Anti-dark spot sunscreen: what you need to know before buying yours

Whether you're enjoying a walk outdoors, a swim at the beach, or relaxing on a terrace at the end of the day, sunbathing is a pleasure that feels good for both body and mind. Sun exposure also helps the body produce vitamin D and can even improve your mood.

However, despite all these benefits, prolonged sun exposure without proper protection can pose some risks to your skin: dark spots, premature aging and, in more serious cases, even health problems like skin cancer.

This is where anti-dark spot sunscreen comes in — an essential ally for those who want to enjoy the best of the sun without compromising skin health.

Do you know how to choose the right anti-dark spot sunscreen for you?

To help you with this process, we have gathered 6 important aspects you should consider before buying — because not all anti-dark spot sunscreens are the same, and the right choice depends on your skin type, your lifestyle, and even the spots you want to prevent or treat.

1. High SPF sunscreen is indispensable

When it comes to spots, especially melasma or hyperpigmentation*, an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 50 or higher is recommended. The higher the protection, the lower the risk of new spots appearing or existing ones worsening.

Have you heard of melasma and hyperpigmentation?

Melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation where spots appear on the facial skin. The most affected areas are usually the nose, upper lip, and chin. These spots are often irregular in shape and tend to appear symmetrically on both sides of the face. The problem is more common in women (about 90% of melasma cases) and in people with darker skin tones.

Tip to minimize and/or prevent melasma

La Roche Posay's Mela B3 Anti-Dark Spot Corrector SPF 30 is a cream with sun protection that shields your face from the sun. This product prevents, corrects, and protects the appearance or recurrence of facial spots.

Hyperpigmentation, on the other hand, appears as spots or darkened areas on the skin, also known as age spots or sun spots.

Tip to prevent hyperpigmentation

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, such as the Eucerin Anti-Pigment range. Products in this range with SPF 30 ensure effective protection against UVA and UVB rays and help prevent the formation of pigment spots. Remember, sun rays affect the skin even on cloudy days, so always protect your skin.

2. Sunscreen with protection against visible light

Did you know that visible light — emitted by screens, lamps, and even the sun during the day — can also contribute to the appearance of spots? Even indoors or at the office, this type of light can stimulate melanin production, especially in skin prone to hyperpigmentation.

Most sunscreens only protect against UVA and UVB rays. However, visible light, which can also cause spots, is only effectively blocked by physical filters — especially those containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. These ingredients reflect and scatter light, forming a barrier on the skin’s surface. They are typically found in tinted sunscreens, which not only protect but also help even out skin tone.

Sunscreen against visible light for melasma and hyperpigmentation

Discover ISDIN’s Foto Ultra, one of the sunscreens that provides the greatest protection against blue light. This sunscreen combines filters and pigments to provide effective broad-spectrum protection that blocks UV radiation, including blue light. Hyperpigmentation is reduced, skin tone is evened out, and recurrences are avoided.

3. Sunscreen with the right texture for your skin type

Just as not all sunscreens are the same, not all skins have the same needs. To make sure you’re truly protecting your skin and will use sunscreen regularly (without the discomfort of feeling greasy, sticky, or too dry), it’s essential to choose a texture that suits your skin type.

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, choose oil-free formulas with a matte finish or dry touch. These sunscreens help control shine and prevent clogged pores, being more comfortable throughout the day.

If your skin is dry or sensitive, opt for richer, more hydrating textures that reinforce the skin barrier and prevent tightness.

Practical tip: The more pleasant the texture is for you, the more likely you are to apply it every day — and when it comes to preventing spots, consistency is key.

Suggested sunscreen for oily skin

La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Oil Control is an ideal sunscreen for oily skin, with an invisible finish and dry touch. It provides broad-spectrum protection with a light, comfortable texture, perfect for daily use.

Suggested sunscreen for dry skin

If you’re looking for a nourishing formula, try Sensilis Photocorrection SPF 50+, ideal for fighting signs of aging, keeping skin hydrated, and protecting against sun damage. Its formula combines anti-aging actives with effective sun protection, making it perfect for daily use, even on sensitive or spot-prone skin.

4. Choose sunscreens with depigmenting ingredients

If your goal is to prevent new spots and correct existing ones, it’s worth choosing a sunscreen that goes beyond simple protection — that is, one with depigmenting ingredients.

Ingredients such as niacinamide, tranexamic acid, Thiamidol, or vitamin C are known for regulating melanin production. With continued use, they help lighten dark spots and even out skin tone without irritating or sensitizing.

A 2-in-1 anti-dark spot sunscreen (protect + correct) is especially useful for those looking for a simpler, more effective routine without layering multiple products.

Suggested sunscreen with depigmenting action

Sensilis Photocorrection D-Pigment 50+ combines broad-spectrum sun protection with ingredients that help correct existing spots. Its formula is gentle, effective, and ideal for sensitive skin prone to hyperpigmentation.

5. Choose a tinted sunscreen

Tinted sunscreens, besides being a great base for makeup, can also be a powerful protective tool, especially for those dealing with melasma or hyperpigmentation.

The presence of mineral pigments in the formula helps create a physical barrier against visible light, one of the main factors that stimulate melanin production. Additionally, they even out skin tone and naturally disguise spots.

Don’t forget to choose a tinted sunscreen adapted to your skin tone to ensure a beautiful, natural finish and enhanced protection.

Suggested tinted sunscreen

Heliocare 360º Pigment Solution Fluid with color offers very comprehensive protection against UVA, UVB, visible light, and infrared, with a touch of color that helps cover imperfections and even out skin tone.

Does the right anti-dark spot sunscreen make a difference?

Choosing the ideal anti-dark spot sunscreen may seem challenging, but with the right information and attention to your skin’s needs, it becomes a simple — and essential — step in your skincare routine.

Remember: efficacy depends both on choosing the right product and on daily, consistent application. Only then can you prevent new spots from appearing, protect your skin from the sun’s harmful effects, and maintain an even, healthy skin tone over time.

At Fahma, we have carefully selected effective, comfortable anti-dark spot sunscreens suitable for various skin types — so you can find exactly what your skin needs. Visit us!