How to Get Rid of White Cast From Sunscreen: 10 Pro Tips

Sunscreen is one of the essential products in today’s time as it prevents the signs of early aging and skin diseases like cancer. Almost every dermatologist and skin expert recommend using sunscreen even when the sun hits you directly. And if it does, please layer your sunscreen. The hype about sunscreen was always there when we went to the pool or beach in Sumner. But doctors now recommend sunscreen daily as the environment is taking its turn. We all know how global warming is reacting and thriving, and so is the sun.

Sunblocks or sunscreens are essential in your daily makeup routine. This is the final product you want to apply before makeup. And remember to touch up your sunscreen every two hours, even when you’re outside. Sunscreen is important for any exposed area in the body, and mostly it is our faces. You need to know how to use and how to get rid of white cast from sunscreen.

But one of the irritating facts about sunscreen is that it tends to leave a white cast or some white residue right after you apply it. And this is just not one product. Almost every product on the market with UV filters, zinc oxide, or titanium oxide tends to leave a white cast. Zinc oxide is a nanoparticle that protects our skin from severe sun damage by deflecting the UVA and UVB rays.

A white cast is a problem when you have a darker-to-tan skin tone. Your entire face looks ashy, and even the darker shade of foundation you use looks lighter than your actual skin. So the whole regime of the foundation and makeup is ruined by the sunscreen. This is what makes people hate sunscreen. But you shouldn’t stop wearing sunscreen and just go with a few tricks and tips to wear them without a white cast.

I was introduced to sunscreen when I was in my teen years. Both my mother and grandmother urged me to wear sunscreen every day. But it left some white residue, and I looked like a cricket player running around. Eventually, I stopped using sunscreen, which was the worst idea ever! But now we’ve got thousands of products with no white cast and are very comfortable to wear on bare skin. Here we have included some ways on how to get rid of white cast from sunscreen.

What Is A White Cast?

If your face is left with a white residue after using a product, it is known as a “white cast.” Sunscreens are the best-aligned products that do leave a white cast when applied. Sunscreens can be applied directly to the skin; you just run them on like a moisturizer or a lotion. But the sunscreens do not melt on the skin that easily, taking time and a lot of rubbing. But still, they often leave a white cast on the skin. The reason for the sunscreens leaving a white residue is due to the ingredients that they are made up of.

The products that can leave a white cast are those that are sun-protective. When applying the sunscreen and seeing a white cast, it is the sun-blocking materials that are just sitting on top of your skin. The ingredients will not melt or run on your skin as they are not designed to act in such a way.

Sunscreens need to be on the top layer of your skin for them to work. Most sunblocks will eventually be absorbed, but most of the layers will remain in place like a stubborn child trying to play in the sun in the summer. Screens will only work on the top layer of the skin.

For example, imagine a meerkat trying to defend the birds by attaching itself to the top of a hideaway and placing its legs in the defending position. But if the meerkat is on the underground, he has no idea what is going on. And the same goes for sunscreens. The outer layer does its work by leaving a white cast.

They defend the skin from damaging UV rays, and they will stay on top of the skin. If sunscreen is absorbed completely, the top layer is most likely not getting enough protection. But this is only the case for a physical sunscreen. Mineral and chemical sunscreens work differently.

Another thing about sunscreen is that they are not all the same. And the white cast is not inevitable. You’re good to go if you can get rid of the white cast from the sunscreen. So keep track of the options we include here on how to get rid of white cast from sunscreen.

Why Use Sunscreen Daily?

Our skin, as the outer layer of our body, protects the skin from environmental effects like wind and heat. And as the world is changing, so is the requirement for the skin. Right now, we need to protect our skin from ultraviolet rays. These rays are damaging to the skin and often cause very damaging diseases. Even when there are no sun rays, even on cloudy days, sunscreen is a must. And another thing about sunscreen is that it protects us from aging.

