Sunscreens provide a shield for your skin against the Sun’s tough UV rays- everyone knows
that, but this barrier could be irritating to most because it may leave a white residue on the
skin, which may cause considerable discomfort.
Why Physical Sunscreens Leave A White Cast?
When that seamless finish you thought you would get after applying your sunscreen turns
out to be a whole mishap in itself because of the white chalky remnant it may leave on your
skin, that could be annoying. There could be several factors at play that you are not aware
of.
Physical/Mineral Sunscreens vs Chemical Sunscreens : A Brief Comparison
First and foremost, sunscreens are broadly categorized into two primary types: physical
sunscreens, which are also known as mineral sunscreens, and chemical sunscreens. Let us
understand what sets them apart.
Physical or mineral sunscreens mainly use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are
considered sustainable to the environment, safe, and effective on the skin barrier. It creates
an immediate barrier and block and reflects the Sun’s UV rays. It is unlikely to cause allergic
reactions or skin irritation. It is gentle on the skin and suitable for sensitive skin types.
Chemical sunscreens are formulated with organic compounds. It absorbs the UV rays,
converting them into heat, which is then released. It is absorbed quickly and may seep deep
into the skin, which is less likely to leave a white cast, and it may cause allergic reactions
and skin irritations for people with sensitive skin.
What Exactly Is The White Cast In Physical Sunscreens?
The thin white film visible on the skin after applying physical sunscreen may look
unappealing to the eyes and feel heavy on the skin. It is a common concern for individuals
with darker skin tones since it may look ashy, gray, or bluish-purple. Mineral sunscreens do
not soak well into the skin since it creates a protective barrier on the skin, which can result in
a visible white cast.
How Do You Get White Cast From Physical Sunscreens?
The white cast formed after putting on physical sunscreen is due to the mineral filters
present in it, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. They create a physical barrier on the
skin that reflects the UV radiation.
The formula is too thick, and the particles present in it are non-nano in size, meaning bigger
particles tend to clump together, which basically causes the white cast on the skin. Another
reason for white cast could be uneven application. It may be possible that it didn’t blend well
on the skin. Also, skin tone influences how the white residue might appear on the skin; it
tends to be more noticeable on darker skin tones than on lighter ones.
Factors To Avoid White Cast While Using Physical Sunscreens
- Dense formulation : Physical sunscreens with strong density formulas may feel sticky and heavy on the skin. It is essential to select a formula that suits both your skin tone and skin type.
- Strong presence of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide : Physical sunscreens with a heavy concentration of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide tend to feel heavy and form a visible white cast on the skin. Such a strong presence and non-nano-sized mineral particles are mostly responsible for causing a white cast.
- Avoid using too much or too little sunscreen: If you apply an excessive amount of a mineral sunscreen with non-nano size particles, it may cause a thick layer of white residue on the skin, or if you apply a small amount of the product, it can cause the same.
- Avoid non tinted sunscreens : Mineral sunscreens with no tint or pigment often appear plain white, which may leave a visible white cast on the skin that is undesirable and looks unpleasant.
- Uneven application: If physical sunscreen is not blended thoroughly or allowed to fully absorb, it will likely leave a visible white cast.
Best Practices For Effective Sunscreen Application
Choose the right formula for your skin type : You should opt for sunscreens that have a high level of SPF zinc oxide. Brands like Vizor, offer powders and dispersions that develop the most transparent coverage. Also, make sure the ingredient list does not contain any element that may cause allergies.
Spread evenly and blend thoroughly : Avoid directly rubbing the sunscreen into the skin. Take a pea-sized amount and dot it across the face. Pat gently into the skin, then massage with light strokes until fully absorbed and seamlessly blended.
Let the sunscreen absorb completely : If you use a sunscreen with nano-sized particles, it will be possible for it to get absorbed into the skin effectively. Let it sit for a few good minutes before going out and about, or layering it with makeup.
Opt for tinted sunscreens : Tinted mineral sunscreens have an added pigment, which could minimize the white cast to a great extent and give a subtle coverage to your skin.
Pair it with moisturiser or primer : Before applying sunscreen, you should pair it with a good hydrating moisturiser or primer. This can help reduce the white cast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do physical sunscreens leave a white cast?
Yes, physical or mineral sunscreens tend to leave a white cast on your skin because they contain mineral filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which have larger particles that may clump together.
Can I use a makeup compact with physical sunscreen?
Makeup compact with a physical sunscreen go together pretty well, but choose a compact with a high spectrum SPF 30+ – a good choice to use is Peripera Sun Cushion as it offers SPF 50++
How to avoid white cast with mineral sunscreens?
There could be several ways that may help you avoid the white cast that appears after using mineral sunscreens. Those are:
- Evenly apply and blend thoroughly
- Choose sunscreens with a formulation that suits your skin type
- Let the sunscreen get absorbed into the skin
- Use primer or moisturizer before applying sunscreen
- You can also go for sunscreens that have a subtle tint or pigment in them
Do dermatologists recommend physical or chemical sunscreens?
Since physical sunscreens are more sustainable in nature, gentle on the skin, suitable for sensitive to combination skin, and do not cause any skin allergies or irritations, dermatologists usually recommend physical sunscreens over chemical ones.
What is safer, mineral or chemical sunscreen?
Mineral sunscreens are a safer option than chemical sunscreens for several factors, such as:
- Mineral sunscreens create a protective physical barrier on the skin, which reflects the UV radiations whereas chemical sunscreens absorb the UV rays and release them into heat.
- Mineral sunscreens are environmentally friendly contrarily chemical ones are made up of organic compounds like oxybenzone, octisalate, avobenzone, and octinoxate.
- Mineral sunscreens sit atop the skin and do not enter the skin or our bloodstream, but on the other hand, chemical sunscreens are thin-textured and absorb well into the skin and seep into the blood and may be harmful.
Do all mineral sunscreens leave a white cast?
Yes and no because most traditional mineral sunscreens tend to leave a white cast due to mineral filters present in them, but today there are alternate options available where the mineral filters are more refined and may not leave a visible white cast on the skin, but still provide the same protection.
Should you rub mineral sunscreen in?
Yes, it is essential to rub your mineral sunscreen into the skin thoroughly after even application to avoid a white cast.
What is the three-finger rule for sunscreen?
The three-finger rule is a simple method to apply your sunscreen in an adequate amount to avoid using too much or too little of it. You simply have to squeeze the sunscreen on any three fingers, spread evenly on the skin, and then blend.
Do some chemical sunscreens also leave a residue on the skin?
Yes, it’s probable that some chemical sunscreens may also leave a slight residue on the skin because of their formula.
Though it may sound like a struggle to choose the right sunscreen based on your skin tone and skin type while considering formulations, textures, and whatnot.
But sunscreens not only provide anti-aging effect, avoid wrinkles, prevent loose skin, but also are extremely necessary to protect your skin and create a barrier against the Sun’s ultraviolet rays, which could be hazardous and might lead to skin allergies and diseases.
*Cover Image Image by bio sparsha from Pixabay