My relationship with sunscreen is fairly new. Like many women of color, I previously assumed I didn’t need sunscreen because of my skin tone. I’ve now learned that the sun doesn’t discriminate, and protecting your skin from UV rays is important no matter the amount of melanin you have. Our Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen is developed with dermatologists and suitable for use on all skin types, including sensitive skin. Mineral-based UV filters form a protective barrier to help reflect UV rays away from the skin’s surface. Because the ingredients in a mineral sunscreen stay on the surface of the skin to help protect it, a white cast can sometimes remain after applying the product. Follow these tips to apply your mineral sunscreen:

Chemical sunscreens are made using ingredients that act like a sponge on your skin’s surface—helping to absorb harmful rays and release them as heat. The most common active ingredients in chemical sunscreens include avobenzone, oxybenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate. Chemical sunscreens typically have a cosmetic elegance and non-chalky finish that make them less likely to leave a white residue than some mineral sunscreens. When it comes to tinted sunscreen vs. untinted sunscreen, neither is necessarily “better” than the other. As long as you choose a sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF 15 or higher and apply it correctly, both tinted and untinted sunscreens can help protect your skin from UV rays. Choosing the “best” sunscreen product is largely a matter of personal preference. What matters most is that you find the right option for your skin’s unique needs and apply it every day, rain or shine. When I applied CeraVe's Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen to my skin, I noticed it had a sheer tint, which made me a bit nervous. I don't usually opt for tinted sunscreen formulas, especially if I plan on wearing makeup that day. That day, I was opting for a fresh face anyway, and as I worked the product into my skin, the sheer tint slowly disappeared into my skin tone. However, I don't know if all skin tones will have the same experience—the product only comes in one shade.All sunscreens help protect your skin from the sun. Unlike chemical sunscreens, which work by absorbing UV radiation, mineral sunscreens create a protective barrier on your skin’s surface. With the help of ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, mineral face sunscreens work by reflecting and scattering UV rays. There are two main types of sunscreen products: mineral and chemical. Whereas chemical sunscreens are formulated with ingredients that help absorb UV rays, mineral sunscreens create a protective barrier on the skin’s surface. Mineral ingredients, like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, effectively help reflect and scatter the sun’s rays. In addition, it’s also possible to find sunscreen products that feature a blend of both mineral and chemical sun protection. Reapply at least every two hours, immediately after towel drying, and after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating. Introducing CeraVe's first-ever mineral/chemical hybrid sunscreen for use on the face and body. Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 combines mineral and chemical sun filters to help effectively reflect and absorb the sun's damaging rays. Our hybrid sunscreen formula blends zinc oxide with chemical sun filters, providing the benefits of a mineral sunscreen with the cosmetic elegance often found in chemical sunscreens. This multi-benefit sunscreen helps protect you from the sun's harmful rays while also delivering instant hydration that lasts all day long. Niacinamide: May help calm skin, reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and increase moisture in skin’s uppermost layer.

MVE Technology: This delivery system continually releases moisturizing ingredients for all-day hydration Titanium Dioxide: Helps reflect and scatter UVA and UVB rays in mineral-based sunscreens, which can protect skin from sunburn and sun damage. When selecting the best sunscreen for your face, it’s essential to choose one that is formulated specifically for your skin type. Look for a face sunscreen that is fragrance-free, lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic—so that it won’t clog your pores or cause acne breakouts. Many face sunscreen products also feature beneficial ingredients that help improve skin's texture, tone, and radiance, while also restoring the protective skin barrier. Tinted sunscreens offer several benefits. For starters, a tinted sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF 15 or higher can help protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. When used as directed with other sun protection measures, broad-spectrum SPF 15 tinted sunscreens can help prevent sunburn and decrease the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun (such as dark spots, wrinkles, and fine lines).

How Much Sunscreen To Use on Your Face & Body

After applying the sunscreen, I looked like I had done a 10-step skincare routine. My skin had a dewy finish that I appreciated, and I had just the amount of hydration I needed. But although I enjoyed the hydration of this product, the formula does have a bit of weight to it, so I can understand if someone with oily skin would prefer to stay away.