So, to avoid any mishap, use sunscreen daily and always add sunscreen to your regular morning routine.

1. Reduce Sun Damage

These are the most important fact about using sunscreen. They prevent any severe sunburn and will contribute a lot toward skin protection. There are various issues that one may eventually encounter if they spend a significant amount of time in the sun and even when they are exposed to heat:

• Skin cancer
• Premature wrinkle
• Skin darkening
• Burning
• Irritation

With severe sunburn, blisters are widespread, and you might have to go to a dermatologist to take care of them. For extreme sun exposure, scarring is a possible way. And steroids are often used to treat severe cases.

2. Sings of Aging

As I reached my thirties, one of the most significant damages that the sun can have been aging. And most people are terrified of Premature aging. Over-sun exposure will affect the elastin, collagen, and skin cells. Thus, the skin loses its elasticity, and discoloration, fine lines, leathery skin, and wrinkles are the most common symptoms. One of the Premature common signs of aging is known as photoaging. And this affects primarily people who are in their 20s and 30s. So, using sunscreen for a six-month-old seems like a very fair deal, and you can do it by learning tricks on how to get rid of white cast from sunscreen.

3. Prevent Skin Cancer

Statistically, for people who are in their 70s, at least five of them suffer from skin cancer. America and other Asian countries also have a huge rate of skin cancer in general, and this is due to the extended time of sun exposure in tropical countries. So, using an SPF 30 is a must and for more protection, use the higher number. Later in the article, we have included how to remove the white cast from sunscreen.

4. Skin Discoloration

If you want a physical piece of evidence regarding sun damage, discoloration and hyperpigmentation are one of the most common symptoms. The sun spots or sun tan marks are prevalent with brown or darker skin, and they can affect the skin, hands, neck, arms, etc., of adults and children. If you apply sunscreen daily and learn how to get rid of white cast from sunscreen, it’ll prevent such damage in the long run.

5. Skin Issues

Rosacea or psoriasis is one of the common issues that are inflamed by extreme sun exposure. They can be very painful and enhance the redness of the skin, and wearing sunscreen will reduce the problems. And if you have sensitive skin, you can use sunscreens with zinc or titanium dioxide and avoid harsh chemicals like alcohol.

Why Do I Have a White Cast from Sunscreen?

Before we get to the facts on how to get rid of white cast from sunscreen, let us dwell on the facts of why your skin has a white cast from sunscreen at first. The answer lies in the type of sunscreen you use on your face.

There are two different types of sunscreens. One is designed and produced for sensitive skin; some of the skin on your face is thinner than the rest. And another is that you apply a cheap sunscreen almost every day to make it work as an anti-aging cream. Most sunscreens are formulated, so they are for sensitive skin, and thus they contain super-sensitive sun-protective ingredients.

Chemical and physical filters are the most common types of sunscreen ingredients. The chemical filters tend to absorb the sun’s rays. And as for physical filters, they reflect the sun’s rays completely. And thus, the physical sunscreens will most likely leave a white cast on your face.

Compare a physical sunscreen with a mirror or reflective glass, which will reflect the UV rays. And when the cream is spread evenly on your face, it reflects the white light, thus leaving a white cast.

Types of Sunscreens

If we disclose certain ingredients that will leave a white cast, we have to mention the actual culprits first. Two important physical filters will leave a white cast, but they are the most effective particles for blocking UV rays.

• Zinc oxide
• Titanium dioxide

People mostly use two different types of sunscreen, and they work differently. And there are also sunscreens that use both of these technologies.

Chemical Sunscreen

Before purchasing sunscreen, check out what kind of filter it uses alongside the SPF value. This will determine what type of coverage the sunscreen can provide. Most sunscreens currently use chemical filters, and the skin, in this case, the skin will absorb the UV light and convert the UVA and UVB light to heat in general. 

Chemical filters are:

• Oxybenzone
• Mexoryl
• Octocrylene
• Avobenzone, etc.

