If you have dark spots, sunscreen is going to be your best friend; it’s one of the best defenses you have against dark spots!
Everyday sunscreen use not only protects your skin from sun damage but also helps prevent new dark spots from forming and can even help fade existing ones away.
In this article, we’ll talk about how to select the best sunscreen for dark spots, explain some of sunscreen’s benefits for dark spots, and review some of our top sunscreen picks for those looking to cover up dark spots on the skin.
Let’s get started!
What are Dark Spots?
Dark spots are a form of hyperpigmentation, also referred to as age spots or liver spots. Dark spots are areas of skin where there is an over production melanin – the pigment that determines your skin color. They can also be the result of free radical damage due to sun exposure.
Pale and fair-skinned individuals who have has several sunburns or very severe sunburns are at an increased risk for developing dark spots. In many cases, dark spots begin to appear in middle age as a consequence of inadequate sun protection in one’s earlier years.
However, there are other non sun-related reasons dark spots may occur, such as hormonal changes during pregnancy, certain medications, and some diseases.
While regular sunscreen use is a great way to prevent dark spots from occurring in the first place, sunscreen use alone will not be enough to fade existing dark spots.
The good news is that dark spots are not dangerous or harmful, and certain tinted sunscreens like the ones detailed below can help provide sun protection against new dark spots while also covering up existing dark spots.
Which Sunscreen is Best for Dark Spots?
The key to finding the perfect sunscreen for dark spots is knowing what ingredients and sunscreen features are best for your particular needs.
Here’s a quick list of things to look for in any sunscreen when trying to cover up dark spots:
- A tinted formula to cover up any existing dark spots on the face and body.
- SPF 30 or higher to ensure adequate sun protection.
- Broad spectrum protection to block out both UVA and UVB rays (don’t worry, all the sunscreens listed below are broad spectrum).
- Gentle ingredients that won’t irritate sensitive skin – consider opting for a mineral formula if chemical sunscreens cause breakouts or skin redness.
- Non-cosmogenic products which means they don’t cause acne or clog pores.
Best Sunscreens for Dark Spots: Our Top Picks
1. Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Tinted Face BB Cream
Australian Gold Botanical Tinted BB Sunscreen
$12.74
The Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Tinted Face BB Cream is a fantastic sunscreen that’s designed to cover up dark spots, fine lines, and uneven color.
This sunscreen comes in BB cream consistency while still feeling relatively lightweight, with a lovely matte finish that works well alone or as a base for makeup.
Formulated with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, it provides broad-spectrum sun protection against UVA & UVB rays while relying on a mineral formula that won’t irritate your skin and lacks any harsh chemical ingredients — this is why it’s a great sunscreen for heat rash too.
This formula has no oxybenzone, alcohol, dye, oil, or PABAs! Plus, it’s vegan, gluten free, and cruelty free, as well as dermatologist and pediatrician tested!
2. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Mineral Ultra-Light Fluid
La Roche-Posay Tinted Mineral Sunscreen
$37.99
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Mineral Ultra-Light Fluid Sunscreen is another reliable pick for those who want to cover up dark spots without skimping on protection. It has a lightly tinted formula which helps to cover up any mild dark spots that you might have, is gentle on the skin, and does not cause any allergies or irritations.
With an SPF50 rating and titanium dioxide as an active ingredient, it absorbs quickly and has a matte finish so doesn’t leave your skin looking shiny or greasy either. It’s also allergy tested and dermatologist tested meaning that it’s even a safe sunscreen for sensitive skin.
Our team also really likes that La Roche-Posay contains antioxidants that can help protect against free radicals that may help prevent dark spots from getting worse too!
3. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen
Supergood! Unseen Sunscreen
$38.00
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen doesn’t contain any tinted ingredients to cover up dark spots, but this fan favorite sunscreen will do wonders for preventing any new sun spots.
With an SPF40 rating, it provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection while remaining oxybenzone and octinoxate-free!
Supergoop prides itself on its weightless feel that some refer to as “invisible” sunscreen. This lightweight texture means that it layers great under makeup, even providing additional shine control. This lotion is also oil-free so it’s a great sunscreen for those with oily skin, and it contains hydrating meadowfoam seed to keep skin moisturized.
4. EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Face Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Face Sunscreen
$45.00
Another top sunscreen for dark spots has to be EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Face Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46.
It goes on smoothly and is popular for its lightweight application with a dash of beneficial tinted tan coloring. In fact, it feels more like a second skin than traditional sunscreen – fans remark they actually forget they’re wearing any sunscreen sometimes!
This unscented sunscreen boasts SPF 46 and broad spectrum sun protection from UVA/UVB rays. It relies on zinc oxide as the main active ingredient, but contains octinoxate as well, so it may not be ideal for those who really want a 100% mineral zinc oxide face sunscreen due to ultra sensitive skin that reacts to chemical ingredients.
That being said, this sunscreen is a popular pick for those with acne, so it’s safe to say the formula is very gentle, mild, and should be fine even for those with delicate skin.
5. Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
Blue Lizard Mineral Face Sunscreen
$17.99
Blue Lizard Mineral Sunscreen provides good UVA and UVB protection with only mineral ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. This gentle formula is ideal for body use as well as face use, and is free of fragrances and chemical ingredients.
This SPF30 formula is also water resistant, making it a great choice for beach trips or visits to the pool.
The sunscreen for dark spots options we’ve reviewed here should help you find the best sunscreen to cover up any existing dark spots on your skin. We recommend using a tinted formula if you want something that provides sun protection as well as hiding those pesky brown patches or age-spots.
Remember, sunscreen use alone will not be enough to fade them away but it can protect new dark spots from forming while also blocking out dangerous UVA and UVB rays.
Sunscreen for Dark Spots FAQ
When do dark spots typically occur and how old do you need to be?
Dark spots can occur at any age, but they typically start showing up in middle-aged individuals as a result of not enough sunscreen earlier in life.
Are dark spots harmful or dangerous?
No, they’re not harmful, but sunscreen can help prevent new dark spots from forming.
Who are at an increased risk for dark spots?
People who are fair-skinned or light-haired and have also experienced severe sun burns are at an increased risk for dark spots, but other factors like pregnancy, liver disease, and certain medications can put you more at risk as well.
What makes sunscreen good at treating dark spots?
Sunscreen helps prevent new dark spot formation by protecting your skin from further sun damage. Certain tinted sunscreens can also help cover existing dark spots.
What can you do to treat dark spots?
In addition to using sunscreen to prevent new dark spots, some topical prescription bleaching creams like hydroquinone can help fade dark spots, although some of these creams have some serious potential side effects. Other dark spot treatments include laser treatments and chemical peels, among others.
