Hello,

I have a quick sunscreen question. I wear a SPF 15 and I am still able to get a little bit of a tan while wearing it.

I know that no tan is "healthy", but is this a way to cheat the system and still get a little color! ; )

Thanks in advance,

Chris

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. All sunscreens are given a number ranging from 4 on up, so you'll have to determine which one is best for you. From what I can see most dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15. However, the level of protection a person needs is usually based upon his or her`s tanning history. For example, people with pale complexions should choose an SPF of 30, while people with darker complexions may need a SPF of as little as 4. To be safe, it's always best to ask a pharmacist which SPF would work best for you. And since most drugstores have pharmacists, you can get this info for free.
Although most people lump sunscreen and sunblock together, they are actually very different products that are intended for different uses. Sunscreen is a cream or lotion that is SPF-rated. It reacts with the skin to create an invisible barrier against the sun. The strength of the barrier is determined by the SPF number. The lower the number, the less protection. Most sunscreens should be applied 20 minutes before you go outside so they have time to work. Using a sunscreen will not prevent you from tanning, but it will lower your risk of getting burned. Hope this helps.

thanks for the reply.......wasn't sure if anyone was going to get back.


if i read correctly, i may be able to get a small tan and wear spf 15 at the same time, relatively guilt free!

Yes the way that the protection works is that it allows you to stay out longer without harmful rays affecting you but you still will get a slight tan in time, just not the fast and furious tan that you get with frying yourself in the sun. I think spray tans might be the answer as they are now readily available and look very realistic.