Does Sunblock Prevent Tanning?

To get a golden tan, many people think that they should not use sun protection. What many people don't know is that there is a difference between sunscreen and sun block. Sun block prevents the sun's rays from reaching your skin, but sunscreen is one of the best ways to get the dark skin you desire.

Considerations

UVA and UVB rays from the sun cause your skin to produce a pigment called melanin. Melanin makes your skin darker, or tan, and is your skin's defense mechanism against the damaging effects of the sun.

Function

Sunscreen and sun block were developed to help protect your skin from sun damage. Sunscreen and sun block come in different Sun Protection Factors (SPFs); the higher the SPF, the more sun protection a product has.

Types

Sun block is designed to completely prevent UV rays from getting to your skin; hence the name: sunblock. Sunscreen is designed to filter UV rays and prevent sunburn, but will not prevent the production of melanin, meaning that your skin will tan.

Significance

If you want to completely protect you skin from the sun, choose a sun block with a high SPF. If you want tan skin, purchase a sunscreen with a low SPF; this will prevent sunburn but will not prevent tanning.

Expert Insight

Because your skin can produce only a limited amount of melanin at a time, the best way to get a dark tan is with short periods of sun exposure at regular intervals.