Get a Safe Sun-Kissed Glow with Sunscreen

Ah, the eternal quest for that perfect sun-kissed glow—without the sunburn, the peeling, or the premature aging. I’ve been covering skincare long enough to know that the days of baking in coconut oil are over. The truth? You can get a suntan with sunscreen—just not the kind that leaves you lobster-red by noon. Modern sunscreens don’t just block UV rays; they’re formulated to let some light through while protecting your skin from damage. The trick is choosing the right one—broad-spectrum, at least SPF 30, and reapplied every two hours like your life depends on it (because, well, it kinda does).

I’ve seen the fads—tanning oils, tanning pills, even spray tans that look like someone slapped orange paint on your face. But here’s the reality: a suntan with sunscreen is the only way to get that golden hue without turning your skin into a science experiment. And no, you won’t look like you’ve been hiding under a rock. The right sunscreen lets your skin develop a gradual, healthy-looking tan while keeping UV damage at bay. So yeah, you can have your glow and protect your skin too. Just don’t skip the reapplication. Trust me, I’ve seen the aftermath of that mistake.

How to Tan Safely Without Damaging Your Skin*

I’ve spent decades watching people burn themselves silly chasing that perfect tan. Here’s the truth: you don’t need to fry your skin to get a glow. Sunscreen isn’t the enemy—it’s your best friend. Done right, you can get a sun-kissed look without the damage. Here’s how.

First, pick the right SPF. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 bumps that to 98%. The difference? Minimal. I’ve seen people slather on SPF 100 thinking they’re invincible, then still get fried because they didn’t reapply. Stick to SPF 30 or 50, reapply every two hours, and you’re golden.

Timing matters. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM. If you’re serious about tanning, hit the beach early or late. And don’t forget shade. A hat, sunglasses, and a light cover-up can make all the difference.

Now, let’s talk tanning oils. I’ve seen too many people slather on coconut oil thinking it’s a shortcut. It’s not. Oils attract UV rays like a magnet, increasing your burn risk. If you want a glow without the damage, opt for a tinted sunscreen or a self-tanner. They give you that sun-kissed look without the UV exposure.

Hydration is key. Sun exposure dries out your skin, so drink plenty of water and moisturize daily. I’ve seen people tan for weeks, then wonder why their skin looks like leather. Keep it supple with aloe vera or a rich body cream.

And finally, listen to your skin. If you’re turning lobster red, you’ve gone too far. Peeling isn’t a tan—it’s damage. A safe tan takes time. Be patient, protect yourself, and you’ll get that glow without the regret.

The Truth About Sunscreen and Getting a Natural Glow*

Look, I’ve been covering sun care for 25 years, and let me tell you—this whole “natural glow” thing is a minefield. People still believe you can get a sun-kissed tan without sunscreen, or worse, that sunscreen ruins your tan. Spoiler: both ideas are outdated. Here’s the truth.

First, sunscreen doesn’t block all color. It blocks UVB rays (the ones that burn you) and UVA rays (the ones that age you). But it doesn’t stop melanin production entirely. That’s why you can still get a gradual, golden tan—just without the redness, peeling, or long-term damage. I’ve seen clients achieve a deeper tan with SPF 30 than without, because they stayed out longer without burning.

Here’s the real trick: reapply. Most people slather on sunscreen once and call it a day. But SPF degrades with sweat, water, and time. I recommend reapplying every 2 hours—yes, even if you’re not swimming. And don’t forget ears, lips, and the tops of your feet. Those are the spots that burn first and tan last.

And here’s a pro tip: tinted sunscreens give you an instant glow while protecting your skin. I’ve seen brands like Supergoop! and EltaMD do this well. They’re not a replacement for a real tan, but they’ll make you look like you’ve been sun-kissed from day one.

Bottom line? You can have a natural-looking tan without frying your skin. Just be smart about it. And for the love of dermatology, don’t skip the reapplication.

5 Ways to Achieve a Sun-Kissed Look While Staying Protected*

I’ve been covering sun care for decades, and let me tell you—getting a sun-kissed glow without frying your skin is an art. You don’t need to bake under the sun like a lobster to look golden. Here’s how to do it right, with sunscreen as your best friend.

1. Gradual Base Tanning
Start with a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen (I swear by La Roche-Posay Anthelios for its lightweight feel). Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure, then reapply every two hours. Stick to 10-15 minutes of midday sun, max. Your skin will develop a subtle, natural tan over 3-5 days without burning.

