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With summer around the corner and sunny days ahead, its more important than ever to break out thesunscreen.
A woman on a beach uses a spray bottle to spritz liquid sun cream / sunscreen over her body.
A question on sun-cautious beachgoers minds: Does sunscreen prevent tanning?
Tanning is your skins defense mechanisma way of shielding itself from UV-induced damage, says Dr. Gohara.
So why does a tan still happen even when were meticulously applying and reapplying SPF?
Can you still get tan while wearing sunscreen?
Yes, you’re able to still tan.
Also, remember that theres a pretty high possibility of user error.
In those cases, a tan is not only possible, its probable.
Can sunscreen help to reduce tanning?
Absolutely, but again, dont expect your sunscreen to completely block tanning.
Simply put, no sunscreen is an impenetrable barrier, says Dr. Gohara.
The higher the sun protection factor number, the higher percentage of UVB rays are blocked.
And guess what that means?
Gradual tanning can occur, even if youre careful.
So if sunscreen alone can’t prevent you from tanning, what will?
To truly and effectively limit tanning, a layered, multi-step approach will be the key to your success.
Sunscreen alone isnt enoughits part of a sun-smart system, Dr. Gohara explains.
Use a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapply every two hoursmore often if swimming or sweating.
Wear UPF-rated protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blockingsunglasses.
Whats more, seek shade.
Trust us, this matters.
If you like the way it feels and looks, youll wear it, says Dr. Gohara.
Its important to wear sunscreen every day, so you might as well enjoy it.
Think of it as the last step of your morningskincare routineor the first step of your makeup routine.
A heads-up: Sunscreen does expire.
Check your sunscreen bottles label to ensure it isnt past its expiration date.
Catharine Malzahn is the contributing associate beauty editor atGlamour.
