Any dermatologist will tell you there's nothing more important for your skin than putting on sunscreen every day. But many people still fail to do so. Common excuses include unpleasant texture, streaks and dulling of the skin.
These days there's no reason to compromise when it comes to sunscreen. While CC creams are wonderful for those looking to get some color with their protection, narrowing down your ideal shade can often feel overwhelming. Which is why a lightly tinted universal sunscreen you can apply without a mirror is the best option.
"Similar to when you're selecting a regular SPF, you want to look for tinted SPF products that meet all the recommendations by the American Academy of Dermatology: SPF 30 or higher, broad spectrum coverage against UVA and UVB rays and water resistance," says dermatologist Dr. Tiffany J. Libby, FAAD. "Some facial SPFs may not be water-resistant, which may be fine if you are not engaging in water activities, exercising or sweating. The key is also to apply the correct amount (quarter-size dollop for face, shot-glass size for body) and reapply every two hours."
Like many dermatologists, Libby likes tinted SPFs that contain mineral sunscreens that are natural and nonirritating to the skin. Like ones boasting zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
"Traditionally these ingredients were notorious for causing a white cast because they're physical blockers, however formulations have improved significantly and there are many elegant options that give you a beautiful tint, rub in evenly and leave no white cast. One of my favorites is Exuviance's Skin Caring BB Fluid With Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ because it protects with mineral sunscreen ingredients, gives excellent UVA protection and contains vitamin E and green tea extract to protect against free radicals and other environmental aggressors throughout the day."
Click through the slideshow for more wonderful options.
Image via Imaxtree
For those worried about potentially harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, this tinted sunscreen is a mineral formulation. In addition to subtle color, it offers blue light protection and is formulated with skin-boosting vitamins A, B, C and D.
This formula is also mineral-based and free of potentially harmful ingredients. It's a little thicker than some other options so work it between your fingers a bit before applying. But once on, it imparts a nice, sheer glow.
This sunscreen feels great on skin and won't clog pores. Even if you apply it before a sweaty workout.
The brand's 100 percent mineral sunscreen has a light, matte tint. It doubles as a primer since it works to smooth out pores as it imparts subtle color and UVA and UVB protection.
