Tinted sunscreen
The best creams with sun protection factor in comparison
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A tinted sunscreen not only ensures a healthy-looking complexion, but also prevents skin aging and protects against skin cancer. You can find out here which product is best for you and how to apply tinted sunscreen.
What is tinted sunscreen?
The tinted sunscreen is a 2-in-1 product. With its sun protection factor (in short: SPF) it provides sufficient protection in the sun and thanks to the gentle tint gives us an even complexion. A tinted sunscreen can thus replace the foundation or BB cream. It is much more popular than conventional sunscreens because it is by no means sticky, oily and heavy, as we know it from other formulations. The tinted sunscreen is a real favourite, especially in summer. Once applied, it can replace heavy foundation or makeup without sacrificing our healthy-looking complexion.
Why is sun protection factor so important?
A sun protection factor is essential not only in summer, but all year round. For a good reason: Even if it doesn’t feel like it in this country, our skin is exposed to dangerous UV rays all year round. Although they do not always cause sunburn, they can also damage our skin in other ways. If you apply SPF to your face every day, you can not only protect yourself against skin cancer, but also prevent skin aging and pigment spots. This makes sun protection factor one of the most reliable anti-aging agents.
- Sunburn is mainly caused by UV-B radiation (short-wave light rays) caused. Therefore, UV-B radiation is also the main factor in terms of cancer risk.
- But also the long-wave ones UV-A rays are not entirely safe. They also increase the risk of cancer and are a cause of premature skin aging. The reason: exposure to the sun causes free radicals to attack the existing collagens in our skin. As we age, our skin can no longer defend itself. There is then less collagen and wrinkles are formed. A tinted cream with SPF ensures that these free radicals do not even get into our skin.
What is important in a tinted sunscreen?
In order for tinted sunscreen to give your skin the protection it needs, there are a few things to consider. Unfortunately, not all products that we see in drugstores, in advertising or online shops are as good as they say. Sunscreens can never completely protect against dangerous UV-A and UV-B radiation, but they are nonetheless one necessary preventive measure against the dangerous effects of UV radiation.
- Make sure your sunscreen has a Minimum protection against UV-B and UV-A radiation having. A stronger SPF (serving primarily as protection against UVB rays) should also include stronger protection against UVA rays. According to scientific studies Biological skin damage can be reduced if the UV-A protection is at least one third of the sun protection factor. If this is the case, you will usually find it clearly visible as a UV-A seal in a circle on the packaging.
- When it comes to sun protection, a decision is made between mineral and chemical, because every sunscreen needs a filter that protects against solar radiation. Mineral filters include titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Chemical filters are often made of mexoryl, octocrylene or oxybenzone.
- A mineral sunscreen lies on the surface of the skin and reflects the UV rays. The higher the SPF, the more whitish, mineral particles. This also explains why products with a low sun protection factor often leave less residue than products with a high SPF.
- Chemical sun protection penetrates the skin and takes effect there after 30 minutes by converting UV rays into other forms of energy, such as infrared radiation. However, it should not be neglected that chemical options can cause skin irritation or allergies. Mineral sunscreen is more advisable, especially on the face, as chemical sunscreens can clog pores by penetrating the skin.
Which tinted sunscreen is the best?
There are now countless tinted sunscreens on the market. In our comparison, we took a closer look at our favorites.
Paula’s Choice
The Resist Anti-Aging Day Cream by Paula’s Choice is perfect for combination and oily skin. Thanks to the antioxidants, it works well against impure skin, the formation of wrinkles and pigment spots. The tinted sun cream with the active ingredient zinc oxide is one of the mineral sunscreens and therefore lies on the skin without penetrating it.
- SPF: 30
- mineral sunscreen
- mattifies shiny skin
avene
Also these tinted sunscreen by Avène provides optimal protection against UV-B and UV-A rays. Thanks to its innovative HEV Blue Light Filter, it prevents skin aging and hyperpigmentation. As a tinted day care with mineral color pigments, it ensures an even and radiant complexion and provides long-lasting moisture for up to eight hours.
- SPF: 50
- mineral color pigments
- water resistant
- without octocrylene
Garnier
This Garnier tinted sunscreen is actually a BB cream and therefore an all-in-1 care product. The tinted care conceals skin imperfections, mattifies a greasy complexion and cares thanks to the hyaluronic acid and aloe vera it contains. At the same time, it protects against dangerous UV rays.
- SPF: 15
- mineral sun protection with titanium dioxide
- moisturizes for up to 24 hours
- with skin tone matching mineral pigments
La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay is one of the most popular and trusted skin care brands. When it comes to tinted sunscreen, the brand naturally also has a product up its sleeve. The La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra tinted BB cream is suitable for sensitive and normal skin and provides an extra portion of moisture with the thermal water it contains. The cream contains the innovative Mexoryl 400 UV filter, which protects against harmful ultra-long UV-A rays of up to 400 nm. However, the filter is one of the chemical sunscreens.
- SPF: 50+
- chemical sunscreen
- Glycerine and thermal water for sufficient moisture
Eucerin
The Eucerin Sun CC Cream promises an improved complexion within a very short time. The fragrance-free formula with hyaluronic acid is designed to visibly reduce wrinkles and signs of aging, while mineral pigments ensure an even complexion.
- SPF: 50
- light texture
- contains mineral and chemical UV filters
How do you apply tinted sunscreen?
Tinted sunscreen can be easily incorporated into the skincare routine. Simply apply your serums and co. as usual. The last step should then be the tinted sunscreen, which you can apply to your face with your hands like any other tinted day cream. If you like, you can apply some powder, bronzer, highlighter or rouge afterwards. However, this is not absolutely necessary once you have found the best tinted sunscreen for you.
Which sun protection factor suits my skin?
Which sun protection factor is right for your skin depends on your skin type. But the intensity of solar radiation and the length of time you spend in the sun also play an important role. How long you stay in the sun depends on your skin type and the sunscreen you use. There is a simple formula that you can use to calculate how long your applied sunscreen will protect you from UV radiation.
The self-protection, depending on the skin type, is five to a maximum of 30 minutes. Attention: In children, the self-protection of the skin is very low and lasts a maximum of ten minutes. Let’s assume your tinted sunscreen has an SPF of 50 and your skin’s self-protection is 20 minutes, so you can keep your face in the sun for 100 minutes (SPF x self-protection = maximum sun exposure) without worry. Ergo: A high SPF does not protect you more from the sun, but only extends the time you stay in it. A SPF between 30 and 50 is therefore generally advisable.
Sources used:
- sunscreen, bvl.bund.de (Status: July 2022)
- EU Commission on the effectiveness of sunscreens and related manufacturer information, eur-lex.europa.eu (Status: July 2022)