Blog Summary: You can absolutely still tan while wearing sunscreen. But a tan is still a sign of UV exposure on the skin. Even with SPF50, some UV rays will still get through, especially if sunscreen isn’t applied generously or regularly reapplied. And while sunscreen helps to reduce UV damage, it doesn’t stop it entirely.

So yes, you may still see your skin changing colour when you're spending long periods in the sun with sunscreen on, but that color is still your skin responding to UV exposure. It shouldn't be considered a “safe” tan.

Can You Tan With Sunscreen On?

The short answer: Yes, you can tan while wearing sunscreen. But here's the thing. A tan is still your skin responding to UV exposure, and UV exposure can contribute to things like skin damage, premature ageing and an increased risk of skin cancer.

Sunscreen isn't designed to make you invincible in the sun. It helps reduce the amount of UV that reaches your skin so you can enjoy outdoor activities with better protection.

Does Sunscreen Prevent Tanning?

Sunscreen can help reduce it, but it doesn't stop it completely.

Think of sunscreen as your skin’s daily bodyguard. It filters UV rays instead of blocking every single one, which means some UV exposure can still happen, especially if you are spending hours outdoors or forgetting to reapply. SPF is there to help protect your skin, not give you permission to overdo sun exposure.

Does Sunscreen Block Tanning Completely?

Not quite. Sunscreen helps reduce UV exposure but some rays can still reach the skin.

Broad spectrum sunscreen is especially important because it helps protect against both UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays are more associated with burning, while UVA rays play a major role in tanning and premature skin ageing.

If you are spending time outdoors, pair your sunscreen with extra protection like sunglasses, hats, shade and lightweight clothing. For more advice on how to protect your skin, read this article which features insight from skin cancer specialist, Dr John Donnellan.

Can You Tan With SPF50 Sunscreen?

Yes, you can still tan while wearing SPF50 sunscreen. SPF50 provides high protection but once again, it doesn't block every UV ray.

SPF mainly measures protection against UVB rays. SPF30 filters around 97% of UVB rays while SPF50 filters around 98% when applied correctly. That extra protection can make a difference, especially under strong Australian sun. (Hot tip: all Naked Sundays SPF products are SPF50!)

The biggest issue? Most people do not apply enough sunscreen in the first place. Reapplication matters too, especially after swimming, sweating or spending long periods outdoors.

Our advice is simple: choose the higher SPF, apply generously and keep reapplying throughout the day.

Can Sunscreen Help You Tan Safely?

A lot of people ask whether sunscreen can help them tan “safely” but to put it bluntly: tanning still involves UV exposure. And UV exposure causes damage to your skin that can, in some cases, lead to cancer (Cancer Institute NSW).

Sunscreen helps reduce the amount of UV your skin absorbs, which is incredibly important but there is no such thing as a "completely safe tan."

If you want extra color, sunless tanning products are a much more skin friendly option. You can still get that bronzed glow without exposing your skin to unnecessary damage.

Why You Should Prioritise Protection Over Tanning

The best glow comes from healthy skin, not overexposure to the sun.

Too much UV exposure can contribute to premature ageing, pigmentation, sunburn and increased skin cancer risk. It can also happen more easily than people realise because UV levels are not always connected to heat.

How to Use Sunscreen Properly in the Sun

Owning sunscreen is one thing. Using it properly is another.

Keep it simple:

• Apply generously before sun exposure
• Reapply every 80 minutes
• Reapply after swimming, sweating or towel drying
• Do not forget your ears, neck, chest, hands and lips
• Pair SPF with hats, sunglasses and shade where possible

And yes, keeping SPF in your bag at all times is always a good idea.

What Does SPF Tell You About How Sunscreen Works?

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures how well a sunscreen protects against UVB rays, the rays responsible for sunburn.

In simple terms, it shows how much longer it would take for your skin to burn compared to not wearing sunscreen.

However, SPF only measures UVB protection. It does not account for UVA protection, which is why broad-spectrum SPF is essential.

Explore the Naked Sundays range of sunscreen

Daily SPF should feel easy, lightweight and glowy enough that you actually want to wear it every day.

Explore our sunscreen range for everyday protection that fits seamlessly into your routine, whether you are heading to the beach, brunch or simply running errands in the sun.

We created our brand to help bring SPF into every step of your beauty and skincare routine. Because sun safety is a non-negotiable.