Does sunscreen help you tan?

Author: Ms. Daniella Schulist  |  Last update: Monday, January 5, 2026

Sunscreen does a great job protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, but yes, it also affects your ability to tan. The fact of the matter is that while you will still get somewhat of a tan while wearing sunscreen, you won't get as dark of a tan.

Can you get a tan with sunscreen?

In short, the answer is yes. Whilst sunscreen works to reflect and absorb the majority of UV rays, it is designed to let a small number through.

Do I tan better with or without sunscreen?

Yes, tanning without sunscreen can lead to faster tanning because sunscreen protects your skin from UV radiation, which is responsible for tanning. However, tanning without protection significantly increases the risk of skin damage, sunburn, and long-term effects like skin cancer and premature aging.

Can sunscreen help to reduce tan?

While it doesn't stop tanning completely, using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF can significantly minimize the extent of tanning by blocking UVB rays responsible for sunburn and UVA rays that penetrate deeper into the skin.

Is SPF 30 or 50 better for tanning?

SPF 50 sunscreen formulas block a greater percentage of UVB rays. This means that the tanning effect will be even slower compared to SPF 30. SPF 50 is recommended for individuals who want to minimize tanning effects.

WILL I TAN IF WEARING SUNSCREEN?

Why do I tan so easily even with sunscreen?

Your Sunscreen Doesn't Have Enough UVA Protection

However, it's the UVA rays that cause tanning. In North America, look for the words “Broad Spectrum” as an indication that the sun filters used in the formulation protect from both UVB and UVA rays.

How to get a golden tan?

To get a fast, beautiful and natural tan, see the following tips:
  1. Eat a diet rich in beta-carotenes. ...
  2. Exfoliate your skin. ...
  3. Sunbathe with sunscreen. ...
  4. Moisturize and nourish the skin. ...
  5. Avoid prolonged exposure. ...
  6. Change positions frequently. ...
  7. Take breaks. ...
  8. Use self-tanner.

What SPF is best for tanning?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), any sun protection product to a degree containing a broad-spectrum rating of SPF 30 or more will guard your skin against sun-related damage including sunburns, skin cancer, early signs of aging, and, you guessed it, tanning.

How to tan if you're pale?

Here's what you need to do:
  1. Exfoliation. This step is crucial if you want to avoid a tan that looks patchy. ...
  2. Hydrate. Dry skin doesn't tan well. ...
  3. Sunscreen is Your Friend, Not Your Enemy. Contrary to popular belief, sunscreen won't block you from tanning. ...
  4. Consider What You're Eating.

Do you tan better wet or dry?

Moist skin will tan better and more evenly than dry skin. Your skin knows that moisture is important and uses a variety of methods to retain moisture in its surface. Your skin retains water within its natural oils to help them maintain an ordered structure around each skin cell.

Is it pointless to tan without lotion?

You can lose up to 50% of your tan if you aren't using quality lotion. The lotion helps your skin absorb the UV rays and will help you get the most out of your tanning session.

Why shouldn't you wear sunscreen every day?

Why You Shouldn't Wear Sunscreen Every Day. If you were to use sunscreen every day, your body would continuously absorb any chemicals it contains, potentially much faster than your body can filter and excrete them.

Do you tan faster without sunscreen?

Yes, you will tan faster without sunscreen because your skin is not protected from the sun's rays. This doesn't mean that you should ditch the sunscreen, however. Unprotected exposure to UV rays can lead to skin damage, so it's important to use sunscreen even if you're trying to tan quickly.

Can you still get darker with sunscreen?

But how does sunblock affect tanning? Sunscreen does a great job protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, but yes, it also affects your ability to tan. The fact of the matter is that while you will still get somewhat of a tan while wearing sunscreen, you won't get as dark of a tan.

What is the best self-tanner?

After extensive testing, we determined the highest rated self-tanner to be the St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse. It's an airy mousse that's easy to apply and blend and leaves you with a natural-looking glow. You can also customize the depth of color based on how long you leave it on your skin.

Will you still tan with sunscreen?

Tanning is still possible: Even with sunscreen on, a small percentage of UV rays can penetrate, allowing for tanning of the skin. Choosing the right sunscreen: Opting for broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a high SPF is pivotal, especially when aiming to tan with less risk.

Is SPF 50 too high for tanning?

Yes, you read that right! Even formulas as strong as SPF 50 don't block all ultraviolet rays, which are the ones that color your skin a nice, even bronze. That means you can get a bronze tan while ensuring you don't burn and try to avoid skin cancer at the same time. Want to know more?

What oil helps you tan?

Coconut oil absorbs really well and enhances the tan due to stimulating the production of melanin in the skin. It also protects the skin from photoageing, minimises the risk of sunburn, nourishes and hydrates the skin, prevents dryness, tightness and flaking, and boosts the skin's elasticity and firmness.

What makes you tan super fast?

Apply a sunbed cream or tanning accelerator prior tanning

All these products are specifically formulated in a way that enables you to tan faster and get a darker colour. Make sure you use products suitable for your skin type. If you are a beginner tanner, avoid some of those products such as bronzers and tingles .

How do the Kardashians get so tan?

Jimmy is a tanner to the stars - Kim Kardashian gets a Jimmy tan every week, and he works with the rest of the Jenner/Kardashian clan, Jennifer Aniston, and Heidi Klum. He tans the Victoria's Secret girls and Ariana Grande even took him on tour with her to keep her glow alive.

Do you tan faster in water or laying out?

You don't necessarily tan faster in water or laying out. This is because water reflects UV rays, so you may not be getting as much exposure as you think if you're actually in the pool.

How much longer does it take to tan with sunscreen?

Sunscreen only extends the length of time until burning takes place, it does not impact how deeply a person will tan or how long it will take to show a tan.

Why do I burn instead of tan?

Since the amount of melanin you can produce is determined by genetics, some people are more prone to burn, while others tan. Although any skin tone can burn, people with naturally darker skin are less likely to do so.

Can you tan in the shade?

Indeed, elements that are part of our environment, such as sand, snow or the surface of water can reflect sunlight onto our skin. Consequently, our skin comes into contact with harmful UV rays, even when we are under a tree or an umbrella. Therefore, it is entirely possible to tan in the shade.

Previous article
What skin lasers are FDA approved?
Next article
Do men have body splash?