#Does sunscreen block tanning skin#

You'll also want to stay inside or seek shade during the sun's peak hours. If so, sunscreen is only part of the picture. Maybe you're actively trying to avoid tanning.

#Does sunscreen block tanning skin#

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. So, you might still produce a little extra melanin for a subtle tan. Sunscreen does a good job of protecting you from UVB rays that burn your skin, but you may not be protected from dangerous UVA rays that cause tanning unless you choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen. That's because the SPF rating on your sunscreen only takes UVB rays into account. These sunscreens are less likely to leave a white cast, but oxybenzone can negatively affect coral reefs and other marine life.Īs you may have noticed, however, you can still tan when wearing sunscreen.

Chemical sunscreen contains chemical filters, such as octisalate and oxybenzone, which absorb radiation instead of reflecting it.These sunscreens are zinc or titanium oxide-based and work great on sensitive skin, but they often leave a white cast. Physical or mineral sunscreen creates a physical barrier to reflect the sun's rays away from your body.Since sunscreen blocks UV rays, your body doesn't need to make as much melanin to protect itself, so your skin doesn't turn as dark as it would without sunscreen.ĭifferent types of sunscreen protect you from tanning in different ways:

While your body might produce more melanin, your tan only earns you a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 4, and this increase in melanin is actually a sign of skin damage. Important: Tanning won't protect your skin from UV damage. When exposed to sunlight, your skin tries - emphasis on 'tries' - to shield itself from the sun's UV radiation by producing melanin, which darkens your skin tone and creates a tan.