This past May, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) issued a press release praising how far tinted sunscreens had evolved—specifically calling out how “new developments match a person’s skin tone without leaving a visible white film on the skin.”

“By tailoring the sunscreen formulations to an individual’s skin tone, people are more likely to protect themselves from the sun, therefore reducing their risk of skin cancer,” said dermatologist Henry W. Lim, MD, former chair of the department of dermatology at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, in the release. He also went on to recommend using a tinted sunscreen that “contains iron oxides since they increase the protection against visible light and ultraviolet A radiation.”

“Team tinted” also counts Saddle Brook, NJ dermatologist Dr. Fredric Haberman, and his wife, as fans. “My wife and I both use tinted SPF 40-to-50 sunscreens and I recommend it to patients who don’t like to see white sunscreen,” he says, adding that, in his opinion, there’s no real difference between tinted and untinted sunscreen—just as long as you wear it—and he looks at it as more of a personal preference. “We like tinted options, but we also suggest patients use clear sunscreens on their face.”

“Tinted sunscreen can be used as regular sunscreen,” notes Davie, FL dermatologist Marianna Blyumin-Karasik, MD, but stresses that the same rules for application apply to whatever option one opts for. “It needs to be reapplied regularly, at least every two hours or if the skin gets wet. My favorites are lightweight and universal for versatile skin types, EltaMD Elements ($39)and Alastin Hydratint Pro ($60).”

West Palm Beach, FL dermatologist Kenneth Beer, MD also says there is no real difference between the two in his eyes—and offers this potential advantage: “Depending on the brand, the tint may actually add to the chemical screens used,” he says. “Either way, the numbered SPF must, by federal law, adhere to the SPF it is rated at. The only possible disadvantage is that tinted SPFs can be a bit harder to wash off, so it’s important to be thorough when cleansing.”

While the make up is a bit different when comparing tinted versus untinted, the same sun-safety (and reapplication) rules still apply, stresses cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos, and offers these quick takeaways:

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