Sunscreen can help prevent tanning to some degree, but it is still possible to get a slight tan. Sunscreen works by blocking or absorbing UV rays, which limits the amount of UV radiation that reaches your skin and triggers the tanning response. However, it is important to note that there is no such thing as a "safe tan" and that tanning is caused by exposure to UV radiation from the sun that causes genetic damage to cells on the outermost layer of your skin.
Sunscreen can protect your skin from harmful UV rays, which can cause photoaging and skin cancer. It is recommended to wear sunscreen every day and to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that covers UVA and UVB rays. Higher SPF sunscreens, such as those with SPF 70+, may offer better protection against UV radiation if applied as directed.
It is also important to note that sunscreen cannot protect you fully from tanning and UV damage. UV rays can still reach your skin and cause a tan, even when youre wearing plenty of sunscreen. Therefore, it is recommended to take other preventive measures, such as using protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses, staying in the shade, and avoiding going out when the sun is strongest.
Different types of sunscreen work in different ways. Chemical-based sunscreen works by absorbing UV rays, while physical-based sunscreen reflects and scatters UV rays away from your skin. Zinc and titanium oxides are two examples of blocking agents used in physical sunscreen, and they were recently designated as generally recognized as safe and effective by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) .
