Green Sunscreen? Read Our Review of EltaMD’s New SPF
When people ask me what my main skin concerns are, redness is often among them. I’ve never been diagnosed with rosacea or any other redness-inducing condition, but yet certain areas of my face always require a bit of evening out with makeup. This is especially the case around and on my nose, and on the lower part of my right cheek. When green-tinted color correctors hit the scene, I had found something that really resonated with me, and EltaMD’s new green sunscreen is the latest launch to snag my attention. (There’s also a non-tinted version of the same formula if that’s better-suited for you.) Here’s what to know about the brand’s UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting Green Tint SPF 50 Face Sunscreen.
The Benefits of This Green Sunscreen
I’ve had dozens of makeup artists explain color theory to me over my years as a beauty editor, and the color wheel doesn’t lie. Green and red sit directly opposite each other on the wheel and are considered complementary colors. In color theory, green neutralizes red and creates a more neutral, balanced tone. Such is the case with this new sunscreen, which features a green tint to cancel out redness in the skin via color-correcting technology. This makes it a fantastic option for people with rosacea or those who are prone to lingering redness in certain areas like me. It’s also ideal for use after an in-office procedure like a light chemical peel or nonablative laser. In fact, the formula was dermatologist tested after nonablative lasers and 86-percent of people showed an immediate reduction in visible redness within 15 minutes post-treatment.
So what’s in it, exactly? The UV protection comes from 12.9-percent zinc oxide and is entirely mineral-based. There’s also EltaMD’s patented 2% AA Complex Barrier Repair technology. This is a triple-threat blend of three amino acids that help reduce redness, as well as existing sun damage. It also strengthens the skin barrier. As is the case with most redness-relieving products, you’ll also find soothing centella asiatica. Nourishing ceramides are also in the mix to comfort the skin and help minimize its sensitivity. I love the way the sunscreen feels on my skin. It’s super lightweight and doesn’t pill when I layer makeup on top. I did see a hint of white cast right after I applied it, but it disappeared after a few minutes.
The Clinical Testing
In a 12-week clinical study on 45 female participants with sensitive skin, the sunscreen reduced visible redness immediately and over time. Getting a little bit more granular, it reduced redness by 14 percent in 15 minutes. It also reduced dryness by 72 percent, which is a nice additional benefit if you have dry skin.
