The benefits of tinted mineral sunscreens and how to choose the right one

Tinted, mineral-based sun care can blend effortlessly into the skin to protect against ultraviolet rays. The benefits of tinted sunscreen go beyond sun protection to providing a natural glow that can even out the appearance of your skin. Find out more about the benefits of tinted mineral sunscreen.

What is tinted mineral sunscreen?

Mineral sunscreens contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, which function as a physical barrier that reflects, scatters, and absorbs UV rays. These minerals provide broad-spectrum sun protection by shielding the skin from direct exposure to both UVA and UVB light. Mineral-based tints can match a range of skin tones and make any skin tone look more even.

Make sure tinted sunscreen has a sun protection factor that is high enough to provide your preferred level of preventative sun care. Most dermatologists recommend using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, which indicates that a formula is at least 96.7% effective at reflecting UVB rays. You may prefer tinted sunscreen with a higher SPF to block even more UV light.

What are the benefits of tinted mineral sunscreen?

Tinted sunscreens have just enough pigment to lightly blend minor blemishes and freckles into your skin tone. If you have freckles, try a tinted sunscreen that is one shade deeper than your skin tone to even out the appearance of your skin. A matching sunscreen tint can reduce the visibility of minor redness or breakouts. Factor in the characteristics of your skin to select a tint of sunscreen that provides the most benefits.

People who have darker skin tones often prefer tinted sunscreen to most untinted mineral sunscreens. Many untinted mineral formulas have a white cast that can still be apparent after blending in sunscreen, but tinted formulas can minimize this effect.

Sun protection is the main benefit of any sunscreen. Mineral sunscreen with a tint can be just as effective as untinted formulas at preventing sunburn and other sun damage. Tinted formulas can also have the added advantages of blocking more visible light and giving you a healthy glow.

How effectively does tinted mineral sunscreen protect your skin from the sun?

The SPF of a tinted sunscreen indicates the degree of sun protection. Mineral or physical sunscreen is only effective as long as the product stays on the surface of the skin. For this reason, reapplying mineral sunscreen at least every two hours is necessary to consistently maintain the level of sun protection indicated on the label.

The particular tint color of mineral sunscreen has no effect on the level of sun protection. Iron oxides and other minerals that impart color to most tinted sunscreen formulas do not have the UV reflecting, scattering, and absorbing properties of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. The inclusion of these minerals and the SPF of the formula are the most important factors for determining the level of sun protection of any tinted physical sunscreen.

A tinted mineral sunscreen formula can be easier to apply and wear than makeup with SPF that contains the same sun protective minerals or chemicals that absorb and neutralize the majority of UV light. You may not want to wear face makeup with SPF on your lips or body, but you can apply tinted sunscreen to every part of your face, neck and other exposed skin. Tinted sunscreen can be an ultra-lightweight alternative or supplement to BB or CC cream, foundation, and other cosmetics.

Who can wear tinted mineral sunscreen?

Adults, teens and children can safely wear mineral sunscreen that is tinted. As a lightweight alternative to facial makeup that provides minimal coverage, women and men can put on tinted formulas. The tints in sunscreen are formulated to blend into the skin without being noticeable.

Tints in sunscreen can be more universal than makeup for matching skin tones. Most brands only offer limited ranges of tinted sunscreen shades, but each shade can flatter wearers with a variety of skin tones. You can get a glowing look by selecting sunscreen with a tint similar to your skin tone or a slightly deeper shade.

Can you wear tinted mineral sunscreen under makeup?

A tinted sunscreen can provide complete sun protection with a barely-there tint. Mineral sunscreen that has a whipped texture can provide even lighter coverage than BB or CC creams that serve as breathable alternatives to foundation. For this reason, you may want to wear tinted sunscreen as an ultra-lightweight alternative to cosmetics or a protective layer under makeup.

If you plan to apply a full face of makeup over sunscreen, consider an untinted mineral formula. Tinted sunscreen is a good option for wearing alone, especially when you plan to go swimming or spend time in or near the water. Tinted mineral-based sun protection can be a more subtle option for situations in which heavier makeup could noticeably run.

For a natural look, try wearing tinted mineral sunscreen with concealer and your go-to eye, cheek or lip makeup. While you can count on sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun, you can also choose cosmetics that offer additional sun protection, especially for delicate areas such as your lips.

How often do you need to reapply tinted mineral sunscreen?

You should reapply any type of sunscreen at least every two hours. When wearing sunscreen in the water or during activities that cause you to build up a sweat, you should plan to reapply your sunscreen on a more frequent basis. 

Where can I buy tinted mineral sunscreen?

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