When the sun is shining, and it’s time to hit the beach or pool, protecting your skin while getting that perfect tan is important. Choosing the best suntan lotion with sunscreen can make all the difference in achieving a healthy glow without damaging your skin. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about suntan lotions with sunscreen, including what to look for and how to use them effectively.
Why Use Suntan Lotion with Sunscreen?
Suntan lotion with sunscreen is designed to give you a tan while protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Unlike regular tanning oils, which offer little to no protection, these lotions include SPF (Sun Protection Factor) to shield your skin from UVB rays, which cause sunburn and can lead to skin cancer.
Benefits of Using Suntan Lotion with Sunscreen
- Protection from UV Rays: The most important benefit is protection. Sunscreen in the lotion prevents your skin from burning, reducing the risk of skin cancer.
- Even Tanning: These lotions help you tan more evenly, avoiding patchy or uneven skin tones.
- Moisturizing: Many suntan lotions with sunscreen also include moisturizing ingredients, keeping your skin hydrated and preventing dryness.
How to Choose the Right SPF
SPF indicates how well a sunscreen will protect your skin from UVB rays. The higher the SPF, the more protection you get. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right SPF for your needs:
SPF 15-30
- Best for: People with darker skin tones who rarely burn.
- Protection: Blocks 93-97% of UVB rays.
SPF 30-50
- Best for: People with fair to medium skin tones who burn easily.
- Protection: Blocks 97-98% of UVB rays.
SPF 50+
- Best for: People with very fair skin or those who are at high risk for skin cancer.
- Protection: Blocks 98% or more of UVB rays.
Broad Spectrum Protection
Look for “broad spectrum” on the label, which means the lotion protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays can cause premature aging and skin damage, while UVB rays cause sunburn.
Key Ingredients to Look For
When choosing a suntan lotion with sunscreen, it’s essential to pay attention to the ingredients. Here are some key components to look for:
Physical (Mineral) Sunscreens
- Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide.
- Benefits: These provide a physical barrier on the skin, reflecting UV rays. They are less likely to cause skin irritation and are often recommended for sensitive skin.
Chemical Sunscreens
- Ingredients: Oxybenzone, avobenzone, octocrylene, homosalate.
- Benefits: These absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, which is then released from the skin. They tend to be more lightweight and less visible on the skin.
Moisturizing Agents
- Ingredients: Aloe vera, glycerin, hyaluronic acid.
- Benefits: These keep your skin hydrated and smooth, preventing dryness and flakiness.
Antioxidants
- Ingredients: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, green tea extract.
- Benefits: Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals caused by UV exposure, reducing skin damage and aging.
How to Apply Suntan Lotion with Sunscreen
Proper application is crucial for effective sun protection and a beautiful tan. Follow these steps to ensure you get the most out of your suntan lotion with sunscreen:
Step-by-Step Guide
- Apply Generously: Use about one ounce (a shot glass full) of lotion to cover your entire body. Don’t skimp on the amount.
- Cover All Areas: Make sure to apply lotion to all exposed skin, including often-missed spots like the ears, back of the neck, and tops of your feet.
- Reapply Often: Reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating.
- Apply Before Sun Exposure: Put on your lotion at least 15 minutes before going outside to allow it to absorb into your skin.
- Combine with Other Protection: Use additional sun protection measures such as wearing hats, sunglasses, and seeking shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
Tips for Tanning Safely
While suntan lotion with sunscreen provides protection, it’s still important to tan safely. Here are some additional tips:
Avoid Peak Sun Hours
The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Try to limit your sun exposure during these hours to reduce the risk of burning.
Start Slow
If you haven’t tanned in a while or have fair skin, start with short periods of sun exposure and gradually increase the time. This helps your skin adjust and reduces the risk of burning.
Stay Hydrated
Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Sun exposure can dehydrate your skin, so it’s essential to maintain hydration from the inside out.
Use After-Sun Care
After a day in the sun, use after-sun products like aloe vera gel or moisturizers to soothe and hydrate your skin. This can help prolong your tan and keep your skin healthy.
Top Suntan Lotions with Sunscreen
Here are some of the best suntan lotions with sunscreen available on the market:
Hawaiian Tropic Tanning Lotion SPF 30
- Benefits: Provides a tropical scent, contains moisturizing ingredients, offers broad-spectrum protection.
Australian Gold Spray Gel Sunscreen with Instant Bronzer SPF 30
- Benefits: Easy to apply spray gel, includes instant bronzer for an immediate tan, water-resistant.
Banana Boat Deep Tanning Oil Spray SPF 15
- Benefits: Lightweight oil spray, offers deep tanning with moderate sun protection, enriched with coconut oil and banana extract for hydration.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 55
- Benefits: Lightweight, non-greasy formula, offers high SPF protection, suitable for all skin types.
Conclusion
According to its website, this sunscreen can withstand water for 80 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a pool or beach getaway.
https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/reviews/best-sunscreen
Choosing the best suntan lotion with sunscreen is essential for achieving a healthy, beautiful tan while protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. By considering factors like SPF, key ingredients, and proper application, you can enjoy the sun safely and effectively. Remember to follow our tips for tanning safely and take care of your skin before, during, and after sun exposure. Happy tanning!