Uncover the advantages of using tinted sunscreen over traditional sunscreens. Learn how they enhance skin appearance, protect against blue light, and match your skin tone, with expert shopping tips and product recommendations. Read more...
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What Exactly is Tinted Sunscreen?
Tinted sunscreens are sunscreen products enhanced with a color tint to eliminate the whitish residue traditional sunscreens often leave behind. These sunscreens not only protect UVB rays but also offer some cosmetic benefits, making them a popular choice in daily skincare routines.
Tinted sunscreens combine the protective properties of standard sunscreens with the aesthetic appeal of a light foundation. There are many products that fit this description such as BB creams, CC creams, foundations and concealers that have an added SPF. These products are designed to be multifunctional, providing sun protection, skin hydration, and evening out skin tone in a single product. By incorporating iron oxides, tinted sunscreens offer a cosmetically appealing option that can improve adherence to sun protection routines.
How Functional is Tinted Sunscreen?
Tinted sunscreens are highly functional: they offer camouflage to help even skin tone, hydrate, and provide SPF protection. The incidental benefit not often referenced is the blue light protection offered by these products. This makes them an excellent choice for those looking to streamline their skincare and makeup routine.
Do Tinted Sunscreens Offer the Same Sun Protection as Untinted SPF?
The sun protection offered by tinted sunscreens is equivalent to that of untinted ones if they share the same SPF rating. SPF, a measure regulated by the FDA, indicates the level of protection against UVB rays, irrespective of whether the sunscreen is tinted or not.
Pros and Cons of Tinted Sunscreen
Pros
Cosmetically appealing application, reducing the white cast, especially beneficial for skin of color.
Multitasks by offering color correction, potentially reducing the need for additional makeup.
Provides additional protection against blue light, which is beneficial for those frequently using digital devices.
Cons
Primarily suited for facial use; may stain clothing if used on the body.
Limited shade ranges may not match all skin tones perfectly.
Who Would Benefit from Using a Tinted SPF?
Individuals who dislike the appearance of traditional, untinted sunscreens or those who experience a white cast with mineral sunscreens would find tinted SPF beneficial. Additionally, people exposed to significant screen time might appreciate the extra protection against blue light.
Who Could Skip Tinted Sunscreen?
Those who do not mind the appearance of traditional sunscreens or do not use makeup may not find added value in tinted options. Also, individuals who rely on the visible cue of sunscreen for reapplication might prefer untinted versions.
Shopping Tips for Tinted Sunscreen
When shopping for tinted sunscreen, consider your coverage needs. If you're aiming to simply mask the white residue of sunscreen, a universally tinted product may suffice. For those seeking additional color correction, opt for a brand offering a broad range of shades to ensure an ideal match for your skin tone.
Neutrogena Purescreen+ Tinted Sunscreen for Face with SPF 30. This product stands out as a front runner for tinted sunscreens for the simple fact that there are limited options for true tinted sunscreens, meaning ones that are not BB or CC creams or simple cosmetics, with shade options. This product offers 4 shades for different hues.
Zinc Oxide as active ingredient
Range of 4 shades
Fragrance free, paraben free
EltaMD UV Daily SPF 40 Tinted Face Sunscreen Moisturizer. EltaMD is a well loved brand with products that tend to leave less of an obvious residue behind.
Zinc Oxide and Octinoxate as ingredients
Single hue
SPF 40
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50. This tinted formulation uses titanium dioxide as its mineral active.
Titanium dioxide
SPF 50
Universal tint
Eucerin Sun Tinted Mineral Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 35. This mineral tinted product offers zinc oxide as its mineral active and a single tint that it states is blendable with most skin tones. This one stands out for its claim for non-comedogenic.
Zinc oxide
SPF 35
Single tint
Non-comedogenic
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen with Sheer Tint. This CeraVe product combines titanium and zinc as its mineral actives with a single tint.
Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide
SPF 50
Single tint
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