Does Sunscreen Prevent Your Skin From Tanning?

Summer is here, and that means you're at a much higher risk of getting tanned. While many may associate tanning with a healthy glow, it's actually an indication of skin damage. If you want to protect your skin from any such damage, the first and foremost thing to use is sunscreen. But

Why Is Sunscreen Important in Skincare?

Sunscreen is one of the most important and substantial skincare products that everyone should include in their daily skincare routine. While numerous products work on skin concerns and help with repair, sunscreen helps to build a strong barrier protecting your skin from sun damage. Sunscreen essentially works by either absorbing or reflecting harmful UV rays. It prevents them from penetrating the skin and causing sunburns, skin cancer, premature ageing and more.

While UVB rays cause sunburn or skin cancer, UVA rays have longer wavelengths which enables them to penetrate the skin's deepest layers and cause premature ageing and wrinkles. The SPF in sunscreen indicates the product's ability to protect your skin from UVB rays, while the PA rating of a sunscreen indicates its ability to protect your skin from UVA rays. So, regular application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen is important to protect your skin from all kinds of sun damage.

Can Sunscreen Prevent Tanning?

If youre wondering, Does sunscreen prevent tanning? Well, it does, but only to a certain extent. Even an extremely amazing sunscreen with an SPF of 100 can only block 99% of the UVB rays. Meanwhile, sunscreens with a PA++++ index will also protect you from only up to 95% of the UVA rays. Although they provide maximum protection from harmful UV rays, it still isn't 100%.

While sunscreen creates a strong barrier protecting your skin from sun damage, it isn't completely impenetrable. Moreover, Tanning is your body's natural defence mechanism against the sun's harmful rays. It's your skin's way of trying to protect itself from any further damage. So, applying sunscreen regularly can surely reduce the effects of sun rays on your skin, thus reducing tanning.

How Does Your Skin Get Tanned?

As mentioned earlier, tanning is the skin's immediate response to being exposed to harmful UV rays. When these UV rays hit your skin, they cause the melanocyte cells in your skin to produce more melanin, which makes your skin darker in colour. Higher the melanin production, darker will be your skin colour.

Melanin helps to protect your skin by absorbing and scattering the UV rays and thus reducing sun damage. It acts as a natural sunscreen and absorbs some of the UV rays, preventing it from reaching the deeper layers of your skin where it can cause major damage. However, tanning isn't good for you either. Prolonged hours in the sun can also lead to extreme tanning, sunburns and more.

How Much Time Does It Take for The Skin To Tan?

The time required for your skin to start tanning depends on various factors such as skin type, the intensity of sun rays, duration of sun exposure, your natural skin tone, etc. Generally, fair-toned people tend to tan faster than people with naturally darker skin tones. In fact, fair-toned people are also more at risk of getting sunburns, skin cancer from UV exposure and more.

Usually, it can take anywhere between a few minutes to a few hours of sun exposure to develop a noticeable tan. However, its also important to note that even a mild tan is a sign of skin damage and should be taken seriously. Moreover, regardless of your skin type or skin tone, sun damage and tanning are inevitable. Thus, everyone should apply sunscreen daily to prevent any risks caused by harmful UV rays.

Damaging Effects of Sun Tanning   

While tanning is the skin's natural way of protecting it from further sun damage, it's important to remember that tanning is also really harmful to your skin. Prolonged exposure to the sun's UV rays can result in numerous skin concerns. Here are some damaging effects of sun tanning:

1. Sunburn -Sunburn is the result of your skin being exposed to UV rays for an extended period of time, which causes redness, swelling, and pain.

2. Premature Aging - Prolonged sun exposure can cause premature ageing. This includes early signs of ageing such as wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots.

3. Skin Cancer - Tanning can also increase your risk of getting diagnosed with skin cancer. This includes melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.

How To Protect Your Skin from Sun Damage?

There are different measures you can take to protect your skin from sun damage. Here are some effective ways to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays while keeping it healthy:

1. Use Sunscreen - The most important step in skin protection is applying sunscreen. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and apply a good amount of it on all body parts exposed to the sun. You can choose an effective sunscreen with active ingredients such as the POND'S Serum Boost Sunscreen with Niacinamide-C to get multiple benefits out of a sunscreen.

2. Reapply Sunscreen - Don't forget to reapply sunscreen within every two-three hours in case of sun exposure, or immediately after swimming or sweating. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both, UVA and UVB rays.

3. Wear Protective Clothing - Wear lightweight breathable clothes that cover you skin as much as possible. This can help protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays.

4. Seek Shade - Try to walk in the shade as much as possible. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during peak hours and use umbrellas, or other types of covers whenever necessary.

5. Wear Sunglasses - Now that your skin is protected, don't forget your eyes. Wear sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection to avoid any sun damage to your eyes.

Follow these simple tips and you'll be able to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun, while maintaining healthy, beautiful skin. Regularly use sunscreens such as the ones in the POND'S Serum Boost Sunscreen Gel range and avoid tanning, sunburns, skin cancer, and more.