PSA: Theres no such thing as a safe tan.
However, tanning while wearing sunscreen usually boils down to one key issue: user error.
However, tanning can still occur for a few different reasons.
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However, no sunscreen provides 100% protection, and some UV radiation can still penetrate through sunscreen.
Increased exposure to sunlight leads to higher levels of UV radiation reaching the skin.
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, a rating that appears on every sunscreen on the market.
So what does the SPF number actually mean?
Here’s a breakdown:
What abouthigher SPFs?
Unfortunately, anything above an SPF of 50 doesn’t block out more rays.
Tanning will usually still occur when you’re wearing sunscreen; it’ll just take longer.
She adds that cumulative skin damage is harmful for all skin types.
In short, no.
Studies have found that vitamin D is not significantly reduced in individuals who wear sunscreen.
Yes, you should wear sunscreen in a tanning bed.
However, doctors recommend foregoing tanning beds altogether due to their health risks.
They suggest other avenues, like self-tanner or spray tans, instead.
National Library of Medicine.Sun’s effect on skin.
Dale Wilson B, Moon S, Armstrong F.Comprehensive review of ultraviolet radiation and the current status on sunscreens.
J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.
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Sunscreens: protect your skin- health encyclopedia - university of rochester medical center.
Skin Cancer Foundation.Tanning and your skin.
2021;42(5):425-440.
2019;181(5):907-915.
