As a brand most well known for our non-toxic and organic suncreams, we’re not just asked questions about our products - we’re often asked about suncream and sun care in general. One of the most common queries we receive revolves around SPF, particularly, ‘Is SPF 30 too high to tan?’. At OhSo, we’re not just experts in creating non-toxic, organic formulas; we’re also here to provide the best advice for your skin’s health and protection - the natural way.
What Does SPF Actually Mean?
If you didn’t already know, which many of us understandably don’t, SPF stands for ‘Sun Protection Factor'. SPF is simply a measure of how well a sunscreen can protect your skin from harmful UVB rays - the same rays responsible for causing sunburn and contributing to skin damage, ageing and in severe cases, skin cancer.
In simple terms, SPF indicates how much longer your skin can be exposed to the sun without burning compared to wearing no protection. For example, if your skin would typically start to burn after 10 minutes in the sun, using an SPF 30 sunscreen theoretically extends that time by 30 times, offering a total of 300 minutes of protection. For example, if your skin would typically start to burn after 10 minutes of sun exposure without protection, using an SPF 30 suncream theoretically multiplies that time by 30, providing up to 300 minutes of protection. However, this is an estimate and depends on other factors.
It’s also important to remember that SPF isn’t always a perfect measure; there are other factors like sweating, swimming, or improper application that can also reduce a suncream’s effectiveness. However, regular reapplication and proper use are essential to ensure your skin stays protected from harmful rays.
So What SPF Is Too High To Tan?
So let’s debunk these myths. Suncream does not actually prevent you from tanning. This is because it doesn’t protect your skin from 100% of all UVA radiation. For example, applying SPF 30 protects you from approximately 97% of UV rays, while SPF 50 protects you from 98%. So it still allows around 3% of these rays to reach your skin, meaning you can still tan, albeit more gradually.
Essentially, SPF 30 is not too high to tan, but it may slow down the tanning process, which can actually be a good thing for your skin's health. If anything - using SPF 30 helps you achieve a tan more safely by reducing the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. A gradual tan is less likely to peel and fade unevenly compared to a tan achieved without suncream
Is Tanning Without SPF Dangerous?
It’s common knowledge that tanning without suncream can increase the risk of premature ageing, hyperpigmentation, and in more serious cases - skin cancer. SPF 30, alongside SPF 50 does provide sufficient protection while allowing some UV exposure for tanning.
It’s common knowledge that tanning without suncream can increase the risk of premature ageing, hyperpigmentation, and, in more serious cases, skin cancer. However, we shouldn’t be afraid of the sun, we should embrace it in a safe, non-toxic way! The sun plays an essential role in our health, from boosting our mood for all the feel-good vibes to helping our bodies produce vitamin D. With proper protection, we can safely embrace the sun and all its glory. Using SPF 30 or SPF 50 provides good protection while allowing some UV exposure for a healthy, gradual tan.
How Often Should You Reapply SPF
With any suncream, no matter the SPF - reapplication is key. Even with SPF 30, or even, SPF 50 - you still need to reapply every two hours or more often if swimming or sweating to maintain the sun protection. If your goal is a natural tan, SPF 30 is a good choice for balancing sun protection with gradual color development. Always prioritise your skin's health over rapid tanning.
However, there are certain activities - not including sipping cocktails, thankfully - that can reduce the efficacy of how well your suncream works which may mean, requiring more frequent applications. For example:
Swimming Or Other Water Activities:
So here’s a myth that’s busted; even water-resistant suncreams can wear off after prolonged exposure to being in the water or doing water-fun activities. In this case, it’s important to reapply your suncream immediately after swimming or toweling off - and the same goes for your OhSo collection.
Sweating
Kind of gross but completely normal - If you're doing outdoor sports, intense activities or just sweating yourself off by the pool - sweat can also diminish the sunscreen’s protective barrier. Meaning - you guessed it - you need to reapply.
High Sun Intensity
In situations with extreme UV exposure, such as at the beach or places with high altitudes, more frequent applications of your suncream may be necessary.
Here’s the OhSo timing guide for when, and how often to apply your suncream.
- Apply a generous amount of sunscreen 15–30 minutes before going outside.
- Don’t forget often-missed areas like the ears, back of the neck, tops of feet, and hands.
- If you’re using makeup or tinted sunscreen, consider using a powder or spray SPF for easy reapplication throughout the day - although, the OhSo Bare suncreams layer perfectly under makeup to make the perfect base.
The Takeaway
So, is SPF 30 too high to tan? The answer is no.
In conclusion, SPF 30 is not too high to tan – it’s just the right balance for protecting your skin while allowing a gradual, safer tan to develop. At OhSo, we believe in embracing the sun responsibly, ensuring your skin is shielded from harmful UV rays without compromising your natural glow - or your love for the sun for that matter. Tanning without SPF may seem tempting, especially on the day that you just can’t be bothered, but it significantly increases the risks of sun damage, premature ageing, and serious health concerns. By using SPF 30, reapplying it diligently, and enjoying the sun in moderation, you can achieve a radiant, long-lasting tan while prioritising your skin’s health. Remember, a protected tan is a more beautiful one, we can guarantee that!
