Have you ever wondered how to apply sunscreen without white cast on darker skin tones?
Choosing physical sunscreens over chemical sunscreens is very much a personal choice. Each has it’s pros and cons. However, I tend to opt for mineral formulas.
What Creates A White Cast In Sunscreen?
Most of the best mineral sunscreen options on the market contain zinc oxide as one of it’s main active ingredients, which can lead to a white cast on dark skin tones. It happens because the oxide sits on the skin as opposed to sinking in to the skin.
This is one of the zinc oxide side effects that lead to people shying away from mineral sunscreens. The EWG provides a great breakdown on each type of sunscreen.
However, for melanin-rich skin, mineral-based sunscreens can be tricky since the white residue from zinc oxide can be very visible.
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How To Reduce Sunscreen White Cast
Here is the best way (I’ve found) to apply Mineral sunscreen without the white cast on darker skin tones:
#1 . Make sure your face is properly moisturized:
Certain skin types and skin conditions including drier skin can increase the possibility of a white cast being left after applying mineral based sunscreens to darker complexions. To avoid a white cast, I make sure my face and body is well hydrated by a good moisturizer or face oil immediately before application. My current favorites are Pleni Naturals Day Squad Face Oil and Cecile’s Essential Elixir. I generously applied the oils, and wait a couple of minutes before moving to the next step in applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
#2. Use a moisturizing Mineral Sunscreen:
One of the best moisture rich sunscreen formulations I’ve tried yet is the Erin’s Faces Peptide SPF 30. IT offers broad spectrum protection with the added bonus of ingredients traditionally found only in skincare products.
Let the sunscreen sit a minute before rubbing it in: This is a tip I learned from Erin’s Faces Founder, Erin Willams. Sometimes, it’s best to allow mineral sunscreen sit on the face for about 30 seconds after applying, and then continue to rub it in. This will increase the chances of the sunscreen blending in to a more invisible finish.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the products mentioned:
Pleni Naturals Day Squad Face Oil:
Pleni Naturals Day Squad Face Oil is a vitamin C infused facial oil. It js made with stable vitamin C that absorbs well. It is nourishing and moisturizing face oil contains a blend of natural and organic ingredients including Tomato Fruit Extract and Turmeric. It is Made Safe Certified and smells SERIOUSLY delightful. It reminds me of a walk in the garden. It’s potential benefits includes:
- Moisturizes and hydrates the skin
- Contains antioxidants:
- Non-greasy formula:
- Suitable for most skin types:
- Vegan and cruelty-free:
Cecile’s Essential Elixir Serum
Cecile’s Essential Elixir Serum is a super hydrating way to treat your skin with love. It’s fits easily into your daily routine and a great option for those with drier or mature skin. It’s also so versatile. I love using it on my cuticles as well. Some of it’s potential benefits includes:
- Natural ingredients:
- Anti-aging benefits of antioxidant.
- Hydration:
- Cruelty-free:
Erin’s Faces Peptide SPF 30
I must admit that I’ve tried a lot of mineral sunscreens and this one falls easily in my top 3. It’s seriously one of the best sunscreens out there. It’s perfect for sensitive skin and can be worn all day without it feeling heavy, even under makeup. This lightweight sunscreen is a lightweight moisturizer, serum, and broad-spectrum protection all in one, All without the dreaded white cast for most skin tones and even almost all if you follow the tips I’ve shared above.
Do Black People and People of Color Need Sunscreen?
I don’t know about you, but I was not raised thinking that sunscreen of any percentage was meant for me. It was almost a novelty. Something you purchased on your day out at the beach and would schmear a thick line down the bridge of your nose like people in the movies. I know it doesn’t make sense. But, there was true belief in the protective powers of the natural melanin in our skin.
While there has been studies to support this belief to some degree, we still need sunscreen y’all.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, everyone should use a minimum of SPF 30 or higher. According to this study, melanin rich skin can have a natural protection of SPF up to 4. So, there’s a difference that can be made up with the use of a good SPF. Those harmful UV rays can led to premature aging, skin damage, sun damage, and overall deterioration of healthy glow. Plus, our melanin may not protect us from both UVA and UVB rays.
Hopefully, these tips will make it easier to apply your favorite mineral sunscreens without the dreaded white cast.
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