does sunscreen lighten skin

Sunscreen’s primary role is to protect your skin from sun damage by blocking UV rays, which helps prevent dark spots and hyperpigmentation from worsening. It doesn’t actually lighten skin itself but works to maintain your current skin tone and prevent further darkening. What might be causing some confusion is that by using sunscreen consistently, you prevent new pigmentation from forming, which can give the appearance of a more even skin tone over time. That’s likely what your cousin experienced. As for your skin feeling greasy with the sunscreen, it might be worth trying different formulas, like a gel-based sunscreen or a matte finish one, which can feel less oily than traditional creams. The “skin-lightening” ingredients you mentioned could be compounds like niacinamide or vitamin C, which are added to some sunscreens for their potential to help even out skin tone. They can be beneficial, but results can take time to show, and consistency is key. There’s generally no harm in using these products as long as you don’t have sensitivity or allergic reactions to the ingredients. Since your primary concern is uneven skin tone post-burn, other skincare options like face serums or creams containing ingredients like azelaic acid, vitamin C, or retinoids may also be helpful alongside routine sunscreen use. These are designed to target pigmentation more directly. Nonetheless, the main strategy should be to use a high SPF like you’re already doing, reapply frequently, especially if you’re outdoors a lot, and consider seeing a dermatologist for personalized advice if over-the-counter options aren’t delivering the results you’re looking for.