Imagine this: you’re dreaming of that perfect, sun-kissed glow, but the thought of harmful UV rays makes you pause. We all want to look and feel our best, and a healthy tan can certainly boost our confidence. But the real challenge comes when you try to find a sunscreen that actually helps you tan, without letting you get burned to a crisp.
Choosing the right sunscreen can feel like a puzzle. You want to protect your skin from damage, but you also want to develop a beautiful tan. It’s confusing to figure out which products will help you achieve that golden hue safely. Many sunscreens promise protection, but do they help you get that coveted tan? Or do they just block the sun entirely?
This post is here to clear up all the confusion. We’ll dive into the world of sunscreens designed to help you tan. You’ll learn how they work, what ingredients to look for, and how to use them wisely. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to get that gorgeous tan you’ve been wanting, all while keeping your skin healthy and happy.
Top Sunscreen To Tan Recommendations
- 100 PERCENT MINERAL FACE SUNSCREEN SPF 50: Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide deliver broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. The lightweight, powder-matte BB cream formula suits sensitive, acne-prone skin.
- SEAMLESS COVERAGE FOR MEDIUM TO TAN SKIN TONES: Delivers a smooth, vanishing tint with no white cast and blurs imperfections for a soft-focus finish. Layer with makeup or wear alone. Between shades? Choose the lighter one.
- ANTIOXIDANT AND BLUE LIGHT DEFENSE: Eucalyptus, Red Algae and Vitamin E help defend against environmental aggressors and blue light. Shea Butter and Glycerin hydrate without clogging pores. 2.5 fl oz tube, PCR packaging.
- BLENDS INTO SKIN, DERMATOLOGICALLY TESTED: A tinted mineral formula that evens tone and layers under makeup. Country of Origin USA, Hawaii Act 104 compliant, PABA and gluten free, PETA Approved.
- EST. 1985, OVER 40 YEARS OF SUN CARE: Australian Gold was created in 1985, inspired by the sun-loving lifestyle and nourishing ingredients of Australia.
- INSANELY DARK UV TANNING BED LOTION. i boost + accelerate natural tan results to the darkest level thanks to x4000 tanner intensifiers
- x4000 TANNING INTENSIFIERS. i'm made with peptides to help boost skin melanin levels while activating + accelerating the tanning process
- SO MOISTURIZING. i’m juiced up with acai berry to leave your skin feeling soft + supple
- EASY TO USE. apply lotion liberally + evenly to your whole body before sun or UV bed exposure. re-apply as necessary.
- VEGAN FRIENDLY. i'm free of nasties and i love animals so i'm vegan + cruelty free
- Sunscreen for body and face: Aveeno Protect + Hydrate broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 60 protects skin from UVA and UVB rays; refreshing, weightless lotion rubs in invisibly and leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated all day
- Moisturizing sunscreen with prebiotic oat: Sunscreen for dry skin formulated with prebiotic oat to help leave skin soft and moisturized all day; non-greasy sunscreen that is paraben-free and suitable for daily use
- Gentle formula: Sunscreen for sensitive skin delivers all-day hydration; decreases the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun when used as directed with other sun protection measures
- Broad spectrum sunscreen: Provides powerful broad spectrum SPF 60 protection against sunburn and early skin aging caused by the sun; sweat and water resistant sunscreen for up to 80 minutes, ideal for outdoor activities and active lifestyles
- Protect + hydrate benefits: The benefits of a body lotion with sunscreen and a moisturizer with SPF 60; powerful sun protection formulated with oat from the dermatologist recommended brand for over 80 years
- FACE TANNER - Create a flawless, sun kissed fake tan with gradual, natural-looking color while protecting against the sun for fair to medium skin tones
- SUN PROTECTION - Our lightweight Natural Glow moisturizer includes broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection and keeps your skin hydrated
- ACHIEVE A HEALTHY-LOOKING TONE - With Jergens Daily Moisturizer's blend of nutrients and skin-tone enhancers, expect a beautiful, natural-looking facial tan within a week. Try going makeup free in 7 days
- FRESH SCENTED SUNLESS TANNING - Jergens Natural Glow self-tanning daily facial moisturizers will keep you feeling fresh with a light and fresh scent
- DAILY SKIN HYDRATION - Simply use as your daily face lotion for long lasting moisture, smoothing on evenly to freshly cleansed face
