Tinted Sunscreen Benefits: More than Just a Glow

What if your sunscreen could also double up as a foundation or blemish balm (BB)? That's what you can achieve with a tinted sunscreen, which is designed to provide the sun protection expected of a regular sunscreen along with a light coverage to even out your skin tone. Sounds interesting? Take a look at tinted sunscreen benefits and ingredients.

What is the meaning of Tinted Sunscreen?

A tinted sunscreen is basically a physical or mineral sunscreen with added pigments. It contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as active ingredients that block and scatter UV rays away from exposed skin. For this blocking action to happen, the sunscreen must be present on the surface of the skin rather than absorbed into the skin. Depending on how a physical sunscreen is formulated, there is a chance that zinc oxide and titanium oxide - which are white solids - leave a slightly whitish cast on the skin, particularly for darker skin tones. This issue is taken care of by the pigments in tinted sunscreens, which match your skin and enhance its appearance.

What are the benefits of Tinted Sunscreens?

A tinted sunscreen protects your skin against sun damage while masking imperfections in your skin such as uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation and blemishes. Depending on formulation, a tinted sunscreen can make oily skin look less so, bring a glow to dry skin, and even out tone on combination skin. Here's more on tinted sunscreen benefits:

Blocks harmful UV rays

Tinted sunscreens with an SPF of 50 and above provide excellent defense against UV radiation to avoid premature skin aging, sunburn, sunspots, tanning, and hyperpigmentation. In general, higher the SPF, greater the level of sun protection against UVB rays. Another rating system is the PA+ rating which stands for 'Protection Grade of UVA', and indicates how much protection a sunscreen offers against UVA rays, which penetrate deep skin tissues, causing a tan. A tinted sunscreen with a PA++++ rating offers extremely high UVA protection.

 

Elevates beauty

A tinted sunscreen provides sheer coverage, camouflages redness and softens the appearance of skin imperfections. It makes your complexion look more even while remaining undetectable on your skin. Tinted sunscreens are lightweight and breathable, making them perfect for the summers when the sunlight can be intense and heavy makeup can be messy and suffocating.

Matte finish for oily or combination skin

Have oily or combination skin? A tinted sunscreen with a non-slick matte finish can lend your skin a natural glow. It absorbs excess oil, controls shine, and protects against UV damage. A sheer matte finish is great for layering under foundation and achieving a natural look for all skin tones.

Water-resistant

A sunscreen labeled as water-proof or water-resistant remains effective for 40 to 80 minutes when swimming or sweating. Tinted sunscreens labeled such are perfect for all outdoor activities. Sunscreens that are more resistant to sweat and oil are ideal for people with oily skin.

Why Tinted Sunscreens are great as an essential part of the skincare routine?

Sunscreen is vital to any skin care regimen. It protects your skin against sun-induced wrinkles and fine lines, sunspots, tans, sunburn, and even skin cancer. A regular physical sunscreen performs this essential skincare function but isn't formulated to provide cosmetic enhancement. A tinted sunscreen provides light coverage and can take the place of foundation. Depending on your skin type, you can opt for a tinted sunscreen that makes your skin look dewy and vibrant, or moderates an excessively oily glow.

You could also mix a tinted sunscreen with foundation for a smoother application of your makeup. The combined product may better adhere to your skin, achieving a more even and flawless finish. However, mixing sunscreen with other products may dilute its effectiveness. Check the product information to make the right choice.

Tinted Sunscreen Buying Guide: Components to look for

Zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide are common active ingredients in tinted sunscreens. They're the components that actually provide sun protection. While they reflect UVA and UVB rays, they do not reflect away visible light, and therefore cannot create a visible skin-tone color. To cater to different skin colors, tinted sunscreens mix different amounts of red, yellow, and black iron oxides - which provide pigment and additional protection - with mineral UV filters. Tinted sunscreens also incorporate hydrating agents like hyaluronic or ferulic acid, antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, and Vitamin C among others.

Here's an example of the components you may find on the label of a tinted sunscreen:

Active ingredients

• Titanium dioxide (in a specific percentage) OR
• Zinc oxide (in a specific percentage) OR
• Both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide

Inactive ingredients

• Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides
• Ascorbic acid (vitamin c)
• Tocopherols (vitamin e)
• Hyaluronic acid/Sodium hyaluronate
• Niacinamide
• Squalane

Conclusion

The benefits of tinted sunscreen are too many to ignore. A tinted sunscreen is just the sun protector for daily use, keeping your skin safe against sun damage. What's more, when you dab it on, you get instant coverage and a cosmetic lift that looks natural and feels like nothing! Explore tinted sunscreens right away and enhance sun protection and skin beauty in one go.