Does Sunscreen Prevent Tanning? Find Out What the Pros Say

By Elizabeth Denton

Published on July 7, 2022

Woman applying sunscreen at beach on sunny day

By now you know certain things folks did to get tan back in the day—even as recent as the early 2000s—can cause skin cancer. No longer are tanning beds popular, and neither is laying outside all day covered in lotion meant to increase your sun exposure (yes, people did that!). But what about when you get a tan and you’re wearing SPF? Does sunscreen prevent you from tanning fully and if not, is this still dangerous?

Well, the answer to these questions is a bit complicated. That’s why we enlisted NYC-based, board-certified dermatologist Dhaval G. Bhanusali, MD FAAD. Keep reading to find out how to protect your skin and ensure that “healthy glow” doesn’t do more harm than good.

Meet the Expert

Dhaval G. Bhanusali, MD, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist in NYC.

Does Sunscreen Stop You From Tanning?

Well, yes and no. “It doesn’t [stop you from tanning] but it provides a barrier to minimize the damage that UV can cause,” Dr. Bhanusali says. Basically, sunscreen may prevent tanning to some degree but you still may get a slight tan while wearing sunscreen. Unfortunately, no tan is a safe tan (except a sunless tan!), which is why it’s so important to wear sunscreen every day, reapply when you’re out in the sun, and maybe even decrease your sun exposure by sitting under an umbrella or wearing protective clothing.

How Sunscreen Works

You’ve probably heard there are two types of SPF: mineral sunscreen and chemical sunscreen. They each work differently to block harmful UV rays and minimize sun damage. “It is believed that physical sunscreens (which have ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) work by physically clocking and deflecting the sun’s UV rays,” Dr. Bhanusali says. “Chemical sunscreens (including ingredients like avobenzone, homosalate, and octinoxate) are thought to absorb the rays like a sponge and prevent them from damaging the underlying skin.”

Neither mineral nor chemical sunscreen is perfect and which option you choose often depends on your lifestyle. If it’s easy to use and readily available, that’s your best choice.

What Happens When You Tan

“When you get a tan, it’s your body’s way of preventing further injury by trying to protect itself,” Dr. Bhanusali says. “UVB rays have a shorter wavelength and tend to penetrate to the basal layer of our epidermis where they can cause damage to our DNA.”

These harmful UVA rays tend to penetrate deeper and can cause collagen and elastin breakdown over time, leading to increased wrinkles, sun spots, and overall premature aging. “Prolonged UVA/UVB damage can lead to skin cancers although often a single bad day in the sun can be enough to cause atypical cells to form,” Dr. Bhanusali adds. Yes, one day.

That’s why if you’re swimming or even just sweating in the sun, it’s important to reapply water-resistant sun protection and to always use broad-spectrum sunscreen. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, wearing sunscreen with SPF 15 may reduce your risk of melanoma skin cancers by up to 50 percent, as well as non-melanomas by 40 percent. SPF 30 or higher is best if you’re outside all day. Don’t stress about going as high as SPF 50 though — studies have shown SPF 50 and higher often provides a false sense of security for the minimal additional sun protection.

Why Sunscreen Is so Important

Dr. Bhanusali compares wearing sunscreen as brushing your teeth: an essential part of your routine and one of the best things you can do for your health. “It is our way of protecting our skin from the UVA/UVB rays that can lead to skin cancers, aging, pigment, etc.,” he says. To prevent tanning as much as possible — and to prevent sunburn of course — apply sunscreen even on days you’re not at the beach or by the pool, such as walking your dog or shopping outdoors. Each little sun exposure adds up.

Best Sunscreens to Prevent Tanning and Sun Damage

1. NEOGEN DERMALOGY Day-Light Protection Airy Sunscreen

This lightweight sunscreen contains a broad spectrum SPF 50 but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to apply it – especially out in the sun. There are also 20 plant extracts (like aloe, arnica, and damask rose) to help keep your skin hydrated.

2. SUPERGOOP! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

This chemical sunscreen is weightless, paraben-free, fragrance-free, and totally invisible when applied to the skin. Those with darker skin love that it never leaves a white cast on the face. Dr. Bhanusali says his male patients also appreciate how invisible it is.