Like brushing your teeth or getting dressed in the morning, applying sunscreen should be a nonnegotiable step in your daily routine. However, that isn't the case for everyone. Surveys show 28 percent of Americans rarely or never use sunscreen.
But the tide is turning. According to an American Academy of Dermatology survey, most Americans said sun protection is more important to them now than it was five years ago. And whether you're a daily sunscreen user or just beginning to adopt the habit, embracing the benefits of tinted sunscreen could strengthen your sun care routine.
So, what are the perks of tinted sunscreen?
1. Encourages Even Skin Tone with Light Coverage
Tinted sunscreen contains added pigments called Iron Oxides to blend with your skin tone. If you've experienced the frustrating white cast certain sunscreens leave behind, tinted sunscreen may be the holy grail you've been looking for. Tinted sunscreen also provides light coverage—just enough to even out redness and blur mild blemishes and discoloration.
2. Protects from UV and Blue Light
Like any broad-spectrum sunscreen, tinted sunscreen shields against ultraviolet (UV) light, the invisible light from the sun. One of the most coveted benefits of tinted sunscreen, however, is its unique protection against visible light—a.k.a. blue light—thanks to the same Iron Oxides that give it its color. The sun emits blue light, but significant sources also include electronic screens, such as from your smartphone or laptop.
So, is tinted sunscreen good for daily use? Absolutely—especially if you want added protection from visible light, which contributes to visible signs of skin aging. Start your day with EltaMD UV Restore Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 to revitalize sun-damaged skin and minimize dark spots and discoloration with Ginger Root, Squalane, and antioxidants Vitamin C and Vitamin E.
3. Works for Sensitive Skin Types
While tinted chemical sunscreen formulas exist, most tinted sunscreens are either mineral or hybrid formulas. This is because mineral sunscreen ingredients like Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide are responsible for that dreaded white cast. So, adding tint makes them more user-friendly, particularly if you have darker skin.
The plus side of mineral sunscreen is that it's suitable for sensitive skin. Mineral sunscreen ingredients work by sitting on top of the skin like a shield, rather than absorbing into it, which reduces the risk of irritation.
4. Minimizes the Appearance of Under-Eye Circles
Got sensitive eyes? How about dark circles? You're not alone—and you're not out of luck. Tinted sunscreen has the added benefit of minimizing and color-correcting those purple or blue hues. Take EltaMD UV AOX Eye Broad Spectrum SPF 30. This nonirritating, 100 percent mineral sunscreen is Ophthalmologist-tested and formulated specifically for the delicate eye area. Antioxidants, plant extracts, and peptides hydrate, brighten, smooth, and depuff for a refreshed look.
5. Saves Time
Tinted sunscreen is often referred to as a "multitasking" product. Because it combines sunscreen and lightweight coverage into one product, it can simplify your routine and save time on busy mornings. Tinted sunscreen can't replace full-coverage foundation, but if you typically opt for a more natural look, it can achieve the same light coverage with added SPF and blendability.
What's more, some tinted moisturizers can also mimic your primer. Look for formulas that contain Dimethicone, which smooths skin texture and minimizes the appearance of pores. Try EltaMD UV AOX Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 to combine the benefits of primer, lightweight coverage, and broad-spectrum protection into one seamless step.
6. Contains Skin Care Ingredients
The benefits of tinted sunscreen continue when you take a closer look at the ingredients list. You can find tinted formulas with ingredients you'd usually find in a serum or moisturizer. For example, EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is packed with water-binding humectants like Hyaluronic Acid and free radical-fighting antioxidants like Niacinamide and Vitamin E.
7. Reduces Hyperpigmentation and Melasma
Hyperpigmentation and dark spots are among the common signs of skin aging, but sunscreen can help prevent and reduce these common skin woes. Because blue light exposure worsens discoloration, tinted sunscreen is more effective at preventing melasma relapses and reducing hyperpigmentation than untinted sunscreen.
Reaping the Benefits of Tinted Sunscreen Daily
So, is tinted sunscreen good for daily use? Theoretically, any sunscreen is suitable for daily use as long as it meets the following criteria:
- Broad-spectrum protection
- SPF 30 or greater
- Water-resistant
When you find a tinted sunscreen that meets your needs, you can—and should—wear it daily. Applying tinted sunscreen throughout the day protects your skin from visible and invisible light, provides light coverage to even out skin tone, and promotes a bright, healthy-looking complexion. What's not to love?
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