Does Sunscreen Prevent Tanning? Dermatologists Explain

The joy associated with spending time out in the sun is real—but so are the harmful effects caused by sun exposure, be it gradual or for short periods of time. We don't have to remind you of the importance of wearing sunscreen. After all, it is the main way you can prevent skin cancer, sunburn, and visible signs of aging. But those of us who love to sport a bronzed appearance may be wondering if you can still tan while wearing SPF.

The truth is, while it may still be possible to get a slight tan even if you do wear sunscreen, no amount (or type) of deliberate tanning is considered safe. Wondering if a healthy way of tanning exists? To help us uncover the truth about sunscreens and tanning, we tapped two dermatologists—Loretta Ciraldo, MD, FAAD, and Michele Green, MD.

Keep reading to learn more about how sunscreen works and how to get a bronze glow sans sun damage.

How Does Sunscreen Work?

The active ingredients of sunscreen, listed separately on SPF labels, work in one of two ways. Ciraldo explains: "Chemical sunscreen actives (also confusingly called 'organic' actives) work by absorbing. Mineral actives (zinc and titanium) work mostly by reflecting ultraviolet rays before they penetrate into skin cells."

Green notes that "sunscreen works by blocking and absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays that would otherwise be absorbed by your skin, causing skin damage like sunburns and potentially skin cancer." She echoes Ciraldo, explaining further that the "physical and chemical properties work together to inhibit UV rays from penetrating your skin. Many sunscreens contain physical components like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which reflect UV radiation off the skin. Other chemical components of the sunscreen like avobenzone interact directly with the radiation to absorb the rays through their chemical bonds and release the energy as heat."

There are a couple of factors that inhibit sunscreen from working. "The most common problem with sunscreen is that we tend not to apply enough product to bring our skin up to the level of protection listed on the [tube]," explains Ciraldo. "For example, to cover our faces adequately, we really should apply a full two fingers breadth worth of product, but most of us apply considerably less. So... we end up with a lower amount of sun protection than stated on the label." 

Green adds that using expired or improperly stored sunscreen might prevent its efficacy. "Sunscreens usually have an expiration date, and once that expiration date has passed, the sunscreen begins to break down and may no longer be as protective against the sun as it was before," she says. "In addition, sunscreen needs to be stored in a cool, dry place. When sunscreen is stored at high temperatures, the sunscreen becomes less stable and eventually starts degrading." 

Does Sunscreen Prevent Skin From Tanning?

Yes, according to our experts, sunscreen does prevent you from tanning—and that's a good thing. "The answer is almost always yes," says Ciraldo. "Sunscreen prevents tanning. Tanning is caused mostly by UVA rays, and if we are using a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB product, most of us will not tan—which is a good thing. The exception is someone who is heavily pigmented to start, where even minimal amounts of UVA that the SPF may permit through will tan [their] skin."

Green explains that tanning is caused by exposure to UV radiation by either the sun or by tanning beds. "The UV radiation causes genetic damage to the epidermis or outer layer of the skin." Then, she explains, "the body tries to combat this damage by producing melanin, the pigment that gives our skin its color. This is what gives us what we call a tan. Sunscreens work by blocking UV radiation and preventing skin damage and are thus incompatible with tanning."

Can Sunscreen Inhibit Vitamin D Intake?

Many people think that regular sun exposure can provide enough vitamin D. But our experts explain that it's actually a little more complicated. "Sunlight exposure triggers the conversion of 7-dehydrocholesterol into pre-vitamin D3 and ultimately into vitamin D3," explains Green. Ciraldo adds that even though sunscreen does "block the skin's ability to synthesize vitamin D, sunbathing alone is never enough for us to produce a healthy level of vitamin D." 

So although "sunscreen can potentially inhibit vitamin D intake," explains Green, "one randomized controlled trial in Australia found no difference in vitamin D levels between adults assigned to use sunscreen and another group assigned to use a placebo cream." She concludes that the risk of "prolonged sun exposure does not outweigh the benefits of getting vitamin D." 

