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Sun Care

Tinted vs regular sunscreen: which is better for Indian skin?

What the tint actually does, why visible light matters for pigmentation, and how to pick the right SPF.

Walk into any pharmacy and you will see regular sunscreens and tinted ones side by side. Many people think the tint is just for looks. For Indian skin, it does a lot more.

What regular sunscreen protects against

Every good sunscreen should be broad spectrum, meaning it protects against:

  • UVB: the rays that cause sunburn. SPF measures this.
  • UVA: the rays that go deeper, causing tanning, pigmentation and early ageing. Look for "broad spectrum", "UVA" or PA+++ on the label.

What tinted sunscreen adds: visible-light protection

Visible light is the light we can see. Research has shown that in medium to deep skin tones, visible light can trigger long-lasting darkening and worsen melasma and dark spots, even when UV is blocked.

Most clear sunscreens let visible light through. Tinted sunscreens contain iron oxides, the pigments that give them colour, and these help block visible light. That is why dermatologists often recommend a tinted sunscreen to people with pigmentation.

Other benefits of a tint

  • No white cast, which is common with mineral sunscreens on Indian skin tones.
  • Evens out tone lightly, so many people skip foundation.
  • Easier to see that you have applied enough.

How to choose

  1. SPF 50 for Indian sun, broad spectrum UVA + UVB.
  2. Visible-light protection clearly mentioned.
  3. A texture you will actually wear daily. Gels and matte finishes suit oily, humid weather.
  4. A shade that blends into your skin.

PRO TACTO ticks all four: a tinted SPF 50 gel with visible-light protection, an ultra-matte finish and soothing botanicals like kesar, licorice, calendula and centella.

Pairing it with a brightening serum

If you are working on dark spots, use a brightening serum like CROCUS ELIXIR underneath. The serum helps fade existing spots; the tinted sunscreen helps stop new ones from forming. Read our 2-step morning routine.

Find out more in our guide to the best sunscreen for Indian skin.

Patch test every new product on your inner arm for 24 hours. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have an ongoing skin condition, book a free consultation with a Burnett doctor before starting.

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Products in this routine.

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Advanced Brightening & Skin Renewal Serum

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₹750 · 50 ml
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