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Cart Why you may still get tan when using sunscreen
There are many reasons why you may still be getting some tan despite diligent use of sunscreen. One likely cause is the fact that even the best of sunscreens still let some sunrays through. A high SPF number is not about better or deeper protection, but just longer protection – an SPF 30 means you can stay in the sun 30 times longer than it would normally take you to get a slight burn. For most skin types that would provide over eighteen hours of sun exposure without getting sunburned. It’s impressive, but it is also only about the length of time the protection lasts.
High SPF numbers give the false impression of providing enhanced protection when that is not the case (that is why the FDA no longer allows products to be labeled as having SPFs over 30). A well-formulated sunscreen with an SPF 30 still only protects your skin from about 97% to 98% of the sun’s rays. That means 2% to 3% of the sun’s rays are still getting through, and that can trigger melanin production (the skin’s tanning response). This is especially true for those with darker skin tones or for those who have a lot of previous sun damage, because for them hypermelanin production is more likely to take place.
Further, most people misunderstand or have poor information about how to get the best sun protection. Please review the "Applying Sunscreen" and "Sun Strategy" sections in this chapter. It is essential to apply sunscreen liberally and to be sure that the active ingredients include the UVA-protecting ingredients of avobenzone, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide.
High SPF numbers give the false impression of providing enhanced protection when that is not the case (that is why the FDA no longer allows products to be labeled as having SPFs over 30). A well-formulated sunscreen with an SPF 30 still only protects your skin from about 97% to 98% of the sun’s rays. That means 2% to 3% of the sun’s rays are still getting through, and that can trigger melanin production (the skin’s tanning response). This is especially true for those with darker skin tones or for those who have a lot of previous sun damage, because for them hypermelanin production is more likely to take place.
Further, most people misunderstand or have poor information about how to get the best sun protection. Please review the "Applying Sunscreen" and "Sun Strategy" sections in this chapter. It is essential to apply sunscreen liberally and to be sure that the active ingredients include the UVA-protecting ingredients of avobenzone, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide.
Keep in mind that you must:
Apply sunscreen every day of your life, not just when you think you will be spending extended time in the sun.
Apply sunscreen liberally.
Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside.
Reapply water-resistant or very water-resistant sunscreen every 40 to 80 minutes if you are spending extensive time in the sun and are swimming, exercising, or perspiring heavily.
Reapply sunscreen on your hands every time after you wash them.
It always helps to wear a broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and long sleeves when you are outside or at the beach, and to avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible.
Try to avoid spending more than a few minutes out in the sun when it’s most intense (between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.).
Seek shade whenever possible for sun breaks on long days outdoors.
Apply sunscreen every day of your life, not just when you think you will be spending extended time in the sun.
Apply sunscreen liberally.
Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside.
Reapply water-resistant or very water-resistant sunscreen every 40 to 80 minutes if you are spending extensive time in the sun and are swimming, exercising, or perspiring heavily.
Reapply sunscreen on your hands every time after you wash them.
It always helps to wear a broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and long sleeves when you are outside or at the beach, and to avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible.
Try to avoid spending more than a few minutes out in the sun when it’s most intense (between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.).
Seek shade whenever possible for sun breaks on long days outdoors.
By "Bikini fit the 4-week plan" by Hamlyn
