6 Absolute Must-Haves for the Best Sunscreen for Tanning!
Summertime is the perfect time to show off your gorgeous tan.
Whether you're hitting the beach or just hanging out in your backyard, make sure you have the perfect sunscreen to help you get that golden glow.
In this blog post, we will review some of the best sunscreens for getting a beautiful tan.
We'll talk about what to look for in the best sunscreens for tanning and recommend some of our favorites.
What is sunscreen for tanning?
Everyone wants a gorgeous bronze tan during the summer, but it's even more important to keep your skin healthy and safe. Sunscreen for tanning gives you the best of both worlds!
This is an important product to use if you plan on spending time outdoors. It's designed to help protect your skin from harmful UV rays, which are the leading cause of sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) sunscreen helps to filter these unwanted effects while still allowing your body to receive its health benefits. Many sunscreen products are also specifically designed for tanning, as they may allow some sunlight through yet still provide adequate protection.
For maximum safety, it's recommended to use sunscreen with a higher SPF rating, such as SPF 50, so that you can enjoy the sunshine while keeping your skin safe and healthy!
How Do You Use It?
Apply a generous layer of sunscreen to visible skin at least 15 minutes before your planned sun exposure.
For hard-to-reach places, such as the back, ask someone to help you or use a spray sunscreen.
Re-apply every two hours or after water immersion. If you have thinning hair, apply sunscreen to any visible bald spots or wear a hat.
Some Things to Keep in Mind
Make sure you reapply sunscreen every two hours, after any water immersion, or as instructed on each specific product.
Additionally, remember to choose a sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection so that you can maintain your tan safely and prevent sunburns. Chemical sunscreens may cause skin reactions in certain people.
If possible, choose a sunscreen with natural ingredients, such as minerals. Some of the products we've suggested only have SPF 15, to allow for more efficient tanning.
While this is alright for short periods of time outside, for long amounts of sun exposure, consider the SPF 30 and 50 recommendations. You will still tan, though it may just require a little bit more time and patience!
How to Make the Most out of this Article
We all have our own skincare goals and we want to help you reach yours.
Before you dive into our reviews, take a minute to jot down the top 2 to 3 concerns that you hope to solve with this product. Throughout the reviews, we highlight key features to help you browse with ease.
There is an abundance of great sunscreen options on the market, so we narrowed our top picks based on product consistency, ease of use, and purpose. Read on to spot the best sunscreen for your summertime needs!
Best Lotion: Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen SPF 15
Why We Are Passionate About It
The Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen is a lightweight Broad Spectrum sunscreen with a special Vitamin E-enriched formula to keep your skin feeling moisturized while providing 80 minutes of water-resistant protection.
Plus, thanks to its non-greasy texture and light feel, this Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen melts right into your skin and won't leave you feeling sticky during a day at the beach or sitting by the pool. Coppertone is a well-known, trusted option for quality sun protection products. If you're looking for something tried and true, Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen might be for you!
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include Tocopherol Cetyl Phosphate (Vitamin E) and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice.
This product is made free of Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Dyes & PABA.
Best Hypo-Allergenic Oil: Sun Bum SPF 15 Sunscreen Tanning Oil
Why We Are Passionate About It
Longing for that perfect summer but don't want to harm your skin? Sun Bum SPF 15 Sunscreen Tanning Oil is the best hypo-allergenic option for anyone with sensitive skin seeking out the perfect tan that is easy and quick to apply!
This broad-spectrum sunscreen helps provide UVA/UVB protection with a unique combination of Aloe Vera, Green Tea Butter, Marula, Argan, Coconut, and Avocado oil. This provides your skin with an extra dose of hydration and nutrition while experiencing its original summer scent. Plus, it's both water-resistant and reef-friendly, making it a conscious choice for nature lovers!
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include Aloe Vera, Green Tea Butter, Marula, Argan, Coconut, and Avocado Oil
This product is made Vegan, Hypoallergenic, and Oxybenzone, Paba, Octinoxate, Gluten, Cruelty, and Paraben-free.
