Tinted sunscreen for your face

What should you look for on the label?

• SPF 30 or higher is the starting point for sun protection.
• Broad spectrum means coverage against both UVA and UVB rays.
• Water resistance matters if you swim or sweat, but you still need to reapply.
• Look for iron oxide in the ingredient list when protection against visible light is a priority. Check the inactive ingredients as well as the active ingredients.

How do you apply tinted sunscreen?

1. 1Apply sunscreen about 15 minutes before going outdoors.
2. 2Use at least 1 teaspoon for your face, approximately the amount covering the length of your index and middle fingers. Rub it thoroughly into your skin.
3. 3Cover your other exposed areas, including your neck and ears. Protect your lips with a lip balm containing SPF 30 or higher.
4. 4Reapply every two hours while outdoors and immediately after swimming or sweating.

Use sunscreen whenever you go outside, including cloudy days and winter. Too little sunscreen, missed reapplications and expired sunscreen are common reasons people get sunburned.1

Can you wear tinted sunscreen under makeup?

Some tinted sunscreens are designed for use under makeup. Clinical Skin Filter is marketed for a matte, pore blurring finish under makeup, which is a sizeable job description for one cream. Its label describes a translucent Light/Medium tint and says to apply it liberally over the face and neck using your fingertips. Those finish descriptions belong to that product, rather than to every tinted sunscreen.3

Is tinted sunscreen useful for darker skin and dark spots?

Yes. The sun's visible light can cause hyperpigmentation, meaning areas become darker than your natural skin tone, in people with darker skin. Sun protection can reduce this risk and help existing dark spots fade. Dermatologists recommend tinted sunscreen with broad spectrum protection, SPF 30 or higher and water resistance for darker skin tones.4

Brown and Black skin also needs sunscreen: darker skin tones can develop skin cancer, and sun exposure speeds up skin aging. Use sunscreen alongside shade and protective clothing rather than treating the cream as your entire sun protection plan.4

Does tinted sunscreen protect against blue light?

Iron oxide helps protect against visible light, including blue light. Phones, tablets, TVs and some light fixtures emit blue light. Prolonged exposure can potentially contribute to dark spots and fine lines, but the sun's rays are much more harmful. Prioritise sun protection rather than choosing a facial sunscreen solely because you spend time at a screen.2

If reducing exposure from devices is a concern, lower their brightness and cut back on screen time. For sunscreen, check for iron oxide rather than assuming a product protects against visible light because it looks coloured.2

What is tinted mineral sunscreen?

Tinted mineral sunscreen combines a tint with mineral sunscreen ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Check the actual ingredient list if you want a formula containing only mineral sunscreen filters. Clinical Skin Filter, for example, is named Mineral Tinted Sunscreen but lists zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and octocrylene among its active ingredients. The mineral wording alone is not enough to choose by.3

What is EltaMD UV Skin Recovery green tint sunscreen?

EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Green Tinted Sunscreen is presented as a redness neutralising option that creates a smooth, even base for makeup. EltaMD describes a smooth base for makeup, so the sunscreen is also auditioning for the makeup bag. The brand also describes a lightweight feel. Consider the green tint for cosmetic redness correction, rather than treating its colour correcting role as a treatment for the cause of redness.56

Where can you find recommended facial options?

The Skin Cancer Foundation's recommended product finder includes tinted facial options such as Avène Mineral Tinted Compact in Beige and Honey. Products in the finder have earned its Seal of Recommendation and undergone review for safe and effective sun protection. The list covers products worldwide, so check local availability with the manufacturer. A listed product does not have to display the seal on its packaging.7

When should you stop or see a dermatologist?

If Clinical Skin Filter causes irritation, its label tells you to stop using it and consult your doctor. Do not assume a tinted or mineral product will suit sensitive skin simply because of its name.3

Have a dermatologist check a spot that grows, bleeds, itches or changes, or a sore that does not heal. These changes need assessment rather than concealment with a tinted product.4