No matter the duration of sun exposure, it is crucial to protect your skin with sunscreen to avoid numerous inconveniences (photoaging, sunburn, pigment spots...). But do we tan effectively with a high SPF sunscreen?
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Can we tan with sunscreen?
Summary
Published February 17, 2022,
updated on October 4, 2024,
by
Maylis, Chemical Engineer
—
4 min read
Some reminders about tanning.
Tanning is a natural process that allows the skin to protect itself from the harmful effects of exposure to ultraviolet rays. The cells increase their production of melanin on the skin's surface to form a barrier against UV rays so they do not penetrate deeply into the skin tissues.
The UVC rays emitted by the sun are the most harmful, but fortunately, they are filtered by the ozone layer and do not reach the Earth's surface. However, UVA and UVB rays do come into contact with the epidermis. UVB rays are particularly aggressive to the skin and are responsible for sunburns. UVA rays penetrate deeper than UVB rays and reach the dermis, the deep layer of the skin. They are the ones responsible for "photoaging".
Does sunscreen prevent tanning?
The answer is no. Even with a high SPF, sunscreen does not provide complete protection against UVA and UVB rays. A small proportion still reaches the epidermis and triggers the tanning mechanism described earlier. In other words, even the application of sunscreen does not stop the production of melanin. Depending on the sun filters used, the role of a sunscreen is to absorb (organic filters) and/or reflect (mineral filters) the UV rays that reach the skin's surface, not to slow down the production of melanin.
During sun exposure and/or every morning at the end of your beauty routine, apply our face sunscreen SPF30. This care prevents photoaging thanks to the combination of mineral and organic filters offering broad spectrum UVA UVB protection. It is enriched with aloe vera, karanja oil and hyaluronic acid derived from fermented wheat. The clever blend of these three components protects the skin from UV while maintaining its hydration.
Bonus : Its light texture leaves a finish without white streaks, non-sticky and non-shiny.
How to properly choose a sunscreen?
For a sun-kissed complexion without sunburn, it is crucial to choose the right sun protection. This choice depends on each individual's phototype. According to the Fitzpatrick classification, skin types are categorized into 6 phototypes, defined based on hair color, skin tone, frequency of sunburn, and type of tanning:
Phototypes I and II: SPF 50:
Individuals with red hair, freckles, and a pale complexion (phototype I), as well as those with blonde hair and fair skin (phototype II), should opt for a sun protection factor (SPF) of 50.
Phototypes III and IV: SPF 30 to 50:
Individuals with light brown skin (phototype III) or brown/light brown skin with a slightly tanned complexion (phototype IV) should opt for a sun protection factor of 30 or even 50.
Phototypes V and VI: SPF 15 to 30:
For mixed-race skin of phototype V or black skin of phototype VI, a sun protection factor of 15 to 30 is sufficient for protection.
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