Best Spray Gel: Australian Gold SPF 50 Spray Gel Sunscreen with Instant Bronzer
Why We Are Passionate About It
Australian Gold SPF 50 Spray Gel Sunscreen with Instant Bronzer is a lightweight, non-greasy, sheer sun protector and tanning spray enriched with powerful ingredients such as sunflower seed oil, olive fruit oil, aloe vera, and Kakadu Plum Extract, which acts as an incredible anti-oxidant. This deeply moisturizes the skin while also providing Broad Spectrum Sun protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
The Australian Gold SPF 50 Spray Gel Sunscreen also provides an instant bronzing effect thanks to its Caramel Bronzer and comes with the irresistibly summery scent of coconut, orange, and Vanilla. All of these benefits are packaged with an innovative, easy-to-use spray pump, a hybrid take on continuous spray, traditional lotion, and temporary bronzer.
For a continuous spray option with a little SPF number, check out the Australian Gold Continuous Spray Sunscreen with Instant Bronzer SPF 15.
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include sunflower seed oil, olive fruit oil, aloe vera, Kakadu plum, and tea tree oil.
This product is made PABA Free, Dye Free, Cruelty-free, Alcohol-Free & Gluten Free.
Best Facial Sunscreen: Jergens' Natural Glow Self Tanner Face Moisturizer
Why We Are Passionate About It
Jergens Natural Glow Face Moisturizer is a lightweight moisturizer that comes with a self-tanner and sunscreen. With daily use, Jergens Natural Glow Face Moisturizer will protect your skin from broad-spectrum UVA and UVB rays, nourish it with key nutrients, and improve your complexion with skin tone enhancers that build a flawless tan gradually over time for an incredibly natural-looking color. Best of all, you can use it every day as part of your regular skincare routine for hydrated, healthy, and perfectly tanned skin!
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include Avobenzone and Vitamin E.
This product is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation.
Best Lip Balm Sunscreen: EltaMD UV Lip Balm Sunscreen
Why We Are Passionate About It
Remember, your lips are not immune to the affects of the sun. While you are tanning, you want to protect your lips. Here’s our pick for that. The Elta MD offer a pleasant moisturizing experience with a healthy dose of SPF 36. Water-resistant and oil-free, this dermatologist-recommended product is sure to nourish and protect your lips.
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include Hydromanil, Octinoxate and Zinc oxide.
This product is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation.
Best Non-Tanning Sunscreen: Sun Bum Original SPF 15 Sunscreen Lotion
Why We Are Passionate About It
Sun Bum Original SPF 15 Sunscreen Lotion is a lightweight and dermatologist-approved sunscreen lotion that is perfect for protecting your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays. The non-comedogenic, oil-free, and reef-friendly formula provides broad-spectrum sun protection.
Packed with Vitamin E, this sunscreen helps nourish hardworking skin cells while neutralizing free radicals — a.k.a. premature aging signs like wrinkles, dark spots, and uneven skin tone. The Sun Bum Original SPF 15 is a summertime classic that packs enough protection to keep your skin safe while also being light enough to allow a natural, flawless tan.
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include Avobenzone and Homosalate.
This product is made vegan, hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, gluten-free, paraben-free, oxybenzone & octinoxate-free, broad spectrum protection, oil-free, PABA-free, and water resistant.
Sunscreen and tanning FAQs
Do you want a perfect summer tan without exposing yourself to the detrimental effects of UV rays?
Summer isn't the same without that golden glow against your skin, but premature aging, sun damage, rashes, and skin cancer just don't seem worth the risk.
Read our FAQs to answer your burning questions about sun safety and sunscreen for tanning to get one step closer to safely rocking that perfect tan!
Is SPF 30 or 50 better for tanning?
While SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays from entering your skin, compared to 98% with SPF 50, most sunscreen labels will contain something called "Broad Spectrum" protection that helps protect against both UVA and UVB exposure. So in terms of overall sun protection, there isn't necessarily a huge difference between 30 and 50, as long as you're using a broad spectrum option.
