Can you tan with sunscreen?
When we expose ourselves to the sun after applying sunscreen, with any level of protection, melanin is still produced by our skin. What changes between the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is the protection time when our skin is exposed to sun rays, so it will increase for example by 15, 30 or 50 times based on the indication on the product packaging that we have applied . So we can say, even with a high protection factor, sunscreen allows us to tan .
Common mistakes
The belief that sunscreen doesn't allow us to tan is linked to several errors that are part of the common imagination. So let's look at some of the most common mistakes and beliefs when it comes to sun protection.
Believing that sunscreen is water resistant : the ideal would be to apply sunscreen approximately every two hours, and also after contact with water, therefore after a shower or bath, although the sunscreen instructions state that it is resistant to water;
Underestimating face protection: a specific product with a higher SPF should be used on the face, as it is generally a more sensitive part of our body. It should be known that the higher the SPF, the more it allows us to protect ourselves from UV rays, responsible for possible sunburn, premature skin aging, photoallergic and phototoxic reactions, and even skin cancer.
Cream only at the seaside : a common mistake is to think of the risk only at the seaside or in the swimming pool: in reality UV rays in the mountains are more harmful and more dangerous for our skin. In fact, at high altitudes the sun's rays are more direct, and at the same time the more moderate temperature deceives us, making us perceive the heat less and therefore the danger of exposing ourselves to the sun without protective measures.
Use the previous year's cream : generally there is a symbol of an open bottle on the package; next to it there should be the PAO, i.e. the recommended period of use after opening. If you cannot find this information or it is not visible, it is good to know that it is possible to use the product for the next 12 months after opening, although sometimes the effectiveness can last even longer.
"I'm already tanned so I don't wear sunscreen" : tanning is not a real protection, because it can protect against sunburn, but it does not protect against ultraviolet rays and their damage. You should never go below 15 SPF protection!
Sunscreen and curiosity
Here is a series of useful information and curiosities to obtain the best possible protection from your sunscreen:
-Did you know that the areas where we get sunburnt the most are the feet, ears and the back of the neck? This is because it very often happens that we forget to apply sunscreen to these points of the body!
-Sunscreen should also be worn when traveling by plane , especially if you have a seat near the window: the issue is always that of the mountains, so the closer we get to the sun, the more we are subjected to UV rays.
-It is common that people really like being in the sun: this happens because, when we expose ourselves to ultraviolet rays, our body releases beta-endorphins. These feel-good hormones are activated in our body, favoring an almost habituation mechanism.
-Our body is able to synthesize a vitamin thanks to the sun: vitamin D. To optimize this process, it is recommended to sunbathe for at least 30 minutes a day and with an intensity that should give a very light redness to the skin during the morning hours.
