Dark spots are the result of too much unprotected sun exposure. If left unchecked and unprotected, these spots can quickly turn from harmless sun spots into dangerous skin cancers.
This makes preventing further dark spots from appearing and protecting those that have already formed vital to your skin’s health.
You may also become self-conscious about these spots. There are many products targeted at fading dark spots. But it is good to use a product that begins from the source, sunscreen!
In order to prevent dark spots from forming on your skin, you need to be properly protected at all times. You should follow the guidelines set out by the Skin Cancer Foundation, and wear UV protective clothing, hats and sunglasses, and seek shade when possible.
Don’t leave it at that, though!
The most effective thing you can do consistently is to wear a broad spectrum sunscreen!
Not only will you be sufficiently protected against harm from UV rays and be preventing the creation of new dark spots, but certain ingredients in sunscreens can also aid in the fading of existing dark spots.
Let me help you find the right sunscreen for your skin!
After thorough research into what is needed to prevent and treat dark spots, SimplySunSafe recommends Raw Elements Eco Formula Sunscreen SPF 30 as the best sunscreen for dark spots. Keep reading for a detailed buyer’s guide, comparison table, and in-depth reviews of the top 5 sunscreens for dark spots.
Buyer’s Guide
To be sure that you are properly preventing and possibly treating your dark spots, there are a few must-have features that you want to search for in your sunscreen.
Broad spectrum protection
If you can only manage to remember one thing about sunscreen, here is the most important:
Broad Spectrum Protection
This means that you are receiving balanced protection against both UVA and UVB rays. This is vital because each type of ray works differently.
- UVB rays damage the outer layer of your skin causing tanning and burning
- UVA rays damage the deepest layer of your skin (the dermis) and cause premature aging
Exposure to both types of rays increases your risk of skin cancer, which is why you want to be sure that you are always sufficiently protected.
Luckily, you will not have any difficulty finding sunscreens that provide broad spectrum protection. They are plentiful and easy to spot by taking a look at the sunscreen’s label and ingredients list.
The label will often have words like ‘broad spectrum’ or ‘UVA/B’, making it clear that they offer the protection you’re looking for.
You can also search the ingredients list for zinc oxide. Sunscreens with zinc oxide are always a safe and effective choice, as they protect against the full range of UVA/B rays, not to mention that zinc oxide will help prevent and heal your dark spots! (More on this below)
Best SPF for dark spots
Understanding how Sun Protection Factor (SPF) works can feel a bit elusive. It’s one of those things you rely on when deciding, even without being quite sure why!
It is an important factor in choosing sunscreens, and knowing how it works will help you in your search. Let me give you a simple explanation:
SPF tells you what fraction of the sun’s rays will reach your skin when you have properly applied your sunscreen. This means that if you’re wearing a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 50, then only 1/50th of the sun’s rays will reach your skin.
That is a big help when it comes to sun protection! Just be sure to remain cautious.
Wearing a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 50 does mean that you can stay in the sun 50 times longer than if you weren’t wearing sunscreen. This is not a risk you want to take when you’re trying to avoid the worsening or creation of dark spots on your skin!
There are many factors that influence the effectiveness of SPF including the time of day, amount of properly applied sunscreen, and even reflections from surfaces like sand or water.
Check out this table below. It will help you better understand how much protection you receive from different SPF ratings:
| SPF Rating | UVB Protection |
| None | 0% |
| 2 | 50% |
| 15 | 93% |
| 30 | 97% |
| 50 | 98% |
| 100 | 99% |
Not what you were expecting?
The truth is that there is little difference between and SPF rating of 30 and one of 100. So which do you choose when you want to prevent and/or treat dark spots?
SimplySunSafe recommends that you always choose sunscreens with SPF ratings no lower than 30 and no higher than 50 – in line with AAD guidelines.
And remember, no matter what SPF rating you choose, you need to be sure to reapply at least every two hours!
Physical is better than chemical
It’s helpful to know that sunscreens can be divided into two main groups – chemical and physical.
The differences between these two groups lie in their active ingredients and in the ways they work to protect your dark spots from the sun.
- Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays as they reach your skin
- Physical sunscreens reflect UV rays before they reach your skin
It’s also important to understand that these sunscreen types are not equal!
There are many reasons that you should choose physical sunscreens over chemical ones.
The best reason is that physical sunscreens stop more light across a broader spectrum. Put simply, they protect your skin more.
If you need a few extra reasons, physical sunscreens also:
- Work immediately upon application
- Last longer
- Are less likely to cause irritation
- Have a longer shelf life
If these advantages don’t convince you, listen to this:
Chemical sunscreens often contain ingredients that mess with your hormones. That is not something you want and there is no way of knowing how your dark spots would be affected!
The worst of these ingredients is oxybenzone and it is still legal despite concerns expressed by the FDA. I suggest that you take the time to search the ingredients of any potential sunscreen for oxybenzone, and be sure to avoid it!
The best sunscreen for prevention of dark spots will be a physical one!
Zinc oxide as an active ingredient
Many physical sunscreens contain a combination of zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as active ingredients. Both are safe and effective.
However, when it comes to preventing and treating your dark spots, zinc oxide is the ingredient for you.
This is because zinc oxide is used in many types of skin products, including many creams used in fading scars and dark spots.
According to the Dermatology Review, zinc oxide even helps in acting as a protective layer for the skin, locking in moisture and blocking out pathogens.
When it comes to the proper sun protection of your skin combined with prevention and treatment of dark spots, zinc oxide is the active ingredient you want in your sunscreen!
Suitable for daily use
Exposure to the sun only worsens already existing dark spots and increases your likelihood of developing new ones. For that reason, you want to be vigilant in your use of sunscreen.
That means you need to find a sunscreen that you will be able to incorporate easily into your daily skincare routine.
To help with this, ask yourself these questions:
- Do you want a sunscreen that you can use daily on both your face and body?
- Do you have photosensitive areas that need specific attention (e.g. tattoo sunscreen)
- What skin conditions and sensitivities do you need to accommodate for?
- Will you wear makeup over your sunscreen?
Any sunscreen that you will use every day needs to be effective yet also mild enough that it won’t cause your skin any irritation.
However, having these questions answered for yourself ahead of time will streamline your search process and help you to find the right product even faster!
When you’ve got these questions answered you’ll know what ingredients to avoid and what kind of finish you need.
SimplySunSafe has your back (and the rest of your skin) once you know what you’re looking for. Check out the sunscreens below to find an effective sunscreen with a range of safe ingredients.
You’ll also find a finish to suit your needs. They range all the way from white cast to transparent finish so you’ve got an option for sports and water through to everyday use under makeup.
Best Sunscreen for Dark Spots Comparison
| Raw Elements Eco Formula |
 BADGER Sport Sunscreen |
 Thinksport Sunscreen |
 BurnOut Ocean Tested |
 SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion |
|
| SPF | 30 | 35 | 50+ | 30 | 50 |
| Broad spectrum | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Active ingredients | Zinc Oxide (23%) | Zinc Oxide (22.5%) | Zinc Oxide (20%) | Zinc Oxide (20%) | Zinc Oxide (5%) & Titanium Dioxide (6%) |
| Water resistance | 80 minutes | 80 minutes | 80 minutes | 80 minutes | 40 minutes |
| Price | See it at Amazon | See it at Amazon | See it at Amazon | See it at Amazon | See it at Amazon |
5 Best Sunscreens for Dark Spots
After extensive research into the sun protection of skin with dark spots which included discussing issues with customers, reviewing customer feedback, examining manufacturer specifications, and participating in skincare forums, SimplySunSafe has compiled a list of the 5 best sunscreens for dark spots.
Each sunscreen provides physical, broad spectrum protection with an SPF rating of 30 or greater. They all contain zinc oxide as their active ingredient and are suitable for daily use!
