The Sunscreen Myth: Why You’re Still Tanning Even With SPF

You’ve got your beach towel, sunglasses, and that bottle of sunscreen everyone says you need—but as you step into the sun, you wonder: If I’m wearing SPF, will I still tan? Or am I wasting my time trying?

Some people swear sunscreen stops all tanning, while others claim they still get bronzed even with SPF 50. So, what’s the truth? Does sunscreen really prevent tanning, or can you have both protection and a golden glow?

Let’s break down what sunscreen actually does, how it affects tanning, and the best way to get a healthy glow—without the burn.

Does Sunscreen Block Tanning Completely?

No—sunscreen does not completely stop tanning, but it does slow down the process.

How Tanning Works:

Tanning happens when ultraviolet (UV) rays penetrate the skin and trigger melanin production. This is your skin’s natural defense mechanism against sun damage.

There are two types of UV rays that affect your tan:

• UVA rays: These penetrate deep into the skin, stimulating melanin production, which leads to tanning.
• UVB rays: These affect the skin’s surface and are responsible for sunburn.

Sunscreen blocks a percentage of these rays, but not all of them. That’s why you can still develop a tan over time, even with SPF on.

SPF and Its Effect on Tanning

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures how much UVB protection a sunscreen provides, but it does not mean complete sunblock:

• SPF 15 blocks about 93% of UVB rays
• SPF 30 blocks about 97%
• SPF 50 blocks about 98%

Even with SPF 50, some UV rays still reach your skin, meaning you can still tan—just at a slower and safer rate.

Tanning by Skin Type

Your skin type plays a major role in how easily you tan—even when wearing sunscreen. Some people burn quickly, while others develop a deep tan with minimal effort. The Fitzpatrick Skin Type Scale is commonly used to categorize how different skin tones respond to sun exposure.

Regardless of skin type, UVA rays still penetrate and cause long-term damage, so sunscreen is always necessary. The difference is in how quickly you tan and how much protection you need.

How to Tan Safely While Wearing Sunscreen

If you want to develop a natural tan without putting your skin at risk, follow these guidelines:

1. Use SPF 30-50 for the Best Balance

A common misconception is that wearing sunscreen prevents all tanning—but in reality, it just filters out excess UV exposure so that your skin tans gradually instead of burning.

• SPF 30 is ideal for achieving a tan while still offering solid protection.
• SPF 50 is recommended for fair or sensitive skin, as it prevents burning while still allowing gradual tanning.
• Avoid anything below SPF 15—it won’t offer enough protection against sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.

2. Apply Sunscreen Correctly

To tan evenly and safely, sunscreen must be applied the right way:

• Use at least a shot glass worth of sunscreen for your entire body.
• Apply it 15-30 minutes before sun exposure to give it time to absorb.
• Reapply every two hours—sooner if swimming or sweating.

3. Limit Sun Exposure to Avoid Burning

There’s a fine line between a golden tan and damaging your skin. The key is gradual sun exposure:

• Start with 30-60 minutes of sun exposure per day.
• Avoid peak UV hours (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.), when the sun is strongest and most likely to cause sunburn.
• Seek shade periodically to avoid overexposure.

4. Tanning Gradually is Key

If you try to tan too fast, you’ll burn, peel, and lose your tan quickly. The healthiest way to build a tan is slowly over time, allowing your skin to adjust without damage.

• Tanning in shorter sessions over several days helps prevent burns.
• Darker tans last longer because they develop without skin damage.

5. Stay Hydrated and Moisturized

Tanned skin loses moisture faster, so keeping it hydrated helps maintain your glow:

• Drink plenty of water to prevent dryness and peeling.
• Use an aloe vera gel or after-sun lotion to keep your skin moisturized.
• Exfoliate lightly once a week to remove dead skin cells and keep your tan even.

What About Tanning Oils?

Many people use tanning oils to enhance their tan but be cautious. Some tanning oils lack SPF or contain very low SPF (like 4 or 8), which increases your risk of burning. If you want to use a tanning oil:

• Choose one with at least SPF 15-30 for some protection.
• Avoid baby oil or coconut oil alone, as they intensify UV damage without protection.

For a safe alternative, try SPF-infused tanning lotions, which help deepen your tan while still providing UV protection.

Can You Get a Tan in the Shade or With Cloud Cover?

Yes—you can still tan in the shade or on cloudy days because UV rays penetrate through clouds and reflect off surfaces like sand, water, and even concrete.

• Up to 80% of UV rays can pass through clouds.
• You can still tan under an umbrella if UV rays reflect off the surrounding environment.
• If you’re trying to tan safely, spending some time in the shade helps prevent overexposure.

At the end of the day, a slow, sun-safe tan lasts longer and keeps your skin looking healthy and youthful—because a tan is great, but damaged skin is never in style.