Pigmentation on cheeks despite daily SPF?

[FlipperSkipper]

I have freckles / pigmentation on my cheeks, it gets worse in summer and fades in winter, despite me using SPF50 with 5 star UVA (or equivalent) every day. I use niacinamide and vitamin c in the morning and retinol in the evening. Is there anything I should be using instead? Any products that have worked for others? Hopefully pictures are attached.

What strength is the retinol? I'd recommend trying tretinoin, it really helped clear my pigmentation. Having said all that, mine was quite a big mark, whereas I do think freckles look lovely!

Some SPF 50 is better than others - there was research done a few years ago and some showed their protection was poor. There was a discussion on the skincare threads at the time. Are you applying enough - 2.5ml for your face - and reapplying during the day?

But freckles are natural, and not a flaw.

Why would they need treating?

Alpha arbutin and niacinamide work well together- one stops the pigmentation forming amd the other stops it rising to the skin surface.

Mineral SPF over chemical, works instantly rather than waiting 20 minutes then reapplying but leaves a white cast.

I love freckles though. I've been working on my hyperpigmentation on my upper lip and above my eyebrows as I stupidly waxed both 24 hours before a sun holiday 🫠 but because I've been treating my full face, my beloved summer nose freckles have gone!

It’s likely melasma rather than pigmentation. I have it on my cheeks. It gets worse in the summer and better in the winter. There’s nothing you can do to prevent it completely. I wear factor 50 year round, wear a hat and keep in the shade and it still appears. There’s research it is also caused by heat as opposed to just the sun.
It will likely come back every summer. I use retinal and vitamin C which don’t make much of a difference. You can use laser treatments but I see them as a waste of money as it’ll return once it’s hot again!

Thanks everyone. The little freckles I don’t mind, to be honest if I could just calm that one big patch of pigmentation down I’d be happy!

i tend to buy whatever SPF is on offer, but (hopefully) decent brands like soltan, eucerin, cerave etc. I have some BoJ to use next. I do use a decent amount and reapply if I’m out and about and it’s summer, but if it’s autumn and I’m not out much I don’t. I wear a hat in summer too.

the mention of melasma is interesting, I always thought that covers much larger areas but having looked at some images it seems it doesn’t always.

Maybe once I’ve used up my current stash I’ll look at dermatitis or skin and me for some stronger, more targeted actives.

I get a melasma 'tash and from what I've read tinted SPF is what we should be using to stop it getting worse. I'm yet to find one that works for my colouring - sickly Victorian child.

Recent fail was a tinted Nivea one, although I love their luminous anti dark spot not tinted SPF.

You could try an azelaic acid, which is good for discolouration/pigmentation. I use Skinoren, prescription strength, prescribed through the Independent Pharmacy online. It really helps with my dark spots and melisma.

Yeah looks like melasma. Try a really good vitamin c serum and tret.

Not sure how old you are, OP, but I developed melanoma across one side of my face when I was on HRT. I was advised to stop the HRT, and no more has appeared since (but it doesn't go away)

Yes it looks like Melasma to me, my Mum has it’s just like yours, we believe hers was also triggered by hormones as it appeared in her 40s when premenopausal. Obviously sun exposure and hot temperatures are the cause but genetics play a significant role also. I would recommend an appointment with a dermatologist if you can afford it and they can prescribe hydroquinone or other treatments that target melasma formation at multiple stages. I would use a physical or zinc based sunscreen as these have proven more effective with melasma sufferers.

Moogoo
I use the moo goo oil cleanser and Tamanu face serum which has made a huge difference to my skin, along with their zinc tinted suncream which makes my skin look great.

This is really interesting, thanks to everyone who has replied. I’m 47 and have been on hrt for a couple of years, and it’s the last couple of summers I’ve really noticed it, so maybe it’s related. I’ve always been freckly but they seem to be bigger and more blotchy now, especially the big patch which bothers me. Thanks so much to everyone who has replied.

Honestly, don't waste a year on azelaic acid, niacinamide or vitamin C. They're fine as extras, but they won't clear proper hyperpigmentation.

Tretinoin 0.025% with hydroquinone 4% for 3 to 6 months should fade it. Monderma and Renew & Me do formulas for about £20.

https://www.monderma.co.uk/consultation/
https://www.renewandme.com/product/nightly-active-treatment/medical-consultation/1/let-us-begin-tell-us-how-we-can-help

It can definitely be hormonal. I’ve had it appear after I had both my babies. I got rid completely using a hydroquinone cream that I bought off the shelf from CVS in the USA which was marketed as an African American skin bleaching type product (I’m white British) but it’s since been banned from OTC sale there and was never available in the UK anyway. But it can be prescribed here - as per @Freyarw ‘s links or see a dermatologist if you’re wary of a website prescription. You do unfortunately need the good stuff though, not a tinted sunscreen or retinol.

It’s remarkably effective. Sun avoidance is the biggest thing, but there’s only so much you can do about the hormonal side. Sometimes it will just appear.

Following your thread 😊

Just had consultation for something similar and microneedling was recommended

Tried laser with little success

Also tretinoin was suggested

Just some other ideas to consider?