The anti-pigment plan

How to manage hyperpigmentation during summer

- Dr Nupur Warke

With rising mercury levels, the invigorating energy of the season brings an unwanted companion along with it: the sudden darkening of sunspots, as well as the intensification of melasma.

While the sun provides a much-needed dose of Vitamin D, its peak intensity acts as a direct switch for melanocytes, the cells responsible for pigment. For those navigating hyperpigmentation, the summer months can feel like a constant battle against the elements, where a single afternoon of unprotected exposure can undo months of diligent skincare.

The key to managing your complexion during this high UV window is not just applying creams, but about advanced heat management, light filtering, cellular repair, and adjusting your skin care routine to the season’s needs, without the shadows of sun damage.

Broad-spectrum defense

The most critical rule for managing your complexion during the summer months is acknowledging that standard SPF 15 is rarely enough for your skin. When the UV index climbs, your skin needs a broad-spectrum barrier of at least SPF 50.

For those prone to melasma, it is advisable to look specifically for ‘tinted’ mineral sunscreens, which consist of formulas containing iron oxides that are capable of blocking visible blue light from the sun, and screens that trigger pigment similar to UV rays.