What is the Difference Between Sun Tan Lotion and Sunscreen

When it comes to sun protection, terminology can be confusing. While both sun tan lotion and sunscreen are found in the sunscreen aisle, they offer very different levels of protection for your skin.

The difference between sun tan lotion and sunscreen is their function and SPF (Sun Protection Factor). Sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays and has a high SPF, while sun tan lotion has a low SPF and offers minimal protection.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is a Sun Tan Lotion 
3. What is a Sunscreen
4. Similarities – Sun Tan Lotion and Sunscreen
5. Sun Tan Lotion vs Sunscreen in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Sun Tan Lotion vs Sunscreen
7. FAQ – Sun Tan Lotion and Sunscreen

What is a Sun Tan Lotion?

Sun tan lotions typically have a low SPF of 4 to 8. They allow your skin to tan while offering minimal protection from UVB rays, the rays that cause sunburn. In fact, some sun tan lotions may even contain bronzers or tanning accelerators, giving the illusion of a tan but not actually protecting your skin. They are not recommended as they don’t provide sufficient protection against the harmful effects of UV rays. This can result in sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer.

What is Sunscreen?

Sunscreen is created to protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. While UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to premature aging and wrinkles, UVB rays are responsible for sunburn. Sunscreens come in a variety of SPFs, with higher SPFs offering greater protection. Dermatologists recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for everyday use and even higher SPF for extended sun exposure. Sunscreen works by either absorbing UV rays or reflecting them away from your skin.

There are various types of sunscreens, the main two being mineral and chemical sunscreens.

Mineral Sunscreen (Physical Sunscreen)

These sunscreens work like tiny shields, sitting on top of the skin and reflecting UVA and UVB rays away. Common mineral ingredients include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Mineral sunscreens are often a good choice for people with sensitive skin, as they are less likely to cause irritation. However, they can leave a white cast on the skin, especially on darker skin tones.

Chemical Sunscreen

These sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays into the skin and converting them into heat, which is then released. Chemical sunscreens are typically lighter and easier to spread than mineral sunscreens, and they are less likely to leave a white cast.

Similarities Between Sun Tan Lotion and Sunscreen

1. Both sun tan lotion and sunscreen are applied topically to the skin before sun exposure.
2. They come in similar forms, like lotions, sprays, and gels.
3. Sun Exposure: Both products are intended for use before going out in the sun.

Difference Between Sun Tan Lotion and Sunscreen

Definition

1. Sun tan lotion is a product that offers minimal sun protection and allows tanning.
2. Sunscreen is a product that acts as a shield against sun damage.

SPF

1. Sun tan lotion usually has a lower SPF (4-8).
2. Sunscreens come in a variety of SPFs, with higher SPFs offering greater protection. Generally, a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is recommended for daily use.

Protection

1. Sun tan lotion offers minimal protection and encourages tanning.
2. Sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays to prevent sunburn and skin damage.

How it Works

1. Sun tan lotion doesn’t block UV rays but may contain ingredients to enhance tanning.
2. Sunscreen absorbs or reflects UV rays to shield the skin from damage.

Recommendation

1. Sun tan lotion isn’t recommended for extended sun exposure.
2. Sunscreen is advised for reliable sun protection.

Below is a summary of the difference between sun tan lotion and sunscreen in tabular form for side by side comparison.

Summary – Sun Tan Lotion vs Sunscreen

Sun tan lotion and sunscreen are two popular products used for sun protection. Sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays with SPF, while sun tan lotion offers minimal protection and lets you tan. Thus, this is the basic difference between sun tan lotion and sunscreen.

FAQ: Sun Tan Lotion and Sunscreen

1. Which is better, sun lotion or sunscreen?

• Sunscreen is better than sun lotion. Sunscreen has a high SPF value and protects your skin from harmful rays, while sun tan lotion offers minimal protection and lets you burn.

2. Does tanning lotion work as sunscreen?

• Tanning lotion offers minimal protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. This can lead to sunburn and increase the risk of skin damage. Sunscreen, on the other hand, acts like a shield, with SPF indicating its effectiveness. Select a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher for everyday use to keep your skin safe and healthy.

3. Does SPF 30 remove tan?

• SPF 30 sunscreen won’t remove your existing tan, but it will help prevent further darkening. Sunscreen works by filtering UV rays, and SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays that cause sunburn. While some UVA rays (responsible for tanning) can still reach your skin, SPF 30 helps minimize it.

4. Does applying sunscreen lighten skin?

• Sunscreen itself isn’t a skin-lightening product. Its primary function is to block UV rays that cause sunburn and premature aging. While some sunscreen formulas might contain ingredients that can slightly reduce hyperpigmentation over time, their main goal is protection, not lightening.

Reference:

1. “Sunscreen.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Person Pouring Plastic Tube Bottle” (CC0) via Pexels

2. “Sun Drawing Sunscreen on Child’s Back Photo” (CC0) via Pexels

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