There’s a common belief that if you slather on sunscreen, you’ll stay pale no matter how long you’re in the sun. But in reality, the answer is more nuanced. We asked Dr Kiran Sethi, a UK-based dermatologist, to break down what sunscreens can and can’t do and what a tan really tells us.
What Is a Tan, Anyway?
First things first: a tan is actually a reaction in your skin. When your skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays, it produces more melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour. This is the body’s defence mechanism trying to reduce damage from UV exposure. Dr Sethi emphasises, “A tan isn’t proof of health; it’s proof of UV exposure. Even what looks like a mild tan means your skin cells have undergone stress.”
How Sunscreen Works
Sunscreens protect in two primary ways:
- Blocking or filtering UV rays: Some ingredients physically reflect UV (like mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide); others absorb the rays chemically and convert them into harmless energy.
- Reducing the UV that reaches your deeper skin layers: This slows down damage such as sunburn, premature ageing, and DNA damage that can lead to pigmentation and even skin cancer.
But this is important: no sunscreen can block 100% of all UV rays.
Can You Still Get a Tan While Wearing Sunscreen?
Yes, and Dr Sethi explains why:
- Incomplete protection: Even broad-spectrum sunscreens (which protect against UVA and UVB) allow a small percentage of UV through. The SPF number denotes how much UVB protection you’re getting, but UVA (which contributes significantly to tanning and long-term skin damage) is harder to block completely.
- Application amount and frequency: Most people apply too little sunscreen and don’t reapply often. Dr Sethi points out, “Even with SPF 50, if you apply too thinly or skip reapplication, your skin will still be exposed to UV that can trigger melanin production.”
- Behaviour: Longer sun exposure, being out at high UV times (like midday), sweating, swimming — they all reduce the effectiveness of sunscreen.
So yes, with sunscreen, you might still get a light tan, but it will be far less than if you had no protection, and the damage will accumulate more slowly.
Is Any Tan “Safe”?
Dr Sethi is clear: “No. A tan is a sign of damage.” Even if you don’t burn, the pigmentation changes, free radicals, and DNA damage that accumulate under UV exposure are not harmless. Sun protection isn’t about avoiding all colour; it’s about reducing harm.
Tips From Dr Kiran Sethi: How to Use Sunscreen to Minimise Tanning
To get the best protection and reduce tanning risk, Dr Sethi recommends:
- Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with good UVA + UVB protection.
- Use an SPF of at least 30, possibly higher, depending on your skin type and how long you’ll be exposed.
- Apply enough for your face, neck, ears, and hands. Many people underdo it.
- Reapply every two hours, and immediately after swimming or heavy sweating.
- Use complementary protection, hats, clothing, and seek shade during peak sun hours.
- Maintain skin care — moisturisers with antioxidants can help mitigate damage, but they don’t replace sunscreen.