Tinted Sunscreens Ward Off Sun Damage, Cover Skin Flaws and More — Learn Why Dermatologists Love Them!

While the sun may give your skin a little color, ultraviolet (UV) rays can wreak havoc on it, accelerating signs of aging and increasing the risk of skin cancer. Thankfully, sunscreen is your ultimate defense, and it’s easily accessible. But for many women, especially those of us over 50, daily sun protection can feel like a multi-step process. The solution? Tinted sunscreens. These multitaskers offer a convenient and effective way to shield your skin while also subtly evening out your complexion. We chatted with two dermatologists to learn more about the benefits of these tinted versions, how to pick the best tinted sunscreen for your skin type and their top product recommendations.

Why it’s important to wear sunscreen every day

We know you’re heard it before, but wearing sunscreen every single day is essential. “SPFs protect against UVA rays (responsible for the signs of premature aging) and UVB rays (the ones that cause sunburn and skin cancer),” says dermatologist Deanne Mraz, MD. The majority of UV radiation comes from the sun. However our lifestyles often have us spending more time in front of visible light, primarily blue light, which comes from the sun as well as the screens (from computers and out phones), she says. “Visible light penetrates the skin more deeply than UV rays, and is the cause of hyperpigmentation and the pesky condition, melasma,” says Dr. Mraz. “In order to block visible light, the SPF you’ve applied must be visible on the skin — aka a tinted sunscreen!”

Related: “I’m a Dermatologist and *This* Is Why It’s So Important to Wear Sunscreen Year Round — Especially in Winter!”

The benefits of using tinted sunscreen

Tinted sunscreens provide cosmetic coverage, as well as protection against visible light, says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “The iron oxide pigments included in tinted sunscreens are responsible for the additional protection, blocking blue light from penetrating into the skin.” We know the blue light is a major contributor to the development of hyperpigmentation and especially as women get older, they have experienced development of hyperpigmentation, he adds. “Tinted sunscreen offers one-stop shopping, providing sheer cosmetic coverage, without the need for foundation.” Dr. Zeichner typically recommends using a tinted sunscreen as the last step in your skin care routine; however, you certainly can layer some additional makeup on top of it, if desired.

Why tinted sunscreens are great for women over 50

“Tinted SPFs tend to be more hydrating than non-tinted ones,” says Dr. Mraz. “This improves how they apply aesthetically and makes them more favorable to more mature skin, which tends to be drier.” She adds that “it’s a great way to continue protecting your skin from UV and visible light while blurring any age-related imperfections like hyperpigmentation, dull complexion, fine lines and wrinkles.”

How to pick the best tinted sunscreen for you

Dr. Mraz says she almost always recommends mineral SPF formulas. “They’re wonderful for protecting the skin and the easiest to reapply on the go since they work at the skin’s surface to physically shield the skin from UV rays,” she says. As opposed to “chemical SPFs, which must be applied directly to clean skin to be absorbed into the skin to function.” Plus, she adds that “mineral SPFs are also less likely to cause irritation or allergic reaction since they aren’t absorbed into the skin to function.”

As far as how much SPF protection to look for, Dr. Zeichner advises choosing one that’s at least SPF 30. Tinted sunscreens also come in a variety of different textures and levels of coverage so you can choose one to suit your needs and preferences. Most of the tinted SPFs on the market provide mineral protection, and the tint prevents any potential white cast from the UV blockers, says Dr. Zeichner. It’s much less common to find a tinted chemical sunscreen, he notes. “Look for one that provides added benefits that addresses your skin’s needs, whether it is to brighten, hydrate, reduce shine or mattify the skin. Many of these products bridge the line between skincare and makeup.”

When to apply tinted sunscreen in your routine

Mineral tinted sunscreen should be the last thing applied in your skincare and makeup routine, says Dr. Mraz. That’s because it must sit at the skin’s surface to do its job. “If you are choosing a chemical tinted SPF, you would need to apply that early on in your skincare routine, directly to the skin so it can be absorbed,” she explains. “Mineral SPFs sit at the skin’s surface and act as a physical shield, while chemical ones must be absorbed into the skin where they convert UV rays into heat and release them off the skin.” 

Can I use tinted sunscreen instead of foundation?

This is a personal preference, says Dr. Mraz, but she says yes. “You can still use a concealer underneath to address any specific areas that need more coverage.”

The 9 best tinted sunscreens

Keeping scrolling for the nine best tinted sunscreen picks that will work wonders for you.

Best drugstore tinted sunscreens

Related: Celebrities Share Their Favorite Drugstore Beauty Products to Look Gorgeous for Less

Best splurge tinted sunscreens

Best luminous tinted sunscreens

Related: 8 Best Highlighters for Mature Skin That Will Get You Glowing, According to MUAs

Best matte tinted sunscreens

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