As summer arrives in Louisiana, managing melasma becomes more complex. The combination of heat, humidity, and stronger UV exposure means your skincare routine needs a thoughtful seasonal shift. One of the most important adjustments? Reassessing the use of hydroquinone and focusing on calming, protective measures to keep inflammation at bay.

Why You Should Press Pause on Hydroquinone in the Summer

Hydroquinone (HQ) is a widely used pigment lightener—but during summer, it can be counterproductive. Here’s why:

• Increased Photosensitivity: HQ makes the skin more reactive to sunlight, increasing the risk of rebound pigmentation.

• Inflammation Risk: In hot, sunny conditions, HQ can aggravate inflammation, leading to irritation or worsening discoloration—especially for melasma-prone skin.

Instead, summer is the perfect time to transition to a more restorative, protective protocol.

Sunscreen is Non-Negotiable: What to Look For

Not all sunscreens are created equal—especially when treating melasma. The right formulation makes all the difference:

• High Zinc Oxide Content: Choose sunscreens with at least 15% non-nano zinc oxide. This physical filter offers consistent UVA and UVB protection without irritating the skin.

• Iron Oxides for Blue Light: Tinted sunscreens with iron oxides protect against visible light (including blue light), which has been shown to worsen melasma and hyperpigmentation.

• Antioxidants for Infrared (IR-A) and Oxidative Stress: Infrared radiation doesn’t cause immediate sunburn, but it penetrates deeply and creates inflammation via oxidative stress. Look for sunscreens rich in antioxidants like green tea extract, vitamin C, and vitamin E.

One standout option is the Radiant Shield SPF 40. With a 17% zinc oxide UVA/ UVB rays, blue light, and pollution, iron oxides, and skin-calming botanicals, it provides intelligent protection while supporting a clear, balanced complexion. It’s one of my personal favorites—and for good reason.

Enhance Protection with Adair Skin’s Green Tea Antioxidant Serum and C + Stem.

For an added layer of defense, consider applying Adair Skin’s Green Tea Antioxidant Serum beneath your sunscreen. Rich in potent antioxidants, this serum helps neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation, offering enhanced protection against environmental stressors like infrared radiation. Incorporating this serum into your morning routine can fortify your skin’s barrier, making it more resilient during the sun-intensive summer months.

C + Steam: Concentrated serum with lilac stem cells, vitamin C, and marine extracts. Dramatically improves deeper lines, brightness, texture, and pores.

Benefits:

Lessens appearance of lines and wrinkles
Shields from environmental toxins, free radicals
Plumps skin appearance with Hyaluronic boost
Lessens blackheads, breakouts, and improves pore appearance
Brightens skin and evens skin tone
Helps to calm redness and rosacea

Gentle Exfoliation: Why Mandelic Acid Wins in Summer

Exfoliating acids are powerful tools, but not all are summer-friendly:

• Glycolic Acid is highly active and often too aggressive during warmer months, increasing photosensitivity and risk of irritation.

• Mandelic Acid, on the other hand, is more oil-soluble and works at a slower rate. It gently resurfaces without provoking inflammation, making it ideal for melasma-prone or sensitive skin during summer.

Supporting Skin From the Inside Out

Melasma is not just a surface issue—it’s inflammatory at its core. That means a holistic approach is key:

• Hydration: Keeping the skin hydrated enhances its barrier function and reduces sensitivity.

• Inflammation-Lowering Nutrition: Diet matters. Focus on omega-3s, colorful fruits and vegetables, and avoid processed inflammatory foods when possible.

• Sun-Smart Habits: Wide-brimmed hats, polarized sunglasses, and seeking shade in peak sun hours aren’t just accessories—they’re part of your treatment plan.

A Seasonal Skincare Reset

Summer is the time to shift your melasma approach from aggressive fading to soothing and shielding. By minimizing inflammation, staying consistent with physical sun protection, and using gentle, pigment-safe actives, you can maintain clearer skin through the hottest months of the year.

To build your custom summer regimen—or to learn more about products like Radiant Shield SPF, C + STEM and our Green Tea Antioxidant Serum—I invite you to explore more at www.adairskinlft.com