Tanning without sunscreen is possible but highly discouraged due to the significant health risks associated with it. While you might achieve a tan faster without sunscreen, you also increase your chances of sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.
Sunscreen works by absorbing or reflecting UV rays, preventing them from damaging your skin. Even with sunscreen, you can still tan, but the process will be slower and safer.
Here are some key points to remember:
- No sunscreen can completely prevent tanning if exposing skin to the sun for extended periods.
- Tanning depends more on sun exposure time, skin tone, and a sunscreen's UVA blocking capacity than the SPF alone.
- Sunscreen prevents sun damage and sunburn, not tanning itself.
- A base tan does not protect you from the sun's harmful rays.
It's crucial to prioritize your skin's health by always wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, even on cloudy days.