2. Self-Tanner for a Boost
If you’re impatient, a gradual self-tanner (like St. Tropez Gradual Tan Lotion) gives you a bronze base in 3-5 days. Apply after showering, focusing on knees, elbows, and ankles for a natural look.

• Day 1: Light application
• Day 3: Reapply to deepen
• Day 5: Maintain with moisturizer

3. Bronzing Makeup
A cream bronzer (like Fenty Beauty Sun Stalk’r) adds instant warmth. Apply in a “3” shape on your face—forehead, cheeks, jawline. Blend like your life depends on it.

4. Eat Your Tan
Carrots, sweet potatoes, and oranges contain beta-carotene, which gives skin a golden hue. I’ve seen clients add a teaspoon of turmeric to smoothies for extra glow. Just don’t go overboard—you’ll look like a curry.

5. Hydrate Like Crazy
Dry skin looks dull. Drink 2-3 liters of water daily, and slather on a hydrating body oil (like Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa ’62) post-shower. The glow will be undeniable.

Bottom line? You don’t need to sacrifice your skin for a tan. Sunscreen, smart sun exposure, and a little makeup magic will get you there safely. Trust me—I’ve seen the disasters when people skip these steps.

Why Sunscreen is Your Secret Weapon for a Flawless Tan*

Here’s the truth no one tells you: sunscreen isn’t just your skin’s bodyguard—it’s the secret weapon for a tan that lasts. I’ve seen countless clients chase that golden glow, only to end up with patchy, uneven skin or worse, sun damage. The myth that sunscreen blocks tanning is just that—a myth. SPF doesn’t stop melanin production; it just slows it down, giving you a smoother, more even tan that won’t peel or freckle like a teenager’s first attempt at self-tanner.

Think of it like this: Without sunscreen, you’re playing Russian roulette with your skin. A single unprotected sunburn can age you by years. But with the right SPF, you’re in control. A broad-spectrum SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays (the ones that burn) and UVA rays (the ones that age). Need more? SPF 50 bumps that up to 98%. Not a huge difference, but every bit helps.

I’ve tested every trick in the book—oils, tanning accelerators, you name it. None of them beat good old SPF for a tan that looks natural and lasts. Here’s my pro tip: Reapply every two hours, especially if you’re swimming or sweating. A study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that most people miss their ears, neck, and hands—so don’t skip those spots.

And let’s talk about the real MVP: mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide. They sit on top of your skin, reflecting UV rays instead of absorbing them, which means less irritation and more even tanning. Chemical sunscreens? They’re great, but if you’ve got sensitive skin, stick to the minerals.

Bottom line? Sunscreen isn’t the enemy of a good tan—it’s the only way to get one safely. I’ve seen too many people regret their sunburns years later. Trust me, your future self will thank you.

The Best Sunscreen Tips for a Safe, Long-Lasting Glow*

I’ve been covering sun care for 25 years, and let me tell you—most people still get it wrong. You can’t just slap on any sunscreen and expect a flawless, long-lasting glow. You need strategy. Here’s how to do it right.

• SPF 30 isn’t enough. If you’re serious about protection, go for SPF 50. Why? Because SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks 98%. That extra 1% makes a difference when you’re out for hours.
• Reapply every 80 minutes. Not two hours. Not when you feel sticky. Every 80 minutes, no exceptions. I’ve seen too many sunburns from people who waited “just a little longer.”
• Don’t skimp. A shot-glass amount for your body, a nickel-sized dollop for your face. Less than that, and you’re asking for trouble.

Here’s the dirty secret: the best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually use. If you hate the feel of zinc oxide, don’t force it. Find a chemical sunscreen that blends seamlessly. If you’re sweating or swimming, opt for a water-resistant formula—just check the label. “Water-resistant” means it holds up for 40 minutes, not all day.

Pro tip: Store your sunscreen in a cool place. Heat degrades the active ingredients. I’ve seen bottles left in a hot car turn useless in weeks.

And one last thing—don’t forget your ears, neck, and the back of your hands. I’ve lost count of how many people come back with lobster-red ears because they forgot that spot. Be thorough, or regret it later.

Achieving a sun-kissed glow doesn’t have to come at the cost of your skin’s health. By choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. Remember to reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating, to maintain optimal protection. For an extra touch of radiance, opt for a sunscreen with a hint of tint or a hydrating formula that leaves your skin glowing.

As you step into the sunshine, consider this your reminder that healthy skin is the foundation of a radiant complexion. What’s your favorite way to enjoy the sun while keeping your skin safe? Whether it’s a beach day or a summer hike, let’s make sun protection a seamless part of your routine—so you can shine bright, worry-free.