1. Raw Elements Eco Formula Sunscreen SPF 30
- EWG TOP-RATED SUNSCREEN – Performance-driven face and body sun protection lasts up to 80 minutes and does not run or sting your eyes
- DAILY USE FOR ALL AGES – Gentle, moisturizing formula can be used as part of your daily skin care routine and is gentle enough for kids
- CERTIFIED ORGANIC NATURAL MINERAL SUNSCREEN – Soy, gluten and nut free, contains no synthetic chemicals and packed with nourishing antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, so your skin stays protected long after environmental exposure
- SPF 30+ BROAD-SPECTRUM PROTECTION – With a sole active ingredient of 23% Non-Nano Zinc Oxide, our Face + Body Lotion 30+ provides UVA-UVB true broad-spectrum coverage
- SAFE FOR OUR PLANET – Reef-safe, Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free, non-GMO and biodegradable in recyclable packaging. Protect yourself and the environment!
Last update on 2021-01-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Raw Elements Eco Formula SPF 30 is SimplySunSafe’s first choice for sun protection for dark spots.
This sunscreen has a very high concentration of active ingredient zinc oxide (23%), which makes it ideal not only for sufficient sun protection, but also for the prevention and fading of dark spots.
Raw Elements Eco Formula is great for all skin types, even those that are especially photosensitive. It is hypoallergenic and will not cause your skin irritation.
Plus, it contains natural Vitamin E which will nourish your skin and help in the fading of your dark spots as you are protected from the sun!
Raw Elements Eco Formula is a thick formula which will take some effort to rub in and is likely to leave a white cast on your skin. This is the usual tradeoff that occurs with the excellent protection granted with zinc oxide.
If you find that the white cast is bothersome, you can apply makeup on top of the sunscreen.
You will be able to add Raw Elements Eco Formula to your daily skincare routine and keep it there throughout the year.
The formula provides 80 minutes of water resistance so the summer months full of sweating and swimming will not compromise your necessary sun protection!
- Very high concentration of zinc oxide
- Suitable for daily use
- 80 minutes of water resistance
- Thick formula
- May leave white cast
2. Badger Sport Sunscreen SPF 35
Last update on 2021-01-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
SimplySunSafe’s second recommendation for sun protection for dark spots is Badger Sport Sunscreen SPF 35.
This is another sunscreen that has a very high concentration of its active ingredient zinc oxide (22.5%). This makes Badger another stellar option for preventing and treating dark spots.
Badger Sport will fit well into the daily skincare routine of almost everyone. It has a simple formula, with a total of five 100% natural ingredients (overall it’s also 98% organic!). This means you are highly unlikely to experience skin irritation if you choose Badger.
Like most sunscreens that have a high concentration of zinc oxide, Badger’s formula is thick and will leave a slight white cast on your skin.
However, it is an extremely reliable formula that you will be able to use throughout the year without interruption as it also provides you with 80 minutes of water resistance!
- High concentration of zinc oxide
- Simple and natural formula
- 80 minutes of water resistance
- Thick formula
- Slight white cast
3. thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+
- Top rated by EWG skin deep database with a "1" rating since 2010. First sunscreen to pass Whole Foods Premium Care requirements
- Free of biologically harmful chemicals: no avobenzone, oxybenzone, paraben, phthalate, paba and 1,4 dioxane free or UV chemical absorbers
- Highest - SPF 50 plus, water resistance (80 minutes), broad-spectrum coverage as proposed by the 2012 monograph
- Non-nano zinc oxide formulation average particle size >100micron, non-aerosol formulation (high concern of both ineffectiveness and particulates being inhaled)
- Applies and absorbs easily non-oily feel does not have an obtrusive smell that many organic sunscreens have. No animal testing.
Last update on 2021-01-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Another excellent choice for sun protection for dark spots is thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+.
Another formula with a high concentration of active ingredient zinc oxide (20%), thinksport provides solid sunspot protection and dark spot prevention.
Thinksport is a great choice in its suitability for daily use on the face and body. It was the first sunscreen to pass the Whole Food’s premium care requirements, and is unrivaled in safety.
Despite its tough sounding name, thinksport is extremely gentle on all types of skin, and irritation should not be a concern.
Thinksport is another sunscreen whose formula is thick and will likely leave a white cast due to the high concentration of zinc oxide. Just think of it as a reminder that you’re treating and preventing dark spots!
You’ll have found a new staple in your daily skincare routine with thinksport, and will not have to replace it throughout the year. It provides you with 80 minutes of durable water resistance for the warmer months!
