La Roche Posay Anthelios Anti Tache: what to check for dark spots

What should you check on the bottle?

SPF measures protection against UVB radiation; broad spectrum means protection against both UVA and UVB. UVA and UVB contribute to skin ageing, while UVB is the main cause of sunburn.2

• Look for SPF 30 or higher. For pigmentation on exposed skin, daily broad spectrum SPF 50+ is a useful choice to minimise further darkening from ultraviolet radiation.
• Check UVA protection separately from SPF. On UK labels, look for at least four star UVA protection; a UVA circle indicates that the sunscreen meets the EU standard.
• Choose water resistance if you will swim or sweat. Reapplication is still necessary after water exposure.
• For dark spots, particularly melasma in darker skin tones, look for tinted sunscreen containing iron oxide and a shade that blends with your skin.
• Check the expiry date and the open jar symbol showing how many months the sunscreen lasts after opening.

Confirm the full product name, SPF, country of sale, tint and ingredient list before choosing a particular bottle. Treat texture, fragrance, water resistance and any dark spot treatment ingredient as details to verify, not features to assume from "Anti Tache". A product name cannot tell you how a cream feels, despite having plenty to say.4

Why does the tint matter for dark spots?

Visible light can worsen melasma and pigmentation left after inflammation. Many sunscreens that protect against ultraviolet radiation do not protect against visible light. For melasma, choose a tinted sunscreen containing iron oxide as well as SPF 30 or higher. Do not treat a high SPF number as a substitute for visible light protection.25

How should you apply sunscreen for dark spots?

1. 1Apply sunscreen every day when managing melasma, including cloudy days. Put it on at least 15 minutes before going outside.
2. 2Cover all skin that clothing leaves exposed, including the face, neck and ears. Apply generously; a thin layer reduces protection. For an adult's entire body, the general guide is around six to eight teaspoons.
3. 3Reapply at least every two hours outdoors. Reapply straight after swimming, sweating or towel drying, and whenever sunscreen has rubbed off.
4. 4Use shade, suitable clothing and a wide brimmed hat alongside sunscreen. Avoid deliberately tanning and do not extend your time in the sun because you have applied sunscreen.

For prolonged exposure that risks burning, NHS guidance advises applying sunscreen twice: 30 minutes before going out and again just before leaving. Follow the directions on your exact Anthelios bottle for its application instructions. These are general sunscreen steps, not a confirmed layering order or dose for a particular Anti Tache formula.4

Will sunscreen fade existing dark spots?

Sun protection reduces further darkening from ultraviolet exposure. It does not remove every type of pigmentation: pigment deeper in the skin and discolouration caused by tattoos, drugs or carotene are not corrected by sunscreen. Identifying the cause matters before choosing a treatment.3

Once the cause has stopped, a spot a few shades darker than your usual skin colour generally fades within six to twelve months. Deeper pigment can take years. These are general fading times, not an Anthelios treatment timetable. Melasma can also last for years, although it sometimes goes away on its own.15

What if your skin is sensitive or the spots keep returning?

Irritating skin care can cause dark spots, particularly in darker skin tones. Choose gentle products and stop using a product that burns or stings. If ongoing inflammation is causing the marks, sunscreen does not replace treatment of that underlying cause.1

Pregnancy and some medicines, including oral contraceptives, can trigger melasma. Daily sun protection remains part of managing it. Do not stop a prescribed medicine because you suspect it is causing pigmentation; ask the prescriber about that possibility. Suitability during pregnancy needs checking against the exact product formula rather than the range name.15

When should you see a dermatologist?

See a dermatologist if persistent pigmentation is not improving with your current approach. Treatment depends on the cause, and some dark spots need prescription treatment. Report a new growth or a mole or patch changing in size, shape or colour to a doctor promptly rather than treating it as a cosmetic dark spot.14