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When Rihanna said, "shine bright like a diamond," I felt that for all the wrong reasons! If you have oily skin like me, you know the struggle is real—we basically carry more oil in our pores than a Gulf country! Finding a sunscreen that sticks around longer than a TikTok trend is a challenge. And don’t even get me started on tinted sunscreens. They can make us look more like a disco ball than a dewy goddess.
But don’t despair! The skincare industry has finally heard our cries for help, and there are some fantastic tinted sunscreens out there designed just for us. These products offer the perfect balance of protection, oil control, and a natural finish that won’t have you checking your reflection every 5 minutes for shine.
So, Why Even Bother with a Tinted Sunscreen?
1. Your Skin But Better!
First off, tinted sunscreens are more than just your regular skin tints or foundations. They are not 'makeup with SPF.' They are these heavy-lifting versatile sunscreens that offer both sun protection and light coverage.
2. Double As A Skin Tint
If you have oily skin, you’ll know the pain of layering sunscreen under makeup—our skin just doesn’t play well with layers. Tinted sunscreens streamline your routine by combining sunscreen and foundation in one, so there’s less product to worry about sliding off your face.
3. Best Sunscreen For Hyperpigmentation
If you struggle with hyperpigmentation—be it from acne scars, melasma, acne, insect bite, or other skin conditions—tinted sunscreens provide more than just sun protection. They offer a sheer tint like coverage to even out your complexion, giving you that instant glow while also protecting against visible light, which can exacerbate dark spots. I also find them to be a great investment for my patients who suffer from lichen planus pigmentosus.
If instead you're looking for a light foundation that doubles as a moisturizer, check out my tinted moisturizer recommendations.
Key Ingredients to Look For
When you’re on the hunt for a tinted sunscreen that plays nice with oily skin, here’s what you should look for:
Iron Oxides: Iron Oxide, a mineral filter, is the secret ingredient in all tinted sunscreens that gives the product that buffy color which is responsible for the tint. Iron oxides also protect against visible light, which can worsen hyperpigmentation.
Other Mineral Filters: Like iron oxide, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are staple filters in mineral sunscreens that protect our skin from UVA and UVB rays. perfect for sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin because they don’t irritate or clog pores, and often give a matte finish.
Silica: This mineral absorbs excess oil and helps keep your skin matte throughout the day. If your sunscreen has silica, you’re in good hands.
Other Goodies: Vitamin C, niacinamide, green tea extract, and vitamin E are your skin’s best friends. They protect against environmental damage, soothe irritation, and keep your skin looking youthful.
Top Tinted Sunscreens for Oily Skin
EltaMD UV Clear is a dermatologist-favorite, especially for those with oily or acne-prone skin. This oil-free, lightweight face sunscreen contains niacinamide, which helps reduce oil production and inflammation. The hyaluronic acid in its formula provides hydration without heaviness, and the subtle tint blends seamlessly into most skin tones, offering a natural finish.
Pros: Non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, suitable for sensitive skin, contains antioxidants, and gives skin a natural coverage.
Cons: Limited shade range.
This product is a great multitasker, combining the benefits of a moisturizer, foundation, and sunscreen. It provides a matte finish and offers up to 12 hours of oil control, making it an excellent choice for those with oily skin type. The formula is non-comedogenic and infused with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, as well as oil-absorbing kaolin clay.
Pros: Available in multiple shades, lightweight, and provides a natural, matte finish.
Cons: Lower SPF compared to other options.
Colorescience Total Protection Face Shield Flex is one of the most versatile tinted sunscreens on the market. It’s available in four flexible shades that adapt to a wide range of skin tones, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a customizable tint. The formula offers broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection and is rich in antioxidants like niacinamide, which helps control oil and improve skin texture. This tinted SPF has a lightweight, non-greasy feel ensures that it doesn’t clog pores, making it suitable for oily and acne-prone skin.
Pros: Four adaptable shades, each with a specific tone for different skin colors, high SPF, antioxidant-rich, lightweight formula.
Cons: Slightly more expensive than other options.
The Supergoop! CC Screen is a standout for its 100% mineral formula that provides broad-spectrum protection with a high SPF of 50. This tinted sunscreen acts as a CC cream, offering buildable coverage that can work as a moisturizer, concealer, and foundation all in one.
Pros: Comes in nine different shades, high SPF 50, buildable coverage, and protects against blue light.
Cons: Despite its versatile shade range, some users on Amazon report that this tinted sunscreen tends to change its color after application, causing shade mismatch. It may not be ideal if you’re aiming for a matte finish.
Application Tips for Oily Skin
Application Tips for Oily Skin
To get the most out of your tinted sunscreen and avoid the dreaded midday shine, follow these tips:
Start with a Clean Slate: Cleanse your face thoroughly to remove any excess oil and ensure better sunscreen absorption.
Use a Mattifying Primer: For extra oil control, apply a mattifying primer before your sunscreen. This will help keep shine at bay.
Don’t Skimp on Product: Apply sunscreen worth 'two fingers' to your face and another finger for your neck to ensure full coverage. Make sure to blend it evenly.
Reapply as Needed: Sunscreen doesn’t last forever. Reapply every two hours, especially if you’re outside, sweating, or swimming.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does tinted sunscreen look like makeup?
Yes, tinted sunscreens can provide coverage similar to BB creams or light foundations. They work to even out skin tone and help cover minor imperfections while still offering sun protection. Since the coverage is sheer, you can use the same amount of tinted sunscreen as you would with regular sunscreen—applying two fingers' worth for your face and an additional finger's worth for your neck. This ensures you're getting adequate sun protection while benefiting from the coverage and skin tone enhancement that tinted sunscreens offer.
Is tinted sunscreen good for hyperpigmentation?
Absolutely! Tinted sunscreens, especially those with iron oxides, are the best sunscreens for hyperpigmentation. They can protect against visible light, which is crucial for preventing and reducing hyperpigmentation, including melasma and post-inflammatory marks and preventing fine lines, wrinkles and sun spots.
What’s the difference between tinted sunscreen and regular sunscreen?
Tinted sunscreens include pigments that provide light coverage and help blend skin imperfections, whereas regular sunscreens focus solely on UV protection without offering any coverage.
Can I use tinted sunscreen as a primer?
Yes, the mattifying tinted sunscreen discussed above can double as a primer, giving you a smooth base for makeup while protecting your skin from the sun. Just make sure to use at least one-fourth tea spoon or two fingers worth of sunscreen on clean skin before applying your makeup.
How do I apply tinted sunscreen?
Start with a clean, moisturized face. Apply a pea-sized amount of the tinted sunscreen lotion, serum or gel to your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin, then blend evenly. You can build up the coverage if needed.
With these picks and tips, you’re well on your way to finding a tinted sunscreen that works with, not against, your oily skin. No more shiny disco ball moments—just a flawless, protected complexion all day long! ☺