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For some reason, people tend to think that those with darker skins are more beautiful or handsome than those with paler ones. This is not entirely true but it’s also not false. What is true however is that in a survey conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology, approximately 72% of Americans believe that they either look or will look better with a tan. This means that if you have a tan, 72% of Americans will consider you more beautiful that other people without a tan. That’s way better than wearing a very nice dress if you ask me.
Now, you get a tan is spending some time out in the sun. Pretty easy right? Well, not quite. Sometimes the risk of exposing your skin to the sun far outweighs the benefits, especially depending on your skin type. Tanning without sunscreen will likely result in a darker tan, but it may not be the kind of result you want. While a darker tan is often seen as a sign of beauty, it can also be a sign of damaged skin.
Finding the Right Sunscreen To Use While Tanning
Getting a perfect tan is a very tricky process. You want a beautiful tan, but believe me, not at the cost of damaging your skin. After all, you’re hoping for a tan, not a sunburn!
When you start looking for a tanning product that also has sunscreen in it, there are some things you should consider before making any purchase. When you’re relying on a skincare product to protect your skin from the sun, as well as provide vital skin nourishment, you should do your research. You don’t want to end up with the wrong thing that’l leave you looking like a buttered lobster (as delicious as that may sound!).
Let’s start out with one of the more basic criteria you should consider.
Type of Product
Sunscreens are always lotions, right? Well actually, no, there are several different types of suntan skincare products out there, including lotions, oils, misting sprays, and even some gel-based products. Choosing the best one depends mostly on your own, personal preference, but here are some additional things that could help you decide.
Lotions are the most popular type and are usually good for all skin types. Tanning oils are best for dry skin, as they’re super nourishing for your skin. Misting sprays are super fast and easy to apply and feel light on the skin, as are gel-based products. They are perfect for people who don’t like the greasy feeling of lotions or oils on their skin.
Skin Type
Like when shopping for any skincare product, your skin type determines which products will work best for you. For instance, if you have oily or combination skin, odds are you’re going to do better with either a dry oil or a lotion style sunscreen.
Your skin type will also determine what you should look for based on the next two criteria. So if you have particularly sensitive skin, make sure you pay extra attention!
Product Ingredients
Anytime you put something on your skin, you should be aware what’s in it. That is because many products can contain chemicals that can actually irritate your skin rather than help it.
As an example, many skincare products contain parabens, a chemical compound used to preserve the product, which can be absorbed into the skin. Several studies have concluded that parabens can pose a potential risk to the endocrine system. While the risk is low, and the effects might be minimal, it may be something you prefer avoiding.
On the more positive side, there are many ingredients that are beneficial for your skin. Coconut oil hydrates your skin, carrot oil helps heal dry and cracked skin, hemp seed oil has anti-aging properties, and avocado and other fatty-acids help treat acne and balance oily skin.
For more ingredients you may want to look for, check out these natural tanning oils skin benefits.
SPF Rating
The SPF (sun protection factor) is the measurement of how well a sunscreen will protect you from ultraviolet rays. Both UVA and UVB rays can be harmful to your skin, but they act very differently. UVA rays are long wave rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin’s layers to produce melanin and develop your tan. UVB rays only reach the top layers of skin and lead to skin reddening and sunburns.
Both UV rays can be very damaging to the skin, which is why we suggest using sunscreen when you’re out in the sun. SPF ratings work based on a percentage scale on how effective they are at blocking harmful UV rays. The higher the SPF, the larger percentage of rays that the skin reflects. Most sunscreens usually protect against UVB, but if you want to protect against both UVA and UVB, look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
When looking for a sunscreen to use while tanning, you want to find one that will still allow your skin to absorb some UV rays. This will be based on your skin’s tolerance of the sun. If you burn easily, a higher SPF rating, such as 15, is more optimal. If you can handle a lot of sun without burning, you can probably opt for a lower SPF, like 4 or 6, that will allow for more absorption of UV rays.
Water Resistant
When you’re spending a couple hours at the beach or by the pool, it’s nice to cool down by taking a dip in the water. If you plan on spending any time swimming, it would be beneficial to find a sunscreen that is water-resistant. When sunscreens are water-resistant, they typically guarantee it for 80 minutes before you need to reapply.
Now that’s not to say you won’t need to reapply before then. If you need a more constant level of SPF, you should consider reapplying sooner than 80 minutes.
Our Favorite Sunscreens for Tanning
Yeah, that was a bit of work to get through, but now that we know what things to look out for, we’re ready to check out the competitors! Here are 10 of our favorite sunscreens for tanning. These products were picked because they’re some of the best rated suntanning products online. People have been trusting these brands for years to keep their skin safe and ensure they get great color. Let’s check them out!
Lancaster Sun Beauty Melting Tanning Milk SPF 15
Who’s it for: Someone looking for maximum sun protection while still building a long lasting tan.