- FACE TANNER - Create a flawless, sun kissed fake tan with gradual, natural-looking color while protecting against the sun for fair to medium skin tones
- SUN PROTECTION - Our lightweight Natural Glow moisturizer includes broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection and keeps your skin hydrated
- ACHIEVE A HEALTHY-LOOKING TONE - With Jergens Daily Moisturizer's blend of nutrients and skin-tone enhancers, expect a beautiful, natural-looking facial tan within a week. Try going makeup free in 7 days
- FRESH SCENTED SUNLESS TANNING - Jergens Natural Glow self-tanning daily facial moisturizers will keep you feeling fresh with a light and fresh scent
- DAILY SKIN HYDRATION - Simply use as your daily face lotion for long lasting moisture, smoothing on evenly to freshly cleansed face
- Tan-Luxe Sci-Tech SPF 50 body sunscreen – Broad spectrum protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays in a lightweight, non-greasy photoadaptive hydra-gel formula
- Solar Adapt Technology – This sunscreen has advanced photo-adaptive UV protection with no pilling, no white cast, and no greasy finish
- Sea Screen Complex – SPF for body application provides skin barrier protection while the Fruit Extract Blend soothes redness and inflammation
- Primer-friendly formula – Fast-absorbing sun screen spray works on bare skin or before makeup; Raspberry Seed Oil provides antioxidant protection against harmful free radicals
- Self-tan with skincare benefits – In addition to this body sunscreen for women and men, Tan-Luxe creates luxury, high-performance self-tan powered by skincare to deliver custom, streak-free results with a natural, skin-enhancing glow
- SPF sun protection: Broad spectrum SPF 70 sunscreen lotion with Helioplex technology that delivers UVA/UVB protection from sunburn and harsh summer elements
- Lightweight sunscreen lotion: Designed for fast, even application, with a lightweight sunscreen lotion formulated to leave skin feeling non-greasy
- Dermatologist recommended sunscreen brand: Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes during outdoor activities like swimming, sweating, and sports
- Sunscreen you'll love to wear: Non-greasy sunscreen lotion designed to absorb quickly without a greasy or sticky residue
- Made for family use: Sunscreen lotion is ideal for beach trips and other outdoor activities; easy-to-pack SPF sunscreen for everyday broad spectrum protection
- Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Aging Perfector combines the best of skin care and makeup in one tinted moisturizer; its formula instantly erases the look of imperfections while working to improve your skin's appearance over time
- Powered by retinol, this tinted moisturizer with SPF 20 is clinically proven to smooth skin's texture and visibly reduce fine lines even after removal; the anti-aging formula provides immediate coverage while improving skins appearance over time
- Enjoy sheer, easily blendable coverage that works across all skin tones, giving your complexion a natural, dewy finish; this lightweight face moisturizer with SPF 20 feels comfortable and creates a youthful, radiant appearance
- Broad-spectrum SPF 20 protection to help shield against harmful UVA/UVB rays that accelerate the signs of skin aging; apply 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply at least every 2 hours for continuous protection
- Available in 6 shades to complement different skin tones; apply this face moisturizer with fingers or a sponge all over face for beautiful, younger-looking skin with a natural finish
Your Guide to Sunscreen That Helps You Tan
Are you dreaming of a beautiful, sun-kissed glow without the worry of burning? Many people want to get a tan but are scared of getting sunburned. Sunscreen is usually for protecting your skin from the sun. But some special sunscreens can help you tan safely. This guide will help you choose the best one.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you shop for sunscreen that helps you tan, keep these important things in mind.
SPF Level: The Sun Protection Factor
SPF tells you how well the sunscreen protects your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. For a sunscreen that helps you tan, you usually want a lower SPF. This is because a very high SPF blocks almost all the sun’s rays, which stops you from tanning. Look for SPFs between 15 and 30. This offers good protection while still letting your skin develop a tan.
UVA and UVB Protection: The Sun’s Rays
The sun sends out two main types of rays: UVA and UVB. UVB rays cause sunburn. UVA rays can cause skin to age and also contribute to tanning. A good tanning sunscreen should protect against both. Look for “Broad Spectrum” on the label. This means it protects from both UVA and UVB rays.
