Even for a little time, exposure to the sun is extremely harmful as it weakens your immune system leading to cancers, sun spots, and unhealthy skin. The best way to prevent sun damage is to stay out of the sun but that seems quite impossible. This is where sunscreen comes in.
Many people have a lot of misconceptions about sunscreen and tanning. Sunscreen can decrease the chances of you getting a tan but won’t necessarily prevent tanning. When your skin is exposed to the sun for too long, it gets sunburnt.
Tanning occurs due to the release of melanin in the sunburnt area.
Here we can explain it better by understanding how sunscreen works:
How Sunscreen Works
Sunscreen is a topical product that protects your skin from damage caused by harmful sun rays ( UV rays). It acts like a filter.
Sunscreen doesn’t completely block the UV rays but reduces the number of rays reaching your skin.
Sunscreens are available in many forms like gel, cream, stick, and sprays.
Types of Sunscreen
There are two types of sunscreens
- Chemical Sunscreen
- Mineral Sunscreen
Chemical Sunscreen
Chemical-based sunscreens like oxybenzone and octisalate absorb UV (Ultra Violet) rays and alter them before they can damage your skin.
Chemical sunscreens are effective after 20 minutes of application. Therefore, you should apply them accordingly before going out in the sun.
Mineral Sunscreen
Mineral sunscreens containing Zinc and titanium oxide reflect and scatter UV rays away from your skin.
Unlike chemical sunscreens, mineral sunscreens are effective right after application so there is no need to worry about applying them beforehand.
Understanding UV rays
The UV (Ultra Violet) rays coming from the sun are of two types.
- UVA rays
- UVB rays
UVA rays penetrate through your skin and cause deeper damage like wrinkles and premature aging. On the other hand, UVB rays cause sunburn and skin damage.
What Causes Tanning
According to Skin Cancer Foundation, Tanning is caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds that causes genetic damage to cells on your utmost layer of skin. The skin tries to prevent further injury by producing melanin (the pigment that gives our skin its color) that results in darkening – what we call a tan.
Role of SPF
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) determines how well a sunscreen absorbs the UVB rays.
No sunscreen can block 100% UVB rays. Even higher SPFs like SPF 50+ protect from 98% UVB rays. Sunscreen only prevents skin damage and sunburn but not tanning.
Can Higher SPF Prevent Tanning?
SPF only determines the UVB rays absorption. A higher SPF means more protection from UVB rays.
UVA rays are responsible for tanning and skin aging. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen can assure more protection from UVA rays.
So when buying sunscreen you should look for the ones labeled as “broad spectrum”
Risks of Tanning Without Sunscreen
Going without sunscreen means you’re exposing your skin to dangerous UVA and UVB rays.
Your skin is at a higher risk of developing sunburn that not only affects your appearance but also your overall health.
Short-term effects include reddening of skin, blisters, and swelling.
In the long run, going without sunscreen greatly enhances the chances of hyperpigmentation, premature aging, and skin cancer.
Why It’s Essential To Wear Sunscreen
Wearing sunscreen is extremely essential even on cloudy days.
There are several reasons why you should wear sunscreen every day:
- Lowers risk of skin cancer
- Prevents premature aging and wrinkles
- Prevents sunburn
- Prevents sun damage
- Gives an even skin tone
How To Prevent Tanning
Sunscreen does not prevent tanning because it does not protect against 100% UVA rays. Other factors involved in tanning your skin include sun exposure and skin tone.
You can prevent tanning by taking the following measures:
- Use sunscreen with UVA protection
- Wear a hat
- Walk on the shadier side
- Wear sunglasses and full clothes
- Cover your hands and legs completely
The Correct Way to Apply Sunscreen
Use enough sunscreen: About 1 ounce (enough to fill a shot glass) is the average sunscreen requirement to cover the whole body.
Apply sunscreen before going outdoors: It requires 15 minutes for sunscreen to absorb into your skin, so apply it about 30 minutes before going out.
Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin: Make sure to apply sunscreen to all exposed parts of your skin, especially your face, neck, hands, and ears.
Reapply after every 2 hours: If you want to be protected all the time then reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours while you’re out or after swimming or perspiring.
FAQs
Is sunscreen harmful to the skin?
According to NCBI. certain ingredients like avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, and ecamsule present in chemical sunscreens are harmful to you. Further studies show that oxybenzone can be responsible for health problems like endometriosis. Pregnant women are at more risk because oxybenzone has adverse birth effects including birth defects and shorter pregnancies.
Mineral sunscreens, however, are considered safe for use and do not pose any health risks.
Can sunscreen affect Vitamin D intake?
Yes, sunscreen can decrease your intake of Vitamin D from sunlight. The American Academy of Dermatology does not recommend getting vitamin D from sun exposure or indoor tanning. It is recommended to fulfill your Vitamin D needs from food sources like fish, eggs, milk, and juices.
Do I still have to wear sunscreen if I have darker skin?
Yes, absolutely. Wearing sunscreen is irrelevant to your skin color. Studies show that black people are also likely to develop skin cancer.
Conclusion
Does sunscreen prevent tanning? No, it does not.
Wearing sunscreen does not mean you can stay out in the sun for longer periods. Even broad-spectrum sunscreens cannot prevent tanning if your skin is exposed to the sun for longer.
Sunscreens should be used every day because UVA and UVB rays are very harmful to your skin.
Dermatologists recommend using sunscreen 30 minutes before going out and reapplying after every 2 hours.
Here’s an article about Best Sunscreens for Your Face in 2023