SPF Rating: 15
The Lancaster Sun Beauty Melting Tanning Milk is the ideal sun tan lotion for those who are seeking to slowly, and safely build a long lasting tan. It features a tan accelerator which is guaranteed to boost your tanning process by 40%, while a 15 SPF rating protects skin from harsh UVB and UVA rays.
When you use this tanning milk, you’re guaranteed to have a well-toned and beautifully bronzed tan! If you want to get a tan very quickly and very effectively without any negative effect, the best way to do it is with this product. Don’t believe me, just check the reviews!
What people are saying about it:
- You’ll never get burned using this lotion.
- It spreads easily so you don’t have to use a lot to get good coverage.
- The scent is clean and refreshing.
- It offers smooth and moisturizing protection.
- It’s a favorite suntan lotion.
Maui Island Secret Browning Crème
Who’s it for: Someone who definitely wants to get some color and can handle a lower SPF without burning.
SPF Rating: 5
Ready for a trip to Maui? Then give this Maui Island Secret Browning Crème a try! This sun tan lotion acts as moisturizer for the skin and smells absolutely wonderful. It will also gradually give you a tan while also protecting from the harshness of the sun.
You’ll enjoy using this product because you know you’re putting natural ingredients onto your skin. It contains a hydrating blend of aloe extract, rose hips oil, sunflower oil, passion flower oil, and shea butter to keep skin super soft. Anti-oxidants like green tea extract and vitamins A, C, & E help restore and nourish your skin after tanning.
If you want a rapid, beautiful tan without having to worry about getting sunburns. One downside about this product is that its level of sun protection is on the lower end. So, if you’re someone who burns easily, opt for a higher SPF.
What people are saying about it:
- It soothes and moisturizes dry skin.
- The scent is wonderful.
- It helps develop a tan quickly.
- The SPF is just enough to tan without burning.
- It’s a quality product that won’t stain hands or clothing.
Bronzo Sensuale Sunscreen Deep Tanning Carrot Lotion
Who’s it for: Someone who is very cautious about their skincare and only want to use organic products.
SPF Rating: 4
The Bronzo Sensuale SPF 4 Sunscreen Deep Tanning Carrot Lotion is an organic lotion brimming with organic carrot, organic aloe vera, organic shea butter, Allantoin, Squalene, Vitamin E and a natural aromatherapy fragrance for botanical stress relief. Its ingredients are also approved by the FDA, the USDA, PETA, Leaping Bunny and all other related organizations in the world.
The product is made completely with organic products that act as skin nourishing vitamins and anti-oxidants. Furthermore, it is vegan certified and it contains no PABA, no parabens, no mineral oil and absolutely no phthalates.
Bronzo Sensuale offers this organic carrot suntan lotion in a variety of SPF ratings, from no SPF all the way up to a full 30 SPF rating. So no matter what your sun protection needs are, this lotion has you covered, literally!
What people are saying about it:
- This suntan lotion gives the best color.
- The fragrance is great.
- The whole line of products is wonderful.
- It doesn’t leave skin feeling greasy.
- It keeps skin soft.
Banana Boat Deep Tanning Dry Oil
Who’s it for: Someone who wants a tanning sunscreen spray that’s fast and easy to apply.
SPF Rating: 4
Praised as one of the best tanning oils to have ever been developed, the Banana Boat Deep Tanning oil is a quick acting tan activator that can start giving you tanned results in as little as 30 minutes.
This sunscreen spray is infused with cocoa seed butter, carrot root extract, banana fruit extract and coconut oil, all of which are extremely good for maintaining a healthy skin.
The Banana Boat Deep Tanning Dry Oil is a dry oil spray, which means it doesn’t have the typical ‘oily’ feeling you get from traditional tanning oils. This makes it a great choice for those who don’t love the heavy feeling of some lotions and tanning oils. It is also water resistant for up to 80 minutes after you use it.
What people are saying about it:
- This dry oil sunscreen works great for men or women.
- It goes on smoothly and evenly.
- There is no greasy feeling.
- It’s perfect for sun tanning.
- It helps you develop an even tan.
Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil Spray
Who’s it for: Someone who doesn’t mind getting oiled up in order to get a great tan.
SPF Rating: 6
The Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil comes in a variety of different SPF levels, from no SPF, all the way up to 25 SPF. You can actually choose the level of protection you need based on your skin type and desired results. And no matter which one you choose, you’ll love that Hawaiian Tropic has filled its oils with a rich blend of nature’s beneficial oils to help hydrate and nourish your skin.
If you are someone who favors sweet smelling products above anything else, this tanning oil is definitely one to consider. It is also easy to use and it leaves absolutely no mess behind while also providing the best coverage for the skin.
What people are saying about it:
- It smells like you’re sitting on a Hawaiian beach.
- The oil soaks into the skin right away.
- This product helps you get a natural, deep tan fast.
- It is a popular choice for both men and women.
- It’s definitely an oil and requires washing after use.
Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Moisturizing Sunscreen Spray
Who’s it for: Someone with dry skin who wants a sunscreen that will moisturize their skin.