Water Resistance: For Fun in the Sun and Water
If you plan to swim or sweat a lot, water-resistant sunscreen is a must. It stays on your skin longer when you get wet. Most water-resistant sunscreens work for about 40 or 80 minutes. You’ll need to reapply it after swimming or sweating.
Moisturizing Ingredients: Keeping Skin Happy
Tanning can sometimes dry out your skin. Look for sunscreens with ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or vitamin E. These ingredients keep your skin soft and healthy while you tan.
2. Important Materials
The ingredients in your sunscreen matter.
Active Ingredients
These are the ingredients that protect your skin. For tanning sunscreens, you’ll find lower concentrations of chemical filters like avobenzone, octinoxate, or oxybenzone. These help absorb UVB rays. Mineral blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are also sometimes used. They sit on top of the skin to reflect the sun’s rays.
Inactive Ingredients
These are the other parts of the sunscreen. They help the product feel good on your skin and spread easily. Things like water, alcohol, and silicones are common. Natural oils and extracts are also often added for their skin-loving benefits.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all tanning sunscreens are created equal. Here’s what makes them better or worse.
What Makes Quality Better
- Balanced Protection: A good balance of UVA and UVB protection is key. Too much protection stops tanning, too little causes burning.
- Good Texture: A sunscreen that feels light and non-greasy is much nicer to use. It should spread easily without leaving a white cast.
- Added Skin Benefits: Sunscreens with vitamins or antioxidants can help your skin stay healthy.
What Makes Quality Worse
- Too High SPF: An SPF of 50 or higher will likely prevent tanning altogether.
- Sticky or Greasy Feel: A sunscreen that feels heavy or sticky can be unpleasant to wear.
- Irritating Ingredients: Some people are sensitive to certain chemicals. If a sunscreen burns or itches, it’s not good quality for you.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your tanning sunscreen and what you do with it affects your experience.
Everyday Use
You can use these sunscreens on sunny days when you want a gradual tan. They are great for days at the beach, by the pool, or even just relaxing in your backyard. Always remember to apply it before you go outside.
Outdoor Activities
Planning a hike, a picnic, or a sports day? Tanning sunscreen can help you build a tan while you enjoy the outdoors. Reapply it often, especially if you sweat.
Achieving a Gradual Tan
These sunscreens are designed to help you tan slowly and evenly. This reduces the risk of burning. Apply it every time you go out in the sun, and you’ll see a nice glow develop over time.
Remember, even with tanning sunscreen, it’s important to be safe. Avoid the sun during its strongest hours (usually 10 am to 4 pm). Listen to your skin. If it starts to feel hot or red, get out of the sun and reapply sunscreen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I really get a tan with sunscreen on?
A: Yes, you can! Tanning sunscreens have a lower SPF. This lets some of the sun’s tanning rays reach your skin while still offering protection.
Q: What does SPF mean?
A: SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It tells you how long the sunscreen protects your skin from sunburn.
Q: Should I use a low SPF or a high SPF for tanning?
A: For tanning, you should use a lower SPF, usually between 15 and 30. A high SPF blocks too many sun rays for tanning.
Q: What does “Broad Spectrum” mean on a sunscreen bottle?
A: “Broad Spectrum” means the sunscreen protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays from the sun.
Q: How often should I reapply tanning sunscreen?
A: You should reapply it at least every two hours. Also, reapply after swimming or sweating a lot.
Q: Can I use tanning sunscreen if I have sensitive skin?
A: Some tanning sunscreens can be used on sensitive skin. Look for ones with mineral ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Avoid those with strong perfumes or alcohol.
Q: Will tanning sunscreen prevent me from getting burned?
A: It helps prevent sunburn by blocking some harmful rays. But it’s not a guarantee. You still need to be careful and not stay in the sun too long.
Q: Can I use tanning sunscreen on my face?
A: Yes, but choose a sunscreen made specifically for the face. Facial skin is often more sensitive.
Q: What are some good ingredients to look for in a tanning sunscreen?
A: Look for moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or vitamin E. Also, check for broad-spectrum protection.
Q: Is it safe to tan?
A: Tanning always comes with some risk. Tanning sunscreens help reduce the risk of burning, but they don’t make tanning completely safe. It’s always best to protect your skin.