspectrum Sunscreen
The sunscreen should be broad-spectrum which means that it protects the skin from UVA rays which cause aging and UVB rays which cause sunburns and skin cancer.
* Skin Condition Being Treated
The skin condition being treated e.g. melisma, PIH, etc should also be considered
* Preexisting Skin Conditions
The person’s preexisting skin conditions e.g. acne, eczema, etc should also be considered
* Skin Type
The person’s skin type e.g. dry skin, oily skin, etc should also be considered
* Sunscreen Factors
Sunscreen factors like affordability, formulation e.g. spray vs lotion vs stick should also be considered for ease of application.
* Ingredients
Sunscreen ingredients should also be considered for example oxybenzone is hormonally active and it has been attributed to causing hormonal skin darkening.
* Pregnancy
If a woman is pregnant, physical sunscreens are recommended over chemical ones
The Best Hyperpigmentation Sunscreens
The Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen is considered one of the best for dark skin with hyperpigmentation. This is because it contains niacinamide which can help reduce pigmentation. It also contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin and aloe vera to soothe it. It is also a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays.
Demelan Sunscreen SPF 50 is another great choice for persons with hyperpigmentation since it complements Demelan cream which treats hyperpigmentation very effectively. Its active ingredients include octocrylene. Demelan sunscreen is nongreasy, nonirritant, and can be used by persons with oily skin, acne-prone skin, dry skin, and other skin types. It is also a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen which means that it protects the skin from UVA rays which cause aging, and UVB rays which cause sunburns and skin cancers.
Demelan Sunscreen can be purchased from the Nairobi Almasi Skincare Shop located on Moi Avenue, Sawa Mall, 3rd floor, shop C15. Call 0721963156 to arrange for countrywide delivery.
Share with us in the comments section your favorite sunscreens for dark marks or hyperpigmentation in Nairobi Kenya.
