Let’s admit it, we’ve all heard it at some point:
“Don’t worry, it’ll turn into a tan.”
It’s a phrase that’s often thrown around as reassurance after getting a little too much sun. But while it might sound harmless, maybe even slightly desirable for those sun seekers, the idea that a sunburn is just the first step to achieving a bronzed summer glow is not only misleading, but also dangerous for your skin.
At OhSo Bare, our goal is protecting and nourishing your skin with natural, non-toxic care - and that doesn’t just stop at our products. In fact, it includes helping you separate skin health facts from fiction. So, let’s break down what really happens when your skin burns, why this common myth is so damaging, and how you can glow safely with the right protection and recovery.
The Science of Sunburn vs. Tanning
When your skin is exposed to the sun’s UV rays, specifically UVB rays, it causes direct damage to the DNA in your skin cells. A sunburn is essentially an inflammatory response to this damage. Your immune system kicks in, sending more blood to the area to repair the harm, which is why sunburns appear red, feel hot to the touch, and can be painful or even start peeling.
Tanning, on the other hand, is your skin’s attempt to protect itself from further UV damage. It does this by producing more melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour. This isn’t your sunburn turning into a tan, rather, it’s your skin going into overdrive to defend itself from future harm. The key takeaway? Both sunburn and tanning are signs of skin trauma, not skin health, despite how much most of us love to look tan.
Why the Burn to Tan Mentality is Harmful
Many people believe that getting a “base burn” will lead to a longer-lasting tan, but this couldn’t be further from the truth - even using it as an excuse why they won’t apply sun protection. A sunburn is never a safe or necessary step to tanning; it’s a sign that your skin has already suffered damage at a cellular level. Even just one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence can more than double your chances of developing melanoma later in life.
Beyond increasing your risk of skin cancer, sunburns (and even excessive tanning) contribute to:
-
Premature ageing including fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity
-
Hyperpigmentation and sunspots which means uneven skin tone that’s hard to reverse
-
A compromised skin barrier, leading to sensitivity, dryness, and inflammation
-
Chronic dehydration and texture changes as your skin loses its ability to retain moisture
In short, chasing a tan through burning is never worth the long-term cost. Healthy, glowing skin comes from protection, hydration, and nourishment, not trauma.
What To Do If You Have Already Burnt
Accidents happen, and sometimes we get more sun than we intended. If you’re dealing with sun-stressed skin, your focus should be on soothing, repairing, and protecting it, not heading back into the sun. Here’s what we recommend:
Cool the skin immediately
Take a cool (not cold) shower to reduce heat and inflammation. Avoid harsh soaps or scrubbing.
Replenish hydration
Drink plenty of water and apply topical products that are rich in calming, anti-inflammatory ingredients like aloe vera, calendula, chamomile, and oat extract. These ingredients support the skin’s natural healing process without further irritating it.
Lock in moisture with barrier-repairing oils
Nourish your skin with gentle, plant-based oils like jojoba, rosehip, or calendula - all known for their restorative and antioxidant properties. Personally, we love the TLC Creams from our sister brand, Bbare which are also inspired by all your favourite designer fragrances.
Avoid further sun exposure
Give your skin time to heal by staying out of the sun for several days, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding exfoliants or active ingredients until your skin has returned to baseline.
Why Mineral and Non-Toxic Sunscreens Are Better for You
One of the most powerful tools for preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage is suncream, but not all SPF products are the same which many of us know by now.
At OhSo Bare, we always advocate for non-toxic suncreams, like our own range, developed with non-toxic, reef-safe ingredients like zinc oxide. Here’s why our customers love our organic creams so much.
Immediate Protection
Unlike chemical suncreams, which need around 20 minutes to absorb before becoming effective, mineral suncreams work immediately by forming a physical barrier on the skin that reflects UV rays away.
Gentle on Sensitive Skin
Many chemical SPF ingredients (like oxybenzone and avobenzone) can cause irritation, especially for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Mineral formulas, like ours at OhSo, are far less likely to cause reactions, making them ideal for delicate skin. Plus, with the nourishing addition of our organic, grass-fed beef tallow - this makes our creams ultra hydrating on the skin.
Non-Toxic and Reef Safe
Some common suncream chemicals have been linked to hormone disruption and marine toxicity. Mineral suncreams are reef-safe and better for the environment, especially when you’re swimming in natural bodies of water.
Better for Long-Term Skin Health
Mineral suncreamss not only protect against both UVA (ageing) and UVB (burning) rays, but they’re also often formulated with additional skin-loving ingredients that support hydration and repair, making them a win-win for anyone looking to protect and care for their skin naturally.
A Better Way to Glow
If you’re chasing a golden glow still, there are safer, skin-friendly ways to achieve it that don’t involve harmful UV exposure. Consider building your skin’s natural radiance with hydration, nutrition, and consistent SPF protection using our Deep Tanning Oil (Wild Orange and Grapefruit is my personal favourite!) paired with a Factor 15 for added protection . At OhSo Bare, we believe the best glow is one that comes from balance - healthy skin, supported by thoughtful care and non-toxic ingredients.
The idea that a sunburn will "turn into a tan" is more than just a myth, it’s a message that encourages poor skin habits and long-term damage. Skin health is about consistency, protection, and understanding that beauty doesn’t come from damage, it comes from care.
Support your skin through every season with gentle, non-toxic products, mindful sun protection, and a little extra love when needed. Your skin will thank you, not just today, but for years to come.
