How to Undo the Skin Damage Summer Left Behind
Sunspots, melasma, and dull texture don’t have to stick around. Here’s how to fade the evidence of too much fun in the sun.
Man, I already miss summer. I thrive in the humid heat. I’m already feeling nostalgic for long weekends spent in the sun—and it shows.
Although I’m an advocate of wearing sunscreen from head-to-toe every time you leave the house, I still managed to get burned by the sun in more ways than one over the last few months. Heading into the new season, I’m sporting a brand-new set of freckles across my nose (they’re kinda cute, though) and fresh melasma patches, which have taken root on my forehead by my temples.
But first, what exactly is melasma? “Melasma is characterized by brown to dark brown patches, often on the face,” Francesca Sy-Alvarado, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at QuAD Clinic and a fellow of the Philippine Dermatological Society, previously told Allure Philippines. “It is closely tied to sun exposure and genetic and hormonal factors,” she explains.
“It could be a result of poor sun protection, and sometimes hormonal changes during pregnancy,” Dr. Anna Palabyab-Rufino, another Manila-based board-certified dermatologist, says.
To target dark spots and melasma caused by poor sun protection, here are some of the things you can do:
1. Add niacinamide
I typically rely on vitamin C-based serums to target dark spots like my melasma. But over the last couple of years, skin-care brands have started pumping out products with another great antioxidant that offers similar benefits: niacinamide. The free radical-fighting ingredient also helps prevent hyperpigmentation and smooth skin texture at the same time.
Vitamin C serum – Drunk Elephant C Luma Hydrabright Serum
Niacinamide serum – The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Dr. Sy-Alvarado notes that the most effective way to address pigmentation is by targeting various stages of melanin production. She recommends looking for well-formulated skincare products that combine multiple brightening agents—such as tyrosinase inhibitors like arbutin alongside niacinamide—to tackle pigmentation through different pathways. “You may also incorporate antioxidants like Vitamin C and E in the skin care routine to neutralize free radicals caused by environmental factors.”
A niacinamide-based product with Vitamin C derivative (Yes, best of both worlds) option is Celeteque Dermoscience Brightening Facial Wash. Bonus: it has Vitamin E!
2. Exfoliate
I’m not big on physically sloughing my face, but I do love a good chemical exfoliator. I typically swap out my prescription Tretinoin twice a week for a lactic acid-based serum, but I think this season I’ll be upping that number to three.
Lactic acid serum – Sunday Riley Good Genes
However, Dr. Alvarado-Sy warns against overdoing this step. “Over-exfoliation with either chemical exfoliants or physical scrubs that mess with the skin barrier,” she explains.
3. Book a laser appointment
Unfortunately for me and my melasma, there’s not much I can do topically to rid my skin of my new light brown patches. They’re hormonal and require a trip to the dermatologist for an in-office laser appointment. “Sometimes, [melasma could be caused] by hormonal changes during pregnancy. It could also be a result of taking oral contraceptives,” Dr. Palabyab-Rufino says.
Nonablative lasers, like Fraxel Clear + Brilliant or Picosecond, are great for zapping away sun damage.
BRB, while I go book my appointment.
Additional reporting by Leira Aquino
