For years, we've been led to believe that the best sunscreens to tan are those with high SPF ratings. We're told that the higher the SPF, the better our skin will be protected and the faster our tan will develop. But what if I told you that's just not true? In reality, the right SPF for tanning is often lower than you'd think. It's time to rethink your sun-tanning game and find the best sunscreens to tan that will leave you with a radiant glow. Here are some top picks to get you started.
Key Takeaways
- Look for sunscreens with a balanced mix of UVA and UVB protection for effective tanning.
- Consider products with a lower SPF rating for a more natural-looking tan.
- Opt for moisturizing sunscreens that hydrate your skin while you tan.
- Choose between lightweight lotions and creamy gels to find your preferred consistency.
- Consider products with built-in bronzing agents for an instant sun-kissed glow.
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Australian Gold Instant Bronzer Spray
Ultimate Sunscreen Bronzer
View on AmazonIf you're after a sun-kissed glow without the fuss, this product is a dream come true. Its spray gel formula is infused with caramel to give you an instant, wash-off tan that's perfect for days when you need a quick pick-me-up. Plus, its broad-spectrum SPF 30 offers long-lasting protection against UVA and UVB rays.
What sets this product apart is its unique blend of moisturizing ingredients, including tea tree oil, aloe vera, and sunflower seed oil. These work together to deeply hydrate your skin, leaving it feeling smooth and non-greasy. The only drawback is that it may not be suitable for very sensitive skin, as some users have reported mild irritation.
Despite this, it's a great option for those who want to achieve a natural-looking tan without spending hours in the sun. The fact that it's PABA-free and vegan-friendly is also a major plus.
- Brand:Australian Gold
- Type:Spray gel sunscreen
- Size/Capacity:8 fl oz
- Material:Aqua gel
- Power/Speed:N/A
- Count:1
- Additional Feature:Broad-spectrum protection
- Additional Feature:Moisturizing properties
- Additional Feature:Vegan-friendly
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Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Lotion
Lightweight Tanning Protection
View on AmazonIf you're looking for a lightweight sunscreen that won't weigh you down, this is a great option. Its non-greasy formula is perfect for everyday use, and it's also infused with vitamin E to help keep your skin moisturized. What's more, it's water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it a great choice for beachgoers and pool enthusiasts.
One of the standout features of this product is its ability to provide long-lasting protection against UVA and UVB rays. The fact that it's free from dyes, PABA, and oxybenzone is also a major plus for those with sensitive skin. However, it's worth noting that it only offers SPF 8, which may not be sufficient for very fair skin.
Despite this, it's a great option for those who want a lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen that's easy to apply. The fact that it's enriched with vitamin E is also a nice touch.
- Brand:Coppertone
- Type:Lotion sunscreen
- Size/Capacity:8 fl oz
- Material:N/A
- Power/Speed:N/A
- Count:1
- Additional Feature:Long-lasting protection against UVA and UVB rays
- Additional Feature:Free from dyes, PABA, and oxybenzone
- Additional Feature:Easy to apply
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Australian Gold Body Lotion Sunscreen
Rich Moisture Sunscreen
View on AmazonIf you're after a rich and moisturizing sunscreen that won't leave your skin feeling dry and tight, this is a great option. Its body lotion formula is infused with a blend of sunflower seed oil, olive fruit oil, and cocoa seed butter to deeply hydrate your skin. What's more, it's also infused with tea tree oil and aloe vera to help soothe and calm irritated skin.
One of the standout features of this product is its ability to provide long-lasting protection against UVA and UVB rays. The fact that it's PABA-free and vegan-friendly is also a major plus for those with sensitive skin. However, it's worth noting that it may not be suitable for very oily skin, as some users have reported a slightly greasy texture.
Despite this, it's a great option for those who want a rich and moisturizing sunscreen that's easy to apply. The fact that it's dermatologist-tested is also a nice touch.
- Brand:Australian Gold
- Type:Lotion sunscreen
- Size/Capacity:8 fl oz
- Material:N/A
- Power/Speed:N/A
- Count:1
- Additional Feature:PABA-free and vegan-friendly
- Additional Feature:Dermatologist-tested
- Additional Feature:Easy to apply
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Coppertone Sunscreen Tanning Lotion
Vitamin E Enriched Sunscreen
View on AmazonIf you're looking for a sunscreen that's infused with vitamin E to help keep your skin moisturized, this is a great option. Its lightweight formula is perfect for everyday use, and it's also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. What's more, it's free from oxybenzone, octinoxate, dyes, and PABA, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin.
One of the standout features of this product is its ability to provide long-lasting protection against UVA and UVB rays. The fact that it's enriched with vitamin E is also a nice touch. However, it's worth noting that it only offers SPF 8, which may not be sufficient for very fair skin.
Despite this, it's a great option for those who want a lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen that's easy to apply. The fact that it's a two-pack is also a nice bonus.
- Brand:Coppertone
- Type:Lotion sunscreen
- Size/Capacity:16 fl oz
- Material:N/A
- Power/Speed:N/A
- Count:2
- Additional Feature:Long-lasting protection against UVA and UVB rays
- Additional Feature:Enriched with vitamin E
- Additional Feature:Two-pack
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Australian Gold Tinted Mineral Face Sunscreen
Seamless BB Cream Finish
View on AmazonIf you're after a face sunscreen that provides a seamless BB cream finish, this is a great option. Its tinted mineral formula is infused with a blend of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to deliver broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. What's more, it's also infused with eucalyptus, red algae, and vitamin E to help defend against environmental aggressors and blue light.
