Quick Question: Can You Still Get Tan Wearing SPF?
May 11, 2023
Always wear sunscreen — it’s the cardinal rule of skincare. But when summer (or a tropical vacation) rolls around, you may consider skipping the sunscreen in favor of achieving a sun-kissed tan. For the sake of your health, however, we recommend opting for self-tanner instead. Regular application of SPF will keep your skin protected from UVA and UVB rays, which in turn helps prevent skin cancer and premature signs of aging. To find out more about why you should wear sunscreen and some of our favorite formulas, keep reading.
Can You Get Tan While Wearing Sunscreen?
“Of course you can still get a tan while wearing sunscreen,” says Vanda Serrador, facialist and founder of Urban Skin. “It all depends on the strength of the SPF.” Simply put, the SPF number is a measure of how long your skin can be in direct sunlight without beginning to get red or sunburn. Keep in mind that SPF only measures protection from UVB rays, the type that causes the skin to burn, and not UVA rays, the type that age the skin with over-exposure. That’s why it’s important to reach for a sunscreen with broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection.
How to Protect Your Skin From Sun Damage
There’s no such thing as a safe tan — so your goal should be to protect your skin from sun damage. “Sun exposure causes changes at the DNA level of the skin cells, triggering the cells that produce pigment to increase their output of melanin,” says Dr. Ted Lain, a board-certified dermatologist and Skincare.com consultant. “Therefore, if you consider that a tan represents damage to your DNA, how could any tan be safe?”
That’s not to say that you should stay locked up indoors all the time but rather take adequate sun protection measures when you do step outside. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), dermatologists recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which will block 97% of UVB rays. There is no sunscreen that will block 100 percent of UV rays, so your skin, especially if it burns easily, may still get some color even with sunscreen on — just at a slower rate. The AAD recommends reaching for a broad-spectrum UVA and UVB sunscreen (it has to be labeled as such) that has at least SPF 30.
Whichever sunscreen you choose, make sure to apply it directly onto your skin at least 15 minutes prior to sun exposure. Don’t forget to reapply the formula every two hours at minimum, and if you’re swimming or excessively sweating, reapply sunscreen immediately afterwards and more frequently.
For a better line of protection, pair your sunscreen use with additional sun protection measures, such as wearing protective clothing, seeking shade and avoiding peak sun hours (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.). If you want to get the safest tan, opt for self-tanners or spray tans instead. We’re partial to the L'Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Facial Drops for a realistic-looking glow.
Ahead, we rounded up six broad-spectrum sunscreens we trust to keep our skin protected.
Our Favorite Sunscreens
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anthelios UV Correct Face Sunscreen SPF 70 With Niacinamide
Designed to help prevent sun damage and correct existing signs of it, this sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection and a powerful anti-aging antioxidant complex. Niacinamide helps fade the look of discoloration and soothes sensitive skin. The formula is also oil-free and non-comedogenic, making it less prone to clog your pores.
CeraVe Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 for Face & Body
This broad-spectrum sunscreen utilizes a combination of mineral and chemical UV filters to reflect and absorb the sun’s rays. It’s a sheer, lightweight, hydrating formula that layers seamlessly under makeup and won’t leave your skin with a white cast. Plus, it’s non-comedogenic and has a non-greasy feel.
L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Invisible UV Fluid
This lightweight sunscreen combines SPF 50 with antioxidant-rich vitamins C and E, leaving your skin protected from the sun’s rays and from damaging free radicals. The non-greasy chemical formula won’t leave behind a white cast and helps to prevent dark spots.
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
This weightless tinted sunscreen is formulated with transparent zinc oxide, artemia salina and translucent color spheres to adapt seamlessly to various skin tones. The formula features a breakthrough technology where iron oxide spheres evenly disperse within the fluid to provide a sheer veil of coverage, UV protection and a subtle glow. What’s more: It’s paraben-free and non-comedogenic, making it an ideal choice for all skin types.
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
This weightless, invisible primer offers SPF 40 with makeup-gripping abilities. It’s formulated with antioxidants and blocks broad-spectrum UVA and UVB rays as well as the blue light emitted from phones and computers.
Bare Republic Mineral SPF 30 Face Sunscreen Lotion
The cream-to-powder formula goes on silky-smooth and feels comfortable on the skin. It protects your skin with a mineral matte formula that’s packed with antioxidant-rich raspberry, grape and carrot seed oils to fight free radiants and promote healthy skin.
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