The Secret to No White Cast with SPF
- Ashley Moody, Licensed Esthetician
- May 31
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 2
Don't let a white cast scare you away from protecting your skin! Thanks to advances in sunscreen formulations, application techniques, and tinted sunscreen, achieving excellent sun protection without a chalky appearance is possible.
Formulation Matters
Tinted Sunscreens: Say goodbye to the dreaded white cast! Tinted sunscreen formulas, like popular options from Colorescience, use clever pigments that seamlessly blend with your natural skin tone. The result? Pure, glowing skin with zero chalkiness. Voila!
Explore Newer Mineral Formulations: Mineral sunscreens have come a long way. Modern, advanced formulations now feature smaller particles (micronized or non-nano) that are far less visible on the skin. This means you can enjoy broad-spectrum protection with a beautifully sheer, undetectable finish.
Colorescience
Colorescience sunscreens are highly regarded in the skincare world, particularly among dermatologists and estheticians, for several reasons that set them apart:
Unlike chemical sunscreens, Colorescience products exclusively use zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as their active UV filters. These are physical blockers that sit on top of the skin and deflect UV rays, making them generally well-tolerated by sensitive skin types and those prone to irritation or breakouts.
Colorescience is free of chemical sunscreens (such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate), which some people prefer to avoid due to potential sensitivities or environmental concerns.
Korean Sunscreen
If you're into skincare, you've likely heard the buzz about K-beauty. Korean sunscreens are legendary for their ability to deliver powerful protection without a hint of white cast. Plus, they offer an incredible variety of luxurious textures from refreshing essences and lightweight gels to silky serums, convenient sticks, and dreamy creams. No matter your preference, you'll find a Korean sunscreen that feels lightweight, non-greasy, and absorbs quickly, leaving your skin feeling like a dream. Korean sunscreens often go beyond just UV protection. They are frequently infused with skin-loving ingredients that offer additional benefits.
Korean sunscreens use the PA (Protection Grade of UVA rays) rating system, which explicitly indicates the level of UVA protection. This is a clearer and often higher standard for UVA defense compared to many U.S. sunscreens, which might only state "broad-spectrum" without a specific UVA rating.
My favorite Korean Sunscreen is Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++, available at Bisous Esthetics! This unscented sunscreen is super lightweight, quickly absorbs into the skin, and provides a non-greasy, dewy finish, giving you a beautiful glow. It’s the perfect combination of cutting-edge UV protection and hydrating, ensuring your skin is protected and hydrated.
The magic lies in its powerful blend of ingredients
Centella Asiatica: A potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, it's a champion for soothing and strengthening your skin's vital barrier. It delivers essential hydration and works tirelessly to provide anti-aging benefits, leaving your skin calm and robust.
Hyaluronic Acid: This hydration hero actively draws and locks moisture into your skin, creating that luminous glow and helping to regulate oil balance for a perfectly hydrated, healthy look.
Master the Application of Sunscreen
Start with Hydration: Always begin with a lightweight moisturizer. Hydrated skin allows sunscreen to glide on more evenly and prevents pilling.
Dry Skin, Dry Hands: Always apply sunscreen onto your face with dry hands onto dry, but moisturized skin. This helps the formula sit evenly on the surface without clinging to moisture pockets or streaking, resulting in a smooth, invisible finish.
Warm It Up: Dispense a small amount onto your fingertips and gently rub them together to warm the formula. This step is especially helpful for mineral sunscreens, making them melt into the skin effortlessly.
Dot & Pat, Don’t Rub: Apply in small dots across your face—forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Then, gently pat and press the sunscreen into your skin. This technique avoids streaks, ensures even coverage, and helps maintain the integrity of the protective layer.
The secret to no white cast?
Tinted Sunscreen or Korean Sunscreen will be your go-to for avoiding the dreaded white cast. Finding your ideal sunscreen is a game-changer for your complexion!
Ashley Moody, Licensed Esthetician
Bisous Esthetics Facial Spa + Boutique
702 Chestnut St
Bastrop, Texas
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