- High concentration of zinc oxide
- Gentle enough for daily use
- 80 minutes of water resistance
- Thick formula
- White cast
4. BurnOut Ocean Tested Physical SPF 30
- UVA / UVB broad-spectrum protection.
- Very water resistant.
- 18.6% Zinc Oxide.
- Chemical-free, biodegradeable, ocean-safe, eco-sensitive.
- Paraben-free, petroleum-free, paba-free.
Last update on 2021-01-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Another reliable formula for sun protection of dark spots is BurnOut Ocean Tested Physical SPF 30. Yet another formula providing broad spectrum protection with a high concentration of its active ingredient, zinc oxide (20%).
You will receive durable protection and dark spot prevention and treatment simultaneously!
BurnOut Ocean Tested Physical is suitable for daily use on your face and body and is very gentle. It is paraben, chemical, and PABA-free so you will not experience irritation with this formula.
Its formula also contains ingredients specifically designed to condition your skin. You will protect your skin from the sun, condition it to keep it healthy, and fade old dark spots and prevent new ones with BurnOut Ocean Tested Physical!
BurnOut Ocean Tested Physical is a thick formula which will take some time to rub in properly. It can leave a slight white cast on skin, although this cast is fainter than that of many other zinc oxide sunscreens.
You are provided with 80 minutes of water resistance so that you can easily use the product throughout the whole year!
- High concentration of zinc oxide
- Suitable for daily use
- 80 minutes of water resistance
- Thick formula
- Faint white cast
5. SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50
- Sheer, filmless tint adaptable to all skin tones
- Boosts radiance for a more even, luminous complexion
- Contains transparent zinc oxide, the only UV filter spanning the full UVA/UVB spectrum
Last update on 2021-01-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
A great sunscreen for dark spots on the skin is the SkinCeuticals Physical fusion UV Defense SPF 50 as it protects your skin, keeping the dark spots from getting worse. It utilizes zinc oxide ( their specially formulated zinc is Z-cote) and titanium dioxide to make a broad-spectrum, physical filter. A plankton extract (artemia salina), is added to increase the skin’s resistance and immunity to damage caused by UVA and UVB rays, premature aging, and heat stress. It does not clog your pores or contain harmful physical chemicals. It is a sunscreen that rejuvenates the skin and does not irritate sensitive skin.
All these come into an extremely lightweight sunscreen that contains universal tint color-infused sunscreen which is great for all skin tones. The tint dries to a nice invisible finish that is non-greasy and filmless.
The usage is a simple ‘shake then apply’. It dries fast and gives no deposit. A little quantity goes far and it can be applied just before sun exposure. It is amazing under the makeup and an excellent replacement for the foundation. Just make sure that it dries properly before applying. It is water-resistant for up to 40 minutes.
Despite the benefits, the cost is quite high. It is double that of most brands on our rating. If one is willing to get over the cost, it is the type of sunscreen that you want for everyday use!
- No white cast
- Suitable for daily use and sensitive skin
- Invisible finish and universal tint
- Quite Expensive
- Water-resistant for only 40 minutes
Conclusion
This guide was written for people searching for the best sunscreen for dark spots. I hope that by reading this guide you gained more knowledge about how to protect, treat, and prevent dark spots, and that you found a product that fits your specific needs!
SimplySunSafe recommends Raw Elements Eco Formula Sunscreen SPF 30, but all 5 sunscreens will provide you with sufficient protection and help in prevention of dark spots.
Now that you have read this guide, it is a good idea to start testing different products. By testing different sunscreens, you will learn how your skin reacts to various formulas. Then you will be able to make the most-informed decision about what sunscreen is right for your unique skin!
I love learning new things and hearing about new products from other people!
If you use or know of another sunscreen that is great for dark spots, please share it in the comments! I’ll take a look at it and maybe it will even make it to this list!
If you’d like sunscreen recommendations for other skin conditions, SimplySunSafe has a range of guides including sunscreen for pigmentation and sunscreen for vitiligo. Just go to the top of this page and search for a condition to find the recommendations you’re looking for.
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