INTRODUCTION
Hyperpigmentation and pigmentary disorders are prevalent dermatological concerns that can significantly impact quality of life, particularly in skin of color, as variations in pigmentation are often more noticeable.1-3 Treatment options typically fall into several categories, including photoprotection, topical and systemic therapies, chemical peels, and laser or light-based procedures. Many of these are not covered by insurance, leading patients to spend significant financial resources and time to treat their hyperpigmentation. Although numerous treatments are available for hyperpigmentation, managing this condition remains a challenge for dermatologists due to variable outcomes, and single-therapy treatment is not reliably effective.2-4
Sun exposure significantly contributes to hyperpigmentation, with contributions from both ultraviolet (UV) and visible light (VL) - especially high-energy visible light (HEV) in the blue range of approximately 400 nm to 490 nm, making photoprotection essential for treatment. However, healthcare providers overall recommend sunscreens more frequently to white patients than to those with richly pigmented skin.4 Lower sunscreen usage among skin of color, particularly vulnerable to pigmentary disorders, suggests the need for focused education and counseling.3,4 Furthermore, a majority of sunscreen formulations are cosmetically incompatible with darker skin types, leaving a white cast or ashy discoloration, which lowers patients' desire to use these products, and thus decreases photoprotection.5 Addressing this issue necessitates not only comprehensive education but also ensuring access to resources and photoprotection products designed to meet the specific needs of patients of color.
Recent studies highlight that iron oxide in tinted sunscreens provides substantial protection against persistent and worsening VL-induced hyperpigmentation in patients of color.6 However, most tinted sunscreen products do not specify the
Sun exposure significantly contributes to hyperpigmentation, with contributions from both ultraviolet (UV) and visible light (VL) - especially high-energy visible light (HEV) in the blue range of approximately 400 nm to 490 nm, making photoprotection essential for treatment. However, healthcare providers overall recommend sunscreens more frequently to white patients than to those with richly pigmented skin.4 Lower sunscreen usage among skin of color, particularly vulnerable to pigmentary disorders, suggests the need for focused education and counseling.3,4 Furthermore, a majority of sunscreen formulations are cosmetically incompatible with darker skin types, leaving a white cast or ashy discoloration, which lowers patients' desire to use these products, and thus decreases photoprotection.5 Addressing this issue necessitates not only comprehensive education but also ensuring access to resources and photoprotection products designed to meet the specific needs of patients of color.
Recent studies highlight that iron oxide in tinted sunscreens provides substantial protection against persistent and worsening VL-induced hyperpigmentation in patients of color.6 However, most tinted sunscreen products do not specify the