Advantages:

They do not leave any sort of white cast on your skin and are quickly absorbed.

Drawbacks:

They harm the environment and water life as they tend to affect coral reefs and fish. They can cause irritation and rosacea, and eczema.

Mineral Sunscreen 

This sunscreen usually contains a mineral or physical filter and usually reflects UV rays. Not all physical sunscreens are the same, and today many organic sunscreens act differently and are more reliable. And with this, you really might want input on how to get rid of the white cast from sunscreen.

Mineral filters:

• Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide

Advantages:

They are safe for babies and children and don’t get absorbed into the skin. The chances of having a skin reaction are pretty low with mineral sunscreens.

Drawbacks:

They do not dissipate well into the skin and leave a white cast.

Tips To Avoid The White Cast From Sunscreens

If you’ve been patient this far, only to know how to get rid of white cast from sunscreen, we have included some of our best-used tips for you.

Ten pro tips on how to avoid white cast:

We’ve done a lot of research just to present the points. You can choose any of the ways and get the best results.

1. Chemical Sunscreens With Low Filters

One of the best ways to get rid of any white cast from sunscreens is to use a chemical Sunscreen. They will be absorbed by the skin, absorb the UV lights, and leave them in the form of heat. They have a thinner and mostly gel-like consistency, leaving the skin feeling soft and smooth, more like a primer.

• Avoid using chemical sunscreens with low-penetration chemical filters.
• Avoid products with PABA (aminobenzoic acid)
• Avoid products with oxybenzone as they clog the pores
• I’ve discovered that applying sunscreen in this manner is the most efficient.

2. Tinted Sunscreens

I know this seems like an alternative, but tinted sunscreens are the best you can use if you want to avoid any white cast and avoid any hassle of over boarding with how to get rid of the white cast from sunscreen. They blend with the skin easily as the tints are suitable for all skin types and give light coverage. Tinted sunscreens will also provide a smooth base without any redness.

• Most of the tinted sunscreens are mineral filters.
• Iron oxide is mostly used to give a tint and protects HEV lights.
• They are suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

3. Applying Technique

To improve the sunscreen application and its work, and to avoid the white cast, apply a product properly. Once you are settled on your brand and the kind of product you want to apply, apply it properly.

How to apply sunscreen?

Step 1: take a small or pea size amount of sunscreen and apply it.

Step 2: dab the product on your skin instead of rubbing it vigorously.

Step 3: cover all of the skin and, if needed, take some more product.

Step 4: let the product sink entirely before applying makeup products.

4. Let The Product Sink

Several products have been developed throughout the years to get rid of the white cast. Before you nag and panic about how sunscreen is making you pale, make sure to wait. Some of the hybrid sunscreens will initially leave a white cast, and as time passes, they will sink into your skin properly, and you won’t feel any heaviness. Give your sunscreen time to settle and work. This will also prevent the skin from impending damage and inflation. And also, the rest of your makeup routine will be smooth once you include this tip on how to get rid of the white cast from sunscreen in general.

• Let the sunscreen settle for 20 to 30 minutes before sun exposure.

5. Low SPF Value

It might sound like a bad idea, but if you’re irritated by the white cast and ready to give up sunscreen for good, why not use a sunscreen with low SPF? SPF 30 is easy to blend compared to SPF 50. A lower SPF value will melt in your skin and leave a lot less white cast than usual. No matter how the companies sell their products, the protection between SPF 30 and SPF 50 is not that severe.

• The main point is to apply and re-applying the sunscreen throughout the day.
• It is recommended to use sunscreen every two hours.

6. Layer Your Sunscreen

I’ve discovered that applying sunscreen in this manner is the most efficient. Probably, you can layer your sunscreen. For example, if a mineral sunscreen is doing its work and you’re comfortable and love it, except it leaves a white cast, we have the perfect solution for you. You can layer your sunscreen with other products on top or just mix the sunscreen with another product and layer it then.

