Are You Choosing Radiant Defense Over White Casting?

What is White Casting? 

White casting refers to a visible white or grayish residue left on the skin after applying sunscreen. It's more common with mineral sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.    

Let's first understand why sunscreen can leave a white cast:   

Minerals: These minerals act as physical blockers, sitting on top of your skin to deflect UV rays. Because they're white pigments, they can leave a noticeable cast, especially on deeper skin tones. 

Formulation matters: Thicker sunscreen formulas or those with high concentrations of minerals are more likely to cause a white cast.  

Causes White Casting Due to Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide:

Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, the key ingredients in many sunscreens, act as physical UV blockers. In their natural form, they are white in color. They are also good reflectors and scatter photons when light strikes them, though it's possible to make them more transparent through micronization.

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These white particles don't get absorbed or break down easily & protect our skin from radiation.​

UV rays are reflected before reaching the skin due to the reflective properties of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, making them key ingredients in sunscreen. 

​Though Zinc Oxide and titanium dioxide offer all these benefits, they also offer some disadvantages. ​

The non-absorbing nature of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide is the reason why white casting occurs because these minute white particles of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide gather over the skin surface and give a white appearance which may be more noticeable on darker skin.  

Now let's learn about the factors that lead to greasiness in sunscreen:    

Most sunscreens contain oil-based ingredients for water resistance and long-lasting effects. Mostly, softening agents, thickening agents, and wax are used in sunscreens.  One such most-used component is Acrylate. Its chemical composition not only helps to thicken the sunscreen consistency but also makes it water resistant. It is safe to use on the skin if used in lower concentrations. 

There are two main factors responsible for a greasy sunscreen feeling:

Ingredients:Sunscreens often contain oils to help them spread easily on the skin and make them water-resistant. These oils can leave a greasy residue, especially if used in high concentrations. Some sunscreens also contain thickening agents and waxes to create a specific texture in the sunscreen, too much of these can make the sunscreen feel heavy and greasy.

Formulation: Sometimes poor formulation affects how greasy it feels. If ingredients don’t blend properly or UV filters don’t absorb well into the skin, they may leave a greasy residue.  

But is there any solution for white casting and greasiness? Yes, there are a few tips that one should follow to avoid white casting & greasiness: 

For White Cast: 

1. Pick your sunscreen wisely: Use mineral sunscreens labeled as "lightweight" with micronized zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These particles are smaller and can easily blend into the skin.

2. Sunscreen Selection: If white cast is a major concern, try sunscreen which absorbs into the skin and typically doesn't leave a residue. 

3. Application technique: Apply a thin layer of sunscreen and gently mix it into your skin instead of rubbing. This allows for better absorption and reduces the risk of white cast. 

For Greasiness

1. Look for the right ingredients: Choose sunscreens labeled as "oil-free" or "non-comedogenic to avoid pore blockage. 

2. Lightweight formulas: Go for lightweight, water-based, or gel sunscreens. These are less greasy than thicker creams or lotions. 

3. Moisturization: Use sunscreen which contains ingredients such as Hyaluronic acid to keep your skin moisturized & regenerate its natural skin barrier. 

Does your sunscreen contain hyaluronic acid? 

Hyaluronic acid is noncomedogenic (i.e. it does not block pores)  in nature and is naturally present in the human body to maintain moisture levels. It has good water-retaining properties which makes it a key ingredient in skincare for hydration. Its hydrating nature helps it to reduce fine lines and gives you plumpy skin. 

The presence of fenugreek seeds helps reduce melanin production and protects against hyperpigmentation.

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Conclusion

Still figuring out which sunscreen to choose? Make sure to choose sunscreen which not only solves your problem of white casting & greasy feel but also contains ingredients like Fenugreek seed, aloe vera, and hyaluronic acid for skin hydration.