Selena Gomez Went Without Makeup And Used The Criticism To Make An Important Point
Fans of Selena Gomez have seen many snaps of her going makeup-free and looking flawless. While the former child star, actor, and singer started her own cosmetics brand, she's not afraid to let her skin breathe. However, one shot of Gomez's bare face gave her an opportunity to educate her audience on the importance of proper skincare. In a December 2025 Instagram story, the Rare Beauty founder responded to someone who asked her about her "mustache." She clarified that it wasn't hair on her upper lip, but discoloration. "It's my melasma," Gomez said (per People). "I take care of it and treat it, but yeah it's there." The singer-actor went on to explain that she got the condition from sun exposure, and advised her fans to use sunscreen.
Melasma is a condition that causes dark patches to appear on the skin, most often on the face, though the discoloration can also sometimes show up on other parts of the body. Women with medium to dark skin tones are at greatest risk of developing melasma, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. Though the condition will sometimes go away on its own, there's also the chance that it can stick around for years and remain a nuisance, as may be the case for Gomez.
Moral of the story? Prioritize sunscreen in your daily skincare routine. There are many important factors to consider when choosing the best sunscreen for your skin, but dermatologists recommend using a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30. Besides melasma, sun exposure without proper protection can result in other dangerous conditions like skin cancer and even eye damage. While serums and anti-aging creams can be quite beneficial for maintaining your appearance, it is most important to protect your overall health with sunscreen!
Selena Gomez has addressed the impact of her health conditions on her skin several times
Her 2025 Instagram story isn't the first time the "Only Murders in the Building" star has discussed how her health conditions impact her body. Talking with Vogue in 2020, Gomez broke down how her skincare routine is designed to help combat her Lupus symptoms. "I like to put sunscreen on, not only because it's important to keeping your skin looking fresh, but I have Lupus, so being in the sun is kind of difficult for me," the singer said. Gomez was diagnosed with Lupus, an autoimmune disease, in 2013, and spent years undergoing treatments for the condition, including chemotherapy and a kidney transplant. So, it makes sense that she takes her health so seriously.
During her Vogue interview, the actor spoke about her cosmetics brand, Rare Beauty (a smart venture, considering Gomez is an amazing source of makeup hacks), and why she feels so motivated to bring her message of self-love to the beauty industry. "I care so much about mental health and I believe it's a part of your self esteem, it's a part of the way you see yourself," she said. Gomez believes that outer beauty and inner health are one and the same. "When you're taking care of your skin, you're taking care of your body, and your mind, and soul — I think it's all connected," she mused. Whether it's with her fans on social media or major media outlets, Gomez continues to display refreshing honesty and introspection.