Do you tan slower with higher SPF?
In short, yes. SPF, or sun protection factor, is a measure of how long you can be out in the sun without getting burned. For example, SPF 30 gives you 30 times the amount of time in the sun without burning, or 300 minutes depending on individual melanin levels. In other words, the higher the SPF sunscreen you choose, the more protection you'll get from the sun and the longer it will take to tan.
What time of day is easiest to tan?
Tanning can be a tricky business. Without the proper knowledge and strategies, you could end up sunburnt and red in all the wrong places. To ensure that you get a safe and even tan, the best time of day to tan is generally between 10 am and 4 pm when the sun is at its strongest. During these hours, direct sunlight will give you maximum exposure with minimal risk of burning.
How long is too long to tan?
The answer to how long is too long to tan is based on several factors, including your skin type, the intensity of the sun, and the weather. Generally speaking, it is best not to stay outside for longer than your skin can create melanin—typically two or three hours.
If you are fair-skinned or tend to burn easily in the sun, it’s likely that this timeframe should be even shorter. For those with darker complexions or who tan more easily in direct sunlight, a longer period might be acceptable but shouldn't exceed three hours. Try a tanning lotion to speed things up!
What foods accelerate tanning?
Many people enjoy getting a tan in the summertime, and there are some foods that can help accelerate the process of acquiring one. Beta-carotene is a type of pigment found in some plant-based foods that produce a yellow or orange hue when it’s absorbed into our skin. Eating more beta-carotene-rich foods can lead to faster tanning due to the oxidation process caused by UV radiation.
Some examples of these food sources include carrots, yams, sweet potatoes, kale, cantaloupe, spinach, and mangoes. Increasing your intake of these produce items will provide you with many additional health benefits as well as help you to get that golden glow faster!
Do you tan faster in water or laying out?
Both laying out and going in water will give you a tan, though there are some key differences between the two methods that should be taken into account. When it comes to laying outdoors, it can be quite challenging and time-consuming since one needs direct sunlight for their skin to absorb UV rays.
On the other hand, when taking part in water activities such as swimming or surfing at certain times of day, water can work as both a reflector and absorber of light energy which allows for maximal absorption within shorter amounts of time spent outside than just plain old staying dry on land would normally afford most individuals.
How long do tans last?
A typical tan will last for 7-10 days. However, this varies per individual depending on their skin type and color. If someone has lighter-colored skin, they often may not get a noticeable tan at all; instead, their skin will simply become redder or darker than usual after sun exposure. A person with darker-colored skin may often have a deeper and longer-lasting tan. If a person is exposed to more sunlight than usual after getting a tan, it could potentially last even longer and may require further protection from UV light with SPF clothing or sunscreen to prevent burns.
Conclusion: Best Sunscreen for Tanning - What We Recommend
In conclusion, if you plan to be out in the sun, it’s important to protect your skin from dangerous ultraviolet rays by using sunscreen for tanning.
By keeping your eyes open for any potential damage and keeping yourself informed about the best products for sun protection, you are taking care of yourself and your skin.
Tan safely and responsibly; always put on sunscreen or tanning lotions before hitting the beach or soaking up those beautiful rays!
Review this article to figure out which sunscreen for tanning is best for you to ensure that your skin is protected while allowing yourself that perfect glow.
With a bit of careful planning and knowledge, you can enjoy a day at the beach without trouble.
How We Curated Our List
There are many options for the best sunscreen for tanning on the market with many different ingredients from coconut oil to avobenzone.
It can be overwhelming trying to figure out what product is best for you, especially if you're just starting your skincare journey or have super sensitive skin that doesn't allow you to test just any product.
We've taken the guesswork out of it for you and compiled a concise list of high-quality products that will fit both your budget and your needs.
Whether you're looking for a luxury option or something more affordable, we've got you covered.
Thanks for reading!
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