Ciraldo adds that she advises everyone to "ingest 5,000 IU units of vitamin D3 each day. It's best to ask your physician to do a blood test to check your vitamin D3 level to be sure you aren't deficient in this important vitamin." She goes on to say that although "sunlight has many benefits on our mental health, I never recommend getting any amount of sun without sunscreen on our skin."

Is It Possible to Tan Safely?

Ciraldo says dermatologists always emphasize that there's no such thing as tanning safely.

"People cannot tan safely since skin damage is cumulative," says Green. "According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, there is a 75 percent increased risk of developing life-threatening melanoma from just one indoor tanning session before age 35. There is no safe or healthy tan, and any amount of tanning not only raises your chances of getting melanoma but also other skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma."

She goes on to cite a study published in JAMA Dermatology that found that of the 63 women who were diagnosed with melanoma before age 30, 61 of them had used tanning beds. "Given these statistics, it is best to avoid tanning to prevent sun damage, premature aging, and skin cancer."

Even short amounts of exposure to sunlight without sunscreen can be detrimental to your health, according to Green. "I do not recommend getting sun without sunscreen," she says. "Since your risk of skin damage varies [depending on] how strong the UV rays are and your skin tone, it is easy to get too much sunlight." She goes on to emphasize that "even if you are out for short periods of time without sunscreen, this can cause skin damage."

Both our experts agree that self-tanners and tinted sunscreens are the only way to "do" a safe tan. Green notes that if you do apply a self-tanning product, especially a tinted oil, "always make sure you’re applying sunscreen with an SPF of 30 and above before going outside." Consider what type of formula appeals to you when selecting a self-tanner.

• Mousse: "I recommend Jergens's Natural Glow Instant Sun Tanning Mousse," says Green. "This product is lightweight, airy, and dries within 60 seconds, making it quick and easy to apply. Many consumers rave about how flawless and natural this product looks on the skin."
• Oil: When it comes to oils, Green favors Josie Maran's Argan Liquid Gold Self-Tanning Oil. "This product creates a natural-looking bronzed glow while revitalizing the skin with nourishing ingredients. It contains argan oil, coconut water, and aloe vera juice to keep your skin feeling and looking healthy and hydrated."
• Foam: You can also try a foam formula. Green likes Bondi Sands's Self Tanning Foam. "This product applies evenly and streak-free to the skin," she says. "In addition, Bondi Sands's formulas contain aloe vera and coconut, which nourish the skin and leave behind a fresh coconut scent."
• Lotion: The classic lotion self-tanner is also a derm-approved pick. Ciraldo likes Jergens's Natural Glow, which you can choose based on skin tone. "It works a little differently than most self-tanners because you use it every day, and the tan builds over time," she says. "In this way, you have much less risk of a streaky look or skipped areas—looking like strips of tan and lighter skin—that can so easily happen with most self-tanners.
• Spray/Mist: Perhaps the easiest way to apply sunless tanner, sprays, and mists cover the surface area of your skin in a fast and mess-free manner. Its thin formulation allows for a quick drying time, and color can be layered and built up more than you could other textures like mousses and lotions. We like the Neutrogena MicroMist Airbrush Sunless Tan for its easy application and ability to develop gradually.
• Tinted Sunscreens: The beauty market is constantly evolving, and recently, there has been an influx of sunscreens that allow you to look tan while still being protected. For the face, try Drunk Elephant's Umbra 100% Mineral Cream SPF 30/PA+++ Tinted Face Sunscreen, which comes in three mixable shades that allow you to create your own skin tone match. For the body, we like Supergoop!'s Glowscreen SPF 40, which has a glowy (not glittery) finish and is available in four shade options.
  

The Final Takeaway

Because sunscreen works to physically and/or chemically block harmful rays, it's a necessity for going out in the sun. Dermatologists do not advise getting sun without sunscreen and insist there's no such thing as a healthy tan. But this doesn't mean we have to give up the benefits and pleasure of sunlight. "Using SPF does not block the psychological benefits of the sun. We need to avoid getting sunburned because this presents the greatest risk for the development of skin cancer in addition to visible aging changes, including wrinkles and age spots," says Ciraldo.