Should you use a non-tinted or a tinted mineral sunscreen? Well, a lot of it depends on your skin type. Sunscreens are meant to sit on top of the stratum corneum whereas some skin products like serums and medications are meant to penetrate much deeper into the skin.
Even though the stratum corneum is a top layer of dead skin cells that are constantly sloughing off, sunscreens are meant to sit on top because they take UV rays from the sun and turn them into heat, and then release it. There are three types of sunscreens: chemical, mineral, and hybrid sunscreens. There’s also tinted, matte, and dewy sunscreens, which are subtypes.
Physical sunscreens
Physical sunscreens include minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that act like mirrors. Unlike chemical sunscreens, they protect the skin from visible light by reflecting it. They also protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation by turning it into heat and releasing it.
However, because of the minerals, some skin tones experience flashback or white cast upon applying physical sunscreens. Plus, they can take a while to rub in. That’s where tinted sunscreens come in.
Tinted sunscreens
Most tinted sunscreens are mineral or hybrid and are slightly better for people who experience flashback. They are also good for concealing discoloration or redness. Tinted sunscreens can also replace foundation or be worn underneath foundation and concealers for extra coverage, sun protection, and even color correction.
There are even green sunscreens that help to correct redness! One thing to consider is that tinted sunscreens can transfer onto clothing just like makeup. Tinted sunscreens can also be a great option for balancing redness or enhancing the evenness of your makeup during breakouts.
This is a physical sunscreen. I actually love this one, and it’s 12% zinc oxide.
JUST LAUNCHED!: EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting Green Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Matte Sunscreens
Matte sunscreen formulas often include oil-absorbing ingredients like silica, kaolin clay, and dimethicone. They can be a great addition to makeup routines, especially if you have oily skin. Matte sunscreens prevent shininess and create a smooth finish. If you’re looking for more of a glossy look, dewy sunscreens may be the way to go instead.
Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Matte Broad Spectrum SPF 45
Dewy Sunscreens
Sunscreens with a dewy finish include hydrating ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, squalane, and even some emollients like shea butter. You can use dewy sunscreens on oily skin as well, but you’ll want to make sure you pick one that is oily skin friendly to prevent clogging and oiliness.
If you want a dewy look, but you have oily skin — one thing that might help is layering sunscreens. You can put your matte sunscreen on some areas, and maybe your dewy sunscreen on your cheekbones. Perhaps, you’ll want to avoid applying the dewy sunscreen to your T-zone. Layering your sunscreen is also a great tip for combo skin types!
Read more about how to layer your sunscreen.
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF 50+ PA+++
Cassandra loves this one for oily skin!
Furthermore, dewy sunscreens work wonderfully for people with drier skin types, especially if they want to condense their skincare routine by opting out of a serum and moisturizer after cleansing. However, for dry skin, using at least one hydrating product in addition to your sunscreen might be the best practice. Because remember, sunscreen is supposed to sit on top of your skin. You’ll want to hydrate those deeper layers too.
Read more here about whether an SPF can replace a moisturizer!
Cover photo cred: InStyle
@cassandrabankson Should you use a tinted or non tinted SPF? Heres a breakdown of the differences and how they work @DRMTLGY #skincare #sunscreen #ttscreatorcamp #drmtlgy #ttsnationallashday #tiktokshopcreatorpicks #tiktokshopjumpstartsale #tiktoklive #tiktokshoprestock #tiktokaffiliate #creatorearnings ♬ original sound - Cassandra Bankson