SPF Rating: 15
Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, this sunscreen is made with ingredients that are safe to use at the beach without harming the corals. This means that it is reef-safe because it does not make use of oxybenzone and Octinoxate at all, but it is still a very good sunscreen. That makes this sunscreen perfect for anybody who cares about the beach and who doesn’t want to burn while they’re at the beach!
This sunscreen spray from Hawaiian Tropic provides protection from the sun without any greasy feeling. It contains a rich island botanicals that are guaranteed to provide breathable protection while also hydrating the skin for more than 12 hours.
What people are saying about it:
- It’s perfect for a day at the beach or pool.
- This sunscreen provides great protection from the sun.
- It smells amazing, a pleasant beachy scent.
- It’s a great moisturizer for dry skin.
- This product is great for everyday use.
Panama Jack Sunscreen Tanning Lotion
Who’s it for: Someone who doesn’t like the feeling of anything on their skin.
SPF Rating: 8
No other tanning lotion is as good as this multi action tanning lotion. The Panama Jack Sunscreen Tanning Lotion is both a sunscreen and a tanning lotion, and can be safely used at the beach without the risk of harming the environment because it is Reef Friendly. It is also Paraben Free, Gluten Free and Cruelty Free.
It’s water resistant for up to 80 minutes, so you can even enjoy a nice dip in the water while you’re tanning. Just make sure you reapply to ensure you don’t leave your skin unprotected!
Lastly, the Panama Jack Sunscreen Tanning Lotion has a soft fragrance, blends well with the skin and doesn’t leave any residue behind.
What people are saying about it:
- It absorbs nicely into the skin.
- It makes your skin feel really nice.
- This lotion is lightweight and feels like nothing on your skin.
- It gives great sun protection and helps avoid burns.
- Panama Jack helps develop a nice bronze tan.
Bain de Soleil Sunscreen Orange Gelee
Who’s it for: Someone wanting a rich gel that will soak into your skin and give you a great tan.
SPF Rating: 4
The Bain de Soleil Orange Gelee is one of my favorite sunscreens on this list, because it’s actually a gel! Gels are amazing because they’re easy to apply and absorb well into the skin. But the best part of this product is the natural tan you’ll get with it! It will leave your skin both smooth and soft to touch because it also contains ingredients that allow it to be used as an anti-oxidant and a moisturizer!
The Bain de Soleil Orange Gelee contains only a minimal SPF of 4, so this is best for skin types that rarely burn. If you’re not one of those skin types, but still want to give this unique product a try, combine it with another sunscreen for an SPF level more appropriate for your skin.
What people are saying about it:
- It turns skin tan instead of red.
- This product has been a favorite of people for decades.
- It stays on the skin for a long time, even while swimming.
- The scent is lovely and tropical.
- It leaves a rich feeling on your skin even after showering.
Sun Bum Original Moisturizing Sunscreen
Who’s it for: Someone looking for a quality broad spectrum sunscreen that everyone can use.
SPF Rating: 15
There’s a lot to love about this classic sunscreen lotion! Firstly, it’s dermatologist tested and can provide complete protection from the sun without clogging up your pores or bringing about allergies! It protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays and prevents premature anti-aging and contains natural ingredients such as Vitamin E that acts as an anti-oxidant and moisturizers for the skin.
What I especially love about this lotion is that it’s great for everyone in the family, not just those hoping for a great tan! Adults and children will both benefit from applying this broad spectrum sunscreen. So if you’re heading outside for the day with the family, you only need to pack one lotion your bag!
What people are saying about it:
- Sun Bum offers great coverage.
- It absorbs quickly and smoothly into the skin.
- It has a yummy tropical, banana and coconut scent.
- Water resistant is a plus.
- “It’s the best sunscreen ever made!”
Sun Bum’s Premium Day Tripper
Who’s it for: Someone looking for a travel size suntan lotion for their vacation.
SPF Rating: 30
The last thing you want to do on your vacation is get a sunburn! With this travel set of Sun Bum products, you’ll be able to relax, spending a lazy day in the sun, without the worry of burning! This three-in-one Sun Bum set contains, 1 Sun Bum Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30, 1 Sun Bum Cool Down Hydrating After Sun Lotion, and 1 Sun Bum Sunscreen Lip Balm, SPF 30.
There’s a lot to love here. A complete protection from the sun without clogging up your pores or bringing about allergies. It also protects the skin from both UVA and UVB rays and prevents premature anti-aging. You can always use it as a moisturizer. They are also all non-comedogenic, Paraben Free, Cruelty Free, Oxybenzone and Octinoxate Free, PABA free, Oil Free and finally, Gluten Free.
What people are saying about it:
- You’ll never burn with this stuff.
- It smells like bananas.
- There’s no greasy feeling to this lotion.
- The cool down really helps calm skin after suntanning.
- It’s easy to apply and dries quickly.
Final Thoughts
For all those who have believed the myth that you can’t get a tan while wearing sunscreen, I hope this article has helped clear that misconception! I even thought that myself at one point. But the fact is this, you can absolutely get a great tan while protecting your skin!
