There are a lot of gripes when it comes to the condition of our skin. Some people have complaints regarding dark under-eye circles where others find that an outbreak of red spots is the bane of their life. However, for some people, uneven skin tone is a massive problem. Melasma, which is often referred to as the mask of pregnancy, is a skin condition where dark grey or brown patches appear, particularly on the cheeks and across the nose.
It is not a harmful condition and is simply caused by a fluctuation of pigmentation cells resulting in the color change. However, while some people find melasma to be characteristic and beautiful, others want to cover it up. Whichever way you feel about it, there are a lot of products that will help to conceal and even reduce the appearance of melasma.
In this guide, we will be looking at some of the best products currently on the market as well as giving you some helpful tips in finding the right ones for you.
Ways Of Reducing Melasma
There are many things that you can do to reduce the appearance of melasma, some are simple whereas others are a little more complex. But whatever you decide, it is important to think about what will work well for you.
- Hormones can play a significant role in a flare up of melasma so it is important to become aware of what triggers the condition and avoid this. Things like birth control tablets and hormone therapy are some of the worst culprits.
- The sun can affect melasma so avoiding spending too much time in the rays is a good way to reduce the appearance of melasma and prevent further flare ups.
- There are a variety of skin lightening creams on the market which will reduce heavy pigmentation. However, when you use these it is important to follow the instructions very carefully.
- There are several beauty treatments that are available at salons around the country. Things like chemical peels and laser therapy are both viable options.
- Using makeup to reduce the appearance of melasma is the most gentle way albeit temporary.
What Are The Best Makeup Products For Melasma?
If you don’t want to go for a harsh treatment then using makeup to control how your melasma looks is an excellent option. There are several products out there each designed to either cover or reduce the appearance of this condition. Let’s take a look at some of what we believe to be the best products on the market right now.
PCA SKIN HQ-Free Pigment Gel
This gentle gel is designed to reduce the appearance of dark spots and provide you with a more even skin tone. If you suffer from sensitive skin then this is an excellent option since it is formulated without any hydroquinone while remaining super effective. In addition to this, it is packed with beautiful ingredients designed to nourish and hydrate the skin. Take, for example, the lactic acid which delivers a burst of moisture while the glutathione provides the skin with an antioxidant boost.
This beautiful gel goes on smoothly and is fragrance free further demonstrating its suitability for sensitive skin. There are other products within the collection including a cleansing bar and a daily defense serum and when these products are used daily, results can be seen in as little as three months.
La Roche Posay Pigmentclar Cleanser
La Roche Posay is one of the most well-respected skincare brands and this gentle cleanser is perfect for people with sensitive skin. It has been dermatologically tested and contains no harsh ingredients being oil and fragrance-free too.
This brightening facial cleanser has an instant effect and causes the skin to glow while improving the overall skin tone. It is ideal for daily use and gives the skin a clearer and fresher appearance. But what’s really great about this cleanser is that it can be used in conjunction with other products from the range for the ultimate caring skincare routine.
The cleanser works using a special formula that is designed to gently remove darker skin cells and improve the look of melasma.
EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Face Sunscreen
Protecting your skin from the sun is one of the best ways to prevent melasma from becoming worse. However, this cannot be done without adequate protection and while there are a lot of excellent sunscreens on the market, we love this one from EltaMD. It is designed for sensitive skin and is formulated with hyaluronic acid which will smooth out fine lines, making this a double edged sword where skincare is concerned.
The sunscreen is also packed with minerals that help to improve the appearance of dark spots leaving your skin looking fresh and radiant. With zinc oxide at its core, the cream will effectively protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. What’s more, it is oil free and won’t leave the skin feeling greasy which is great if you are prone to breakouts.
Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer
While it is great to use treatments and makeup that will help to diminish the appearance of melasma, sometimes you need a quick fix to cover it up. Many concealers just aren’t equipped to do the job but this one offers excellent full coverage. It comes in a wide range of shades making it perfect for all skin tones and will make light work of covering everything from melasma to dark under eye circles and much more.
The concealer might be a powerhouse when it comes to coverage but that doesn’t mean it is harsh on the skin. It contains cucumber extract which reduces redness and puffiness and is a lightweight formula that won’t block pores. It blends beautifully and lasts all day. We are sure this will become your new go-to!
Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre Face Cream And Make Up Primer
It is rather difficult to discover a face cream for all skin types that actually works for all skin types but this one does the job effortlessly. What’s more, it’s super affordable! One of the things we love most about this cream is that it perfectly prepares the skin for your makeup and offers a great range of benefits. It will smooth the skin and make it appear flawless as well as plumping and firming to give a more youthful appearance.
This face cream and primer has long been a best seller and is bursting with skin-nourishing ingredients like shea, aloe vera, and beeswax. According to research, it takes only three weeks to feel a noticeable difference in the skin, and thanks to its antioxidant nature, it effectively protects the skin from free radicals. What more could you ask for!
What To Look For In Makeup For Melasma
The products that we have recommended in the guide are some of the very best out there. However, there are certain things you must look out for when buying makeup for melasma to ensure that the product closely meets your needs. Take a look at our top buying tips to help you get better acquainted with the best products for your skin.
SPF
Since the sun is one of the biggest factors in exacerbating melasma, it is vital that you make sure any makeup products you use have some degree of protection. As with anything, the higher the SPF, the more protection you will get but we wouldn’t recommend anything lower than SPF30 in any case.
Many face creams, foundations, and other makeup products benefit from the inclusion of a sunscreen so if you can find these, they’re definitely worth a shot.
Paraben Free
Earlier, we talked about the fact that hormone fluctuations can have an effect on melasma and one of the hormones that are mostly to blame, is estrogen. Now, if you’re a woman, your body is going to be bursting with this female hormone anyway, without the need to boost things. But did you know that parabens have been discovered to mimic estrogen which, if used continuously, may have an impact on how severe your melasma becomes.
Many cosmetic companies are now making a big deal out of creating paraben-free products so they aren’t difficult to come across.
Long Lasting
If you are trying to cover up your melasma then the last thing you want is a makeup product that you need to reapply every few hours. The great thing about modern beauty products is that many of them are designed to be super long lasting and will stay put for 24 hours. However, this isn’t always the case so it certainly pays to check out the longevity of a product before committing to it.
Conclusion
It can be a little distressing when you notice the onset of a skin condition like melasma. While this isn’t something that will cause harm to you or your skin, it’s severe appearance can knock your confidence. We are huge advocates of loving the skin you’re in but we also know that from time to time, you might want to clear up marks and have a radiant and fresh appearance.
Using the best makeup products for melasma will help to reduce the look as well as covering it up when the moment calls for it. Of course, there are certain things you will need to keep an eye out for when choosing makeup for melasma but with our top picks, we know your skin will thank you.
Last update on 2023-04-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API