Layering Sunscreen:

Step 1: apply your sunscreen how you normally would.

Step 2: Apply a foundation or concealer on top of it. Or mix the foundation and concealer with the sunscreen and apply it as a second layer.

This will give you the coverage you need and remove the white cast. If you are curious about how to get rid of the white cast from sunscreen, layering your sunscreen is the best way to do it.

7. Gel Sunscreen Formulas

Gel sunscreens are often hybrid sunscreens that are available in a gel formula. These sunscreens mostly look like aloe vera gel and often give a soothing effect on the skin. They come with a high SPF value and have a clear formula. These sunscreens are great for people with darker or tan skin and those who do not like how a cream feels.

• Gel sunscreen will blend into your skin easily, and you don’t have to worry about how to get rid of the white cast from sunscreen.
• They do not leave a white cast.
• They take minimal time to absorb
• They often leave a glossy effect which is also a solution to getting glass skin.
• They can work as a base for the foundation.

8. Sunscreen Oil

If you need more hydration, then just apply the sunscreen oils. Sunscreen oils are the best way to go. This is a lightweight sunscreen, and if you have dehydrated skin gets absorbed into your skin like a serum or toner.

• Sunscreen oils moisturize the skin
• It can be mixed with a moisturizer for extra protection.
• Easy to blend
• Lightweight and non-greasy
• Leaves a glow

9. Foundation with Built-in SPF

There are many foundations in the market with built-in SPF, and they can give you some sort of coverage. If you wear a low SPF value of sunscreen and apply a foundation with SPF in it, it’ll work as a double layer and give you some extra protection. Again, if you live in a place with low sun exposure, you can use this sort of foundation to cover the work with a sunblock. But this is not recommended as the SPF will only work against sun rays, and a foundation has to work with several other facts like providing coverage. So don’t proceed with the market claims at once.

Some of the foundations are:

• Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint- SPF 40
• Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer- SPF 30
• Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer- SPF 30
• It Cosmetics CC+ Cream Full Coverage Foundation- SPF 50+
• Armani Beauty Power Fabric Foundation- SPF 25

10. Products with Built-in

There are several products like primers, blushes, compact powders, and lip balms which has a built-in SPF in them, and you don’t have to do anything on how to get rid of white cast from sunscreen. They can also be applied to give more protection. Some of the products with SPF are:

• Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment- SPF 15
• Laura Marcier Foundation Primer- SPF 30
• Coola Setting Spray- SPF 30
• Amarte Natural Finish BB Cream- SPF 36
• Dermablend Leg And Body Makeup- SPF 25

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List of Sunscreens That Do Not Leave A White Cast

Here we are mentioning some of the mineral and chemical sunscreens which do not leave a white cast. As we were all looking at the tips on how to get rid of the white cast from sunscreen, I want you to look at the sunscreens which do not leave a white cast.

• Sisley Tinted Sunscreen- SPF 30
• Roc Multi Correxion 5 In 1- SPF 30
• La Roche Posay Anthelios 50 Daily Anti-aging Primer- SPF 30
• Supergoop Play Sunscreen- SPF 50
• Supergroup Unseen Sunscreen- SPF 40
• Olay Mineral Sunscreen-SPF 30
• Elta MD UV Spot Sunscreen Lotion- SPF 50
• Black Girl Makes It Matte Sunscreen- SPF 45
• Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense- SPF 60

FAQs

To Sum Up…

Sunscreens are often an essential part of human routines as we face severe disease and environmental threats worldwide. All we can do is adhere to each step, be ready for the worse, and find the best. The whole article was about how to get rid of the white cast from sunscreen, but there is a term that we like to call to accept the white cast. If there is a white cast from your sunscreen, it means that they are working and you’re safe. With skin care products, we do not see the effectiveness, but with sunscreen, we can easily observe it. Most importantly, apply your sunscreen every two hours.

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