Can sunscreens prevent tanning of skin?

Here is why you still get a tan even after applying sunscreen lotions.

There are times when you can end up getting a tan despite using sunscreens. When this happens, the question that comes to our mind is if it was worth using the sunscreen. Here is your guide on how to choose the best sunscreen.

What are sunscreens used for?

The prime function of sunscreens is to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun, prevent from sunburns and skin cancer. However, its primary function is not to stop tanning. Prevention of a tan is a part of the process. If your sunscreen is giving you a tan then probably you have to choose a better one. If your sunscreen is doing its job well then you should not get a tan at all, says are Dr I K Ramchandani, Director of Dermatology at Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre. Here are 11 sunscreen mistakes that you should avoid.

However, if you are getting a tan and are ready to switch to another brand, take these things into consideration:

• If you are applying the sunscreen the right way, like, applying it 20 minutes before going out in the sun.
• If you are reapplying the sunscreen every three to four hours when outdoors for too long.
• If you have chosen the right sunscreen for yourself.

There are chances of still getting a tan even if you apply a sunscreen every day but it won t be an immediate one. Moreover, getting a tan also depends on which kind of product your use a sunscreen or a sunblock.

Difference between a sunscreen and sunblock

There are two types of sun rays the long-wave UVA rays and the short-wave UVB rays. The UVA rays are more intense and can seep several layers down into your skin whereas the UVB rays react with the epidermal skin or the upper layer and cause sunburns. However, both these rays when coming in contact with the skin produce a pigment called melanin which is responsible for tanning. To prevent the rays from coming in contact with the skin, we use sunscreens or sunblocks.

Now if you have been using sunscreens and still get a tan the reason is they are designed to protect the skin by absorbing the UV rays. How much they can stand to their promise depends on the chemical formulation of the product. But sunblocks are made with the promise of preventing the rays from entering your skin, completely. While sunscreens can still prevent UV rays and prevent sunburns, it can still give a tan. So if you want to protect yourself from a tan choose a sunblock.

Image source: Shutterstock

Read this in Marathi