Summer brings with it the irresistible draw of bronzed, sun-kissed skin. Many of us love soaking up the sun’s rays to achieve that desired golden tan. But the age-old question that perplexes many sunbathers is, can you still tan with suncream on?
In this blog post, we will peel back the layers of mystery surrounding suncream, its various types, its benefits and drawbacks, and of course, its impact on tanning. ☀️🏖️
Best suncreams
Deciding on the best suncream can feel like a daunting task, with so many options floating around. Let’s break it down and highlight a few standout choices.
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Shaka Ultra-Light Fluid SPF50+
- NIVEA SUN Protect & Moisture Suncream Spray SPF50
- Garnier Ambre Solaire
- Lancaster Sun Beauty Sun Protective Water SPF50 and LANCASTER – Sun Beauty Sublime Tan – Face Cream – SPF50
- Piz Buin Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF50+ and Piz Buin Mountain Face Suncream SPF 50+
Suggested: Keratin Treatment at Home and Keratin Complex
Suggested: Dior Lip Oil
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Shaka Ultra-Light Fluid SPF50+
Boots £20,00
⭐4.5 /808 rated
If you’re after high protection, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Shaka Ultra-Light Fluid SPF50+ is a worthy contender. Dermatologist-approved and light on the skin, it fends off sun damage while keeping your skin feeling fresh.
Satisfied Customer review: Absorbs into the skin without any greasiness or residue. Leaves skin soft and well protected.
NIVEA SUN Protect & Moisture Sun Cream Spray SPF50
Boots £7,90
⭐4.7 /280 rated
On a budget? Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF50 offers effective protection without breaking the bank. It’s hydrating, wallet-friendly and does a splendid job in shielding your skin.
Satisfied Customer review: Fantastic suncream, sprays easily, smells nice, protects from the sun and feels good on the skin.
Garnier Ambre Solaire
Amazon £4,99
⭐4.6 /8.123 rated
Exceptional sun protection: Ambre Solaire Hydra 24 Hour Protect Sun Protection Lotion SPF 50+ ensures robust defense against both UVA and UVB rays, shielding your skin from sun-induced damage and sunburn.
24-HOUR NOURISHMENT: Our innovative formula is infused with moisturizing Shea Butter, providing up to 24 hours of hydration while guarding against the sun’s drying effects. WATER-RESISTANT DEFENSE: This quickly absorbed, non-greasy lotion boasts water-resistant properties, making it a reliable foundation for your sun protection routine.
Satisfied Customer review: The well-extended cream does not leave any fat and with persistence it can almost eliminate sunspots.
Lancaster Sun Beauty Sun Protective Water SPF50
Amazon £25,92
⭐4.6 /99 rated
Indulge in the luxury of our vegan formula, offering a nude skin sensation finish that has been dermatologically tested for your utmost confidence. Experience the power of natural-origin complexes, providing a harmonious blend that effortlessly applies and spreads with ultra ease. Revel in the pampering sensation without the worry of greasiness or stickiness – a delightful skincare experience that aligns with your values and enhances your natural beauty.
Satisfied Customer review: Feels light on the skin and is also suitable for sensitive skin. This product is perfect. Not suffered once when wearing it. Highly recommend
LANCASTER – Sun Beauty Sublime Tan – Face Cream – SPF50
Amazon £22,00
⭐4.5 /193 rated
This is Lancaster’s suncream for face. Experience a natural, faster golden tan with Sun Beauty, offering advanced sun protection and skin repair while ensuring an even, long-lasting, and healthy-looking tan.
Satisfied Customer review: Light and easy to apply. Not particularly waterproof but not a problem for me though my teenager wanted to use it too!
Piz Buin Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF50+
Amazon £7,00
⭐4.6 /5.167 rated
High UVA/UVB protection, The non-greasy, non-sticky formula of the Piz buin moisturising sun lotion intensively moisturises your skin while tanning under the sun, leaving it smooth and silky soft all day.
Satisfied Customer review: Love this lotion application is very good not sticky easily absorbed and the small is lovely. Love Piz Buin and this was a great price. Fabulous smell and goes on skin well.
Piz Buin Mountain Face Suncream SPF 50+
Amazon £8,50
⭐4.6 /9.330 rated
Crafted in collaboration with dermatologists, PIZ BUIN Allergy Face Cream is your essential sun protection for sensitive skin. Experience hours of moisturization, keeping your facial skin delicately soft. Infused with Calmanelle, an anti-irritant shield complex, it’s proven to bolster the skin’s resilience to the sun. This sweat and water-resistant formula include the potent antioxidant FEVERFEW PFE to enhance skin cell tolerance to the sun. Enjoy immediate and effective UVA/UVB sun protection with this expertly formulated face cream.
Satisfied Customer review: Great Protection and helps to prevent Prickly Heat Rash. Easy to apply & non greasy
Remember, the best suncream is one that suits your skin type, fits your budget, and aligns with your sun exposure plans. Always ensure it’s adequately applied and reapplied, making it a formidable barrier between your skin and the sun’s rays. Be sun smart and let your chosen suncream be your summer skin saviour.
Suggested: Under Eye Mask: Eyes on Beauty
The Scoop on Suncream: SPF, Tanning and More
Sun cream, or sunscreen as it’s otherwise known, is your ultimate defence against the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays beamed down by the sun. Think of it like a shield, packed full of components that either bounce back the UV radiation or soak it up to reduce its impact on your skin.
The might of this shield is measured by a Sun Protection Factor, or SPF as we commonly know it. This handy little number indicates how well the sun cream will protect you against UVB rays, the nasty ones that cause sunburn and even skin cancer.
But where does tanning fit into all this, you might ask? We’ll dive into that in a bit. First, let’s remember that sun cream isn’t just about looking after your skin today, it’s an investment in your skin’s future. It doesn’t just guard against sunburn, it also helps to fend off premature ageing and keeps your skin looking fresh and youthful. So, whether you’re a sun worshipper or a shade seeker, sun cream should always be part of your sunshine routine.
The Importance of Suncream and Its Formula
Sun cream, your best friend on sunny days, packs a punch when it comes to fending off harmful sun exposure effects like skin damage, premature ageing, and even skin cancer. No matter whether you boast an enviable tan or your skin is more on the pale side, sun cream is a non-negotiable. It’s a fact, all skin types require sun protection!
But what makes sun cream the superhero of skin protection? Its secret lies in the unique blend of ingredients that team up to guard your skin. The formulation comprises both organic and inorganic components. Organic ingredients do a fantastic job of absorbing UV radiation and converting it into a small quantity of heat, minimising any potential damage. On the other hand, the inorganic ones take on the role of a mirror, reflecting the UV radiation away from your skin, ensuring it doesn’t get the chance to cause any harm.
The interplay of these ingredients in sun cream makes it your number one ally for skin protection when basking in the sun. Whether you’re building sandcastles, surfing waves or simply sunbathing, always remember to wear your sun cream!
SPF30 vs SPF50: Which One is the Best for You?
Puzzled by the numbers on your sun cream bottle? Let’s demystify them together. You see, SPF (Sun Protection Factor) numbers measure how much UVB radiation (the villain responsible for sunburn and skin cancer) your sun cream can fend off. SPF30 is your knight in shining armour, blocking about 97% of UVB rays. Meanwhile, SPF50 raises the bar a little higher, providing a shield against roughly 98% of UVB rays.
The gap in protection may seem tiny, but it can make a world of difference to those with sensitive skin or those spending long hours under the intense sun.
So, which SPF is your perfect match? It boils down to your skin type, the intensity of the sun’s glare, and how long you plan to bask in it. No matter which SPF you choose, ensure you’re slathering enough of it on and reapplying regularly for maximum protection.
Can You Still Get a Tan Wearing Suncream?
Let’s tackle the question that’s probably been bugging you: can you still achieve that much-coveted bronzed glow with sun cream on? The short answer is, absolutely!
Here’s why: while sun creams are primarily designed to protect your skin from UVB rays, they can’t entirely block out UVA radiation. UVA rays penetrate deeper into your skin, and it’s this deep-seated interaction that results in a tan. So even with a generous slathering of sun cream, your skin can still tan in response to UVA exposure.
But let’s not forget, a tan is essentially your skin crying out in response to damage. So, always aim for a gradual, controlled tan rather than a quick, intense one. It’s the safer route to that sun-kissed look we all yearn for. Remember, sun safety should always take precedence over aesthetics.
Pros and Cons of Sun Cream
Just like a coin has two sides, sun cream also comes with its pros and cons. On the sunny side of things, sun cream plays an imperative role in shielding your skin against harmful UV rays, substantially reducing the risks of sunburn and the dreaded skin cancer. What’s more, it serves as a warrior against the signs of premature ageing, keeping your skin looking as youthful and vibrant as ever.
However, no rose is without its thorn. Some sun creams can leave your skin feeling a bit oily, triggering unwelcome breakouts. Additionally, certain ingredients packed into these creams may not be everyone’s cup of tea, leading to allergic reactions in some sensitive skin types. It’s always a smart move to check the ingredient list and do a patch test before slathering it all over your body.
So, while sun cream might not be flawless, the scales definitely tip in favour of its benefits. A small compromise for a giant leap in sun safety, wouldn’t you say? Always remember, when it comes to basking under the sun, sun cream is your ultimate sidekick!
Tanning Sun Cream: A Game Changer
Meet the revolutionary player in the sun cream league – tanning sun cream. It’s been cleverly designed with a dual purpose: to protect your skin from UV rays and to enhance your tanning process. Unlike regular sun creams, tanning sun creams often sport a lower SPF, which lets more sun rays reach your skin, facilitating a deeper tan. They also usually feature skin-hydrating components, ensuring your skin stays moisturised even as you soak up the sun’s rays.
However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that while these creams may help you achieve that much sought after bronze glow, they’re not quite as robust when it comes to protection. With a lower SPF, they offer a thinner shield against UV radiation, which could potentially increase the risk of skin damage over the long haul. So, while tanning sun creams might be tempting for those chasing a darker tan, always remember to use them responsibly and make sun safety your primary priority. ☀️