If you’re searching for the best tinted sunscreen for facial use, or simply want to find out if tinted SPFs work (and how!) then you’re in the right place.

Firstly, what are they? Tinted sunscreens are skincare products that combine sun protection with foundation coverage or a subtle colour tint, essentially combining two widely used products into one to streamline your morning regime.

What level of sun protection do I need?

The sun causes damage to skin every day, all year round – regardless of the weather. In fact, it can even damage the skin through heavy cloud and glass. But what actually is sun damage, and how can we prevent it?

Most people have heard about harmful UV rays, but research shows that it’s not just UV rays that damage the skin. Visible light and infrared-A (also emitted from the sun) also cause damage to skin,^1,2 and can actually be more harmful when combined with UV rays.³

Without regular and proper protection UVA, UVB, visible light and infrared-A cause the release of harmful free radicals in the skin which wreak havoc with our healthy skin cells. They cause damage that can stop our cells working correctly, and in worse cases can cause DNA mutations that can lead to skin cancer. This damage affects the overall health of our skin but can also lead to visible changes such as hyperpigmentation, lines and wrinkles and a thick leathery complexion.⁴

The best way to protect your skin and prevent this damage is by using full-spectrum sun protection every single day. Heliocare 360° provides high-level, broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB and goes beyond sunscreen to protect against visible light (HEVL), infrared-A (IR-A) with its unique antioxidant Fernblock® for daily full-spectrum protection against the sun and daylight.

Blurring imperfections

Tinted products help to blur imperfections, mask patches of hyperpigmentation and give the skin a more flawless finish and even tone.

In Heliocare 360° tinted products, iron oxide pigments are used to create a subtle translucent colour. As well as creating colour without blocking pores, the naturally occurring mineral also has protective benefits for the skin that perfectly complement the goal of Heliocare 360° which is, first and foremost, an evidence-based sun protection range.

Iron oxide is proven to help protect the skin against visible light, including the rays emitted from the sun and also blue light from digital devices⁸ which has also been shown to damage the skin. In particular, this has been shown to be successful in helping to prevent hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure,⁹ enhancing the activity of Fernblock®.

Tinted sunscreen considerations

There are some important considerations when choosing tinted sun protection. First and foremost is the level of protection that you are getting. Many makeup products contain SPF, but remember, that only refers to protection against UVB, not the other damaging aspects of sunlight. Also, consider the level of SPF or protection in the product – are you applying two full finger lengths of your foundation? If not, what is labelled as an SPF20 could end up being more like SPF8 if you’re not using enough product.

Experts recommend that your sunscreen should provide a minimum of SPF30 for UVB protection and offer at least broad-spectrum protection including UVA defence. Additional ingredients that help to protect against visible light, infrared-A and environmental free radicals are ideal.

Heliocare 360° tinted sunscreens

Heliocare 360° offers a wide choice when it comes to tinted sunscreens, and some that provide fuller coverage too. Every product contains Fernblock® and provides high-level, full spectrum protection and additional ingredients to help boost skin health depending on your skin type or skin concern. Here we’ll highlight the key differences and benefits of each product, starting with the subtle, skin-blurring and illuminating tints. Each of these is suited to Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV:

Heliocare 360° Pigment Solution Fluid – for skin with light-induced pigmentation

Features a Depigmenting System to help lift and prevent hyperpigmentation, combining Niacinamide which helps to prevent the transfer of melanin in skin cells and Ellagic Acid which helps to reduce melanin production. Heliocare 360° Pigment Solution Fluid contains a ‘second skin’ which helps to lock in moisture and protect the skin from pollution at its surface.

Heliocare 360° A-R Emulsion – for sensitive skin prone to redness

A lightweight emulsion featuring an innovative anti-redness system combining Physavie with Rosabora and Glutathione to restore the skin barrier, reduce redness and soothe the skin.

Heliocare 360° Age Active Fluid– for photoaged skin with fine lines and wrinkles

A silky formula that contains a triple anti-ageing complex of hydrators to help to plump the skin and smooth fine lines. Meanwhile an additional ‘soft focus’ complex helps to diffuse light and instantly reduce the appearance of fine lines. Heliocare 360° Age Active Fluid also features a ‘second skin’ which helps to lock in moisture and protect the skin from pollution at its surface.

The Heliocare 360° Color range provides fuller, natural-looking foundation coverage and advanced, daylight protection in one formulated for specific skin types. These are available in shades Beige and Bronze:

Heliocare 360° Color Oil-Free Gels – for oily, spot-prone or combination skin

The Color Oil-Free Gel’s unique oil-free, non-comedogenic formula gives a smooth, matte finish with additional sebum-regulating properties – the perfect Heliocare 360° sunscreen with foundation coverage for those with oily, spot-prone, or combination skin types.

Heliocare 360° Color Water Gels – for dry, dehydrated or normal skin types

The Color Water Gel’s unique formula features the same innovative continuous-release hydration system and a moisturising booster complex as our original Water Gel formulation for instant and long-lasting hydration, with a smooth satin finish – the perfect Heliocare 360° sunscreen with foundation coverage for those with dry, dehydrated or normal skin types.