How To Choose A Tinted Sunscreen For Your Skin Type

March 28, 2024

Many people believe that choosing a tinted sunscreen is solely about selecting the right tint but in reality, it goes way beyond that!

Much like other skin care products, tinted sunscreens too should be chosen based on an individual’s unique skin type - and we do not mean just the skin tone or shade.

Selecting the right tinted sunscreen suited to your skin type requires careful consideration of various factors such as understanding your skin type, ingredients, hydration levels, oil control, texture & finish, tint shade, and so on.

If you have dry skin, opt for a tinted sunscreen with moisturizing properties. For oily or acne-prone skin choose an oil-free or mattifying tinted mineral sunscreen. Look for a lightweight tinted sunscreen lotion that provides both hydration and oil control if you have combination skin, and for sensitive skin, it's best to choose a tinted mineral sunscreen that is labelled as fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.

In this blog, we will understand what tinted sunscreen is and if it is less effective than regular sunscreen. Furthermore, we will guide you on what to look for in a tinted sunscreen and how to choose the right one for your skin type.

What is Tinted Sunscreen?

Tinted sunscreen is a type of sunscreen that not only provides protection against the sun's harmful UV rays but also contains pigments that offer light make-up-like coverage.

The SPF formulation in a tinted mineral sunscreen combines minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, with added pigments. These minerals scatter harmful UV rays from the sun preventing them from penetrating the skin and causing sun damage. The tinted pigments which are achieved by mixing red, yellow and black zinc iron oxide with pigmentary titanium oxide, provide an additional layer of protection by reflecting visible light and further blocking UV radiation. Thus, this dual mechanism helps provide comprehensive protection from sun damage while also contributing to an even skin tone.

Unlike traditional sunscreens, which are typically transparent or white in colour, tinted sunscreens come in various shades to match different skin tones and leave no white cast.

Is Tinted Sunscreen Less Effective than Untinted Sunscreen?

Tinted sunscreen is just as effective as a traditional untinted sunscreen. The effectiveness of a sunscreen is primarily determined by its Sun Protection Factor (SPF) and broad-spectrum coverage, regardless of whether it is tinted or untinted. Both tinted and untinted sunscreens offer the same level of protection against harmful UV rays when they have the same SPF level and broad-spectrum coverage.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of a sunscreen depends on factors such as its SPF level and reapplication frequency, rather than whether it is tinted or untinted. As long as a tinted mineral sunscreen provides adequate sun protection and is used correctly, it can be just as effective as untinted sunscreen in protecting the skin from UV damage.

If you are wondering which is a better choice, then read our blog Tinted Sunblock vs Untinted Sunblock. Which is better?

What to Look for in a Tinted Sunscreen?

When it comes to tinted sunscreen, choose one that provides both coverage and sun protection. Here’s what to look for in a tinted mineral sunscreen label:

Broad-spectrum protection: When a sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection it means that it protects you from both UVA and UVB rays. Both types of UV rays cause skin damage; UVA rays accelerate the ageing of the skin while UVB rays cause sunburn. Therefore, choose a tinted sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection.

Sun Protection Factor (SPF): The SPF rating in a sunscreen denotes the protection it offers from UVB rays - the primary cause of sunburns. Choose a broad-spectrum tinted sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or higher to ensure comprehensive protection.

Protection grade (PA rating): The PA rating on a sunscreen label indicates the level of protection it provides against UVA rays. The higher the number of plus signs, the greater the protection against UVA rays. It is recommended to choose a tinted sunscreen with maximum protection grade (PA++++) for comprehensive protection.

Ingredients: Study the ingredients list on the back of the sunscreen for irritants and potential allergens. Choose a tinted sunscreen with skin-friendly ingredients such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E. They provide added protection against free radicals.

Skin Compatibility: When selecting a sunscreen, take into account your skin type, whether it's dry, oily, sensitive, or combination. Opt for tinted sunscreen formulations that cater to your skin type, seeking out labels indicating compatibility, such as "oil-free," "non-comedogenic," or "suitable for sensitive skin." This ensures that the sunscreen not only provides effective protection but also complements and supports your skin's health and balance.

Tint shade: Select a tinted sunscreen that matches your skin tone. Tinted sunscreens are usually available in a variety of shades to complement different skin tones. Sandiva’s One and Done Tinted Sunblock is available in 4 different shades, specially formulated to suit Indian skin tones!

Coverage: Consider the level of coverage you desire, this can vary from sheer to medium depending on how much pigment is present in the product. Choose if you want to even out your skin tone with a more substantial coverage or light coverage for a more natural look.

Texture and finish: Tinted sunscreens come in various textures and offer different types of finish after application. Some may have a creamy texture for hydration giving a dewy or luminous finish, while others may have a lightweight, matte finish. Select a texture and finish that suits your skin type the best.

It's essential to distinguish between tinted sunscreens and tinted moisturizers with SPF. Tinted sunscreens provide more robust sun protection compared to tinted moisturizers. So, always opt for a tinted mineral sunscreen over a tinted moisturizer to ensure adequate sun protection for your skin.

How to Choose a Tinted Sunscreen for Your Skin Type

Matching your tinted sunscreen to your skin type is important to ensure proper protection and compatibility with your skin. Whether your skin is dry or oily or a combination of both, there's a tinted sunscreen for every skin type. Let’s understand the type of tinted mineral sunscreen to choose based on different skin types:

Dry skin: If you have dry skin, opt for a tinted sunscreen that has moisturising properties. Choose sunscreens that have “moisturising” or “hydrating” written on the packaging. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin - these are useful for dry skin as they add moisture and prevent further dryness.

Oily skin: Individuals with oily skin should opt for a tinted sunscreen that is oil-free, mattifying and won’t clog pores. Look for phrases like “oil-free”, “non-comedogenic” and “matte-finish” on the product label. Gel-based and lightweight sunscreens are more suited for oily skin because they absorb quickly and leave no residue.

Normal to Combination skin: If you have skin that’s both oily and dry, choose a tinted sunscreen that provides both hydration and oil control. Lightweight sunscreens with a lotion or fluid texture that don’t feel too heavy on the skin are ideal for normal and combination skin types.

Sensitive skin: This skin type is more vulnerable to irritation and allergic reactions. Thus, individuals with sensitive skin should opt for a tinted sunscreen designed specifically for delicate skin. Look for tinted sunscreens that are labelled “fragrance-free”, “hypoallergenic” or “gentle” which are good for sensitive skin. Tinted mineral sunscreen formulated with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide tends to be less irritating than chemical sunscreens.

Acne-prone skin: Tinted sunscreens that are non-comedogenic and oil-free are best suited for acne-prone skin as they prevent clogged pores and breakouts. Individuals with this skin type should opt for sunscreens that are lightweight and gel-based that avoid contributing to acne production.

Mature skin: Ageing or mature skin may show signs of fine lines and wrinkles along with loss of skin elasticity. For this skin type, opt for tinted sunscreens with anti-ageing ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide and peptides to combat signs of ageing and promote collagen production.

In conclusion, choosing the right tinted mineral sunscreen for your skin type is essential for ensuring adequate sun protection while also addressing your specific skincare needs. Sandiva’s One and Done Tinted Sunblock is a lightweight lotion with a beautiful mousse-like texture that is specially formulated to prevent a white cast and give your skin a light makeup look. It is a broad spectrum, SPF 35, PA++++ sunscreen that offers heavy-duty protection against sun damage and has the goodness of sandalwood to calm your skin from sun exposure. Suitable for all skin types, it is non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic.