You likely know the difference between chemical (organic) sunscreen and mineral (inorganic) sunscreen: The former contains carbon-based organic compounds that absorb UV rays and transform them into heat, which is released and diffused away so the rays no longer pose a risk to the skin; the latter contains active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium oxide, both of which function like a reflector, forming a protective barrier on the skin’s surface and reflecting the UV rays, scattering them in different directions. Both types of sunscreen are safe and effective, and choosing one is a matter of personal preference. If you’re leaning toward mineral sunscreen, you may want to learn more about mineral tinted sunscreen. Here’s everything you need to know to help you choose the best tinted sunscreen for your face.
Tinted sunscreen
First things first: What is tinted sunscreen? Great question! While we love mineral sunscreen, one of its downsides is that it can sometimes leave an unsightly white cast on your skin, especially if you use the recommended amount and especially if you have a deeper skin tone. This is due to the presence of broad-spectrum mineral filters, like titanium dioxide, in the formulation. Titanium dioxide is a white pigment, which is why traditional mineral sunscreen leaves a white finish. The solution? Tinted sunscreen for your face. The tint not only leaves your skin with a dewy glow and evens out your skin tone but also masks the white cast. The best tinted sunscreen is sheer and lightweight, so it’s suitable for all skin tones.
Why Anthelios Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 50 is the best sunscreen
La Roche-Posay tinted mineral sunscreen, Anthelios Mineral Ultra-Fluid Tinted Lotion SPF 50, is the best tinted sunscreen to have in your rotation thanks to its ultra-light texture; it provides an instant, natural glow and leaves skin looking more even. It’s a sunscreen with titanium dioxide, so it provides broad-spectrum coverage against UVA and UVB rays. Best of all, it’s suitable for sensitive skin, thanks to its antioxidant-rich formula containing vitamin E and La Roche-Posay thermal spring water.
How to use:
Apply sunscreen generously to your face and neck 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply at least every two hours of sun exposure, or as needed, after 40 minutes of swimming, sweating, towel-drying, perspiring heavily or washing. Finish your morning makeup routine, if desired. Sunscreen should be used daily.
Better than a moisturizer with SPF
Thinking about skipping sunscreen and choosing a moisturizer with SPF instead? Choose carefully, ensuring your moisturizer with SPF has a minimum SPF 30 and a circle around the UVA logo indicating high UVA and UVB protection. We tend to apply less moisturizer with SPF than necessary for the best sun protection, so mineral tinted sunscreen is a much more efficient way of protecting skin and ensuring you’re getting adequate coverage and sun protection. In fact, choosing a broad-spectrum tinted sunscreen has been shown to potentially help prevent age-related skin damage. It may also help to prevent cancer-inducing skin changes and protect against excess pigmentation (thanks to the colour base that blocks visible light).
Sunscreen with titanium dioxide
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra-Fluid Tinted Lotion SPF 50 is formulated with titanium dioxide, a mineral filter that offers effective and safe sun protection, and is seamlessly absorbed into skin for a comfortable, non-comedogenic (does not clog your pores) finish. La Roche-Posay tinted sunscreen also contains skin-boosting antioxidants in its formula.
Curious about tinted sunscreen or have more sun-care questions? You’ll find more information in The Skin Edit Sun Protection section.
