sun cream

[mycatis]

This might sound daft but when you're going out in the sun and you put on sun cream (SPF whatever) to stop yourself getting burned, do you still get a tan?

[Gef]

If you use it properly no which is better than getting skin cancer.

[Bob A Job]

The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) slows down the effect of the suns rays, it DOESNT block it out completley.

The measure of SPF is how much longer the rays take to affect the skin. So if it would normally take 1 hour of sunshine to burn your skin, SPF 4 would give you 4 hours before you burn.SPF 10 would give you 10 hours in the sun, and so on, and so on.

The darker the skin is the more natural protection against the suns rays, therefore if you are pale skinned ALWAYS start off using a high SPF (around 30) and phase down to around 8 after a week. A good long lasting tan is built gradually and from being active in the sun.

Lay on the beach for 10 hours and go red all on one side, or play frisbie for two hours and have a healthy glow all over. Take your choice!

 

A little known fact is that sunscreen breaks down over time, dont use last years sunscreen, it wont be as effective and you will be more likely to burn.

[catra1]

I GOT ONE OF THE BEST (AND PROBABLY SAFEST) TANS OF MY LIFE WHEN i USED A FACTOR 20 SUNCREAM EVERY DAY ON HOLIDAY IN SPAIN- IT LASTED AGES WHEN I CAME BACK TO THE uk ALSO. Skin cancer is a real concern and it's important to be aware i think it could happen to any of us. i suppose a doctor would advise not sunbathing. I tend to always wear a hat ..
Catra

[mikeyp]

I believe that the longest time you can safely stay in bright sunlight without protection is 20 minutes. Meaning in Bob A Jobs example, SPF 4 would give you 1hr 20. Not a lot really!

[Gef]

Darkening of the skin (ie a tan) is the body's protection system against U/V. Depending on skin type, some people tan well and others (like me) just burn and go red. Whichever skin type ypu have there is still the risk of skin cancer. U/V is dangerous, always use sun-screen whatever your skin type. Some years ago I remember an England cricketer shaving his head on tour in Australia (or West Indies?) and he ended up with sun stroke - he was black!

Sorry to go on but also protect your eyes. Make sure that you always (in bright sun) wear good quality sunglasses which meet the appropriate standards.

[Mattk]

be aware that constant tanning ages your skin permanently.

[Tim Baxter]

Eventually!