The Influence of Sunscreen Use on Skin Pigmentation Disorders: Melasma, Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation, and Vitiligo

Skin pigmentation is influenced by multiple factors, with sun exposure being one of the most important. Therefore, sun protection plays a central role in the prevention and treatment of pigmentation disorders. This work analysed the recent literature (2015–2025) on the influence of sun protection in melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and vitiligo, highlighting therapeutic advances and the impact of sunscreen use in both the prevention and treatment of these conditions. A search was conducted in the PubMed and SCOPUS databases using MeSH terms, selecting original research studies in English and employing various methodologies. Conventional sun protection (UVB/UVA) may not be sufficient on its own to prevent skin pigmentation disorders, given the evidence supporting a role for UVA1 radiation and blue light (380–455 nm) in inducing hyperpigmentation, especially in individuals with phototypes IV-VI. Innovative, broad-spectrum sunscreens, e.g., iron oxide and methoxypropylaminocyclohexenylidene ethoxyethylcyanoacetate, have shown potential for enhancing protection against hyperpigmentation in visible light, while some tinted formulations may also provide cosmetic benefits by camouflaging existing dark spots. The discrepancy between the application doses used compromises observed efficacy, reinforcing the need for public education on photoprotection and for research conducted under real-use conditions. Personalised strategies that combine broad-spectrum and visible-light protection with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents may optimise the prevention and management of these disorders.