One of the standout features of this product is its ability to provide long-lasting protection against UVA and UVB rays. The fact that it's PABA-free and vegan-friendly is also a major plus for those with sensitive skin. However, it's worth noting that it may not be suitable for very oily skin, as some users have reported a slightly greasy texture.
Despite this, it's a great option for those who want a face sunscreen that's easy to apply and provides a seamless finish. The fact that it's dermatologist-tested is also a nice touch.
- Brand:Australian Gold
- Type:Face sunscreen
- Size/Capacity:2.5 fl oz
- Material:Mineral
- Power/Speed:N/A
- Count:1
- Additional Feature:PABA-free and vegan-friendly
- Additional Feature:Dermatologist-tested
- Additional Feature:Easy to apply
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Australian Gold Continuous Spray Sunscreen
Instant Bronzer Spray
View on AmazonIf you're after a sun-kissed glow without the fuss, this product is a dream come true. Its continuous spray formula is infused with caramel to give you an instant, wash-off tan that's perfect for days when you need a quick pick-me-up. What's more, it's also infused with tea tree oil and cocoa dreams fragrance to help soothe and calm irritated skin.
One of the standout features of this product is its ability to provide long-lasting protection against UVA and UVB rays. The fact that it's PABA-free and vegan-friendly is also a major plus for those with sensitive skin. However, it's worth noting that it may not be suitable for very oily skin, as some users have reported a slightly greasy texture.
Despite this, it's a great option for those who want a continuous spray sunscreen that's easy to apply and provides a seamless finish. The fact that it's dermatologist-tested is also a nice touch.
- Brand:Australian Gold
- Type:Spray sunscreen
- Size/Capacity:6 fl oz
- Material:Aqua gel
- Power/Speed:N/A
- Count:1
- Additional Feature:PABA-free and vegan-friendly
- Additional Feature:Dermatologist-tested
- Additional Feature:Easy to apply
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Hawaiian Tropic Sunscreen Protective Tanning Dry Oil
Coconut Oil Hydrator
View on AmazonIf you're after a sun-kissed glow that's also infused with coconut oil and cocoa butter to hydrate and nourish your skin, this is a great option. Its dry oil formula is perfect for everyday use, and it's also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. What's more, it's also infused with a blend of antioxidants and blue light defenders to help protect your skin from environmental aggressors.
One of the standout features of this product is its ability to provide long-lasting protection against UVA and UVB rays. The fact that it's free from oxybenzone, octinoxate, and other harsh chemicals is also a major plus for those with sensitive skin. However, it's worth noting that it may not be suitable for very oily skin, as some users have reported a slightly greasy texture.
Despite this, it's a great option for those who want a sun-kissed glow that's also infused with nourishing ingredients. The fact that it's a broad-spectrum sunscreen is also a nice touch.
- Brand:Hawaiian Tropic
- Type:Dry oil sunscreen
- Size/Capacity:8 fl oz
- Material:Coconut oil
- Power/Speed:N/A
- Count:1
- Additional Feature:Free from oxybenzone, octinoxate, and other harsh chemicals
- Additional Feature:Broad-spectrum sunscreen
- Additional Feature:Nourishing ingredients
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a "tan-enhancing" and a "moisturizing" sunscreen?
When it comes to sunscreens designed to help you tan, there are two main types: tan-enhancing and moisturizing. Tan-enhancing sunscreens typically contain ingredients like dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which reacts with your skin's amino acids to create a darker pigment. On the other hand, moisturizing sunscreens focus on hydrating your skin while providing protection from the sun. These two types of sunscreens serve different purposes. If you want to enhance your natural tan, a tan-enhancing sunscreen might be the way to go. However, if you prioritize moisturizing and hydration, a moisturizing sunscreen is a better fit.
Can I still use a sunscreen with a low SPF if I'm not trying to get a tan?
While it's tempting to opt for a lower SPF sunscreen to allow for more UVB absorption and potentially deeper tanning, it's not the best idea. Low SPF sunscreens may not provide adequate protection against UVB rays, which can cause sunburn and increase your risk of skin cancer. Instead, look for a sunscreen with a broad-spectrum rating that offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays. This will give you the best protection against premature aging and skin cancer, regardless of your tanning goals.
How long does it take to see results with a tan-enhancing sunscreen?
The time it takes to see results with a tan-enhancing sunscreen can vary depending on your skin type, tone, and the specific product you're using. Generally, you can expect to see some color within 30 minutes to 1 hour after applying the sunscreen. However, it's essential to remember that tan-enhancing sunscreens work by reacting with your skin's amino acids, which means the effects may not be as immediate as those from other self-tanning products. Be patient and follow the instructions carefully for optimal results.
Can I use a tan-enhancing sunscreen on sensitive skin?
While some tan-enhancing sunscreens can be gentle enough for sensitive skin, it's crucial to choose a product that's specifically formulated for sensitive skin types. Look for sunscreens labeled as hypoallergenic or fragrance-free, as these tend to be less irritating. Also, be sure to patch test the product on a small area of skin before applying it to your face or body to ensure you don't have any adverse reactions.
Are tan-enhancing sunscreens safe for use on children?
It's generally not recommended to use tan-enhancing sunscreens on children, as their skin is more susceptible to damage from UV radiation. Instead, opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF, which will provide more comprehensive protection against the sun's rays. If you're looking for a self-tanning option for your kids, consider using a spray or wipe-on product that's specifically designed for children. These products are often easier to apply and tend to be less irritating than traditional sunscreens.
