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Tanning Oil vs Sunscreen: What to Apply First for Protection

tanning oil vs sunscreen: what to apply first for protection

In the UAE, the sunshine is a part of daily life. With UV index levels frequently reaching "Extreme," a beautiful bronze glow comes with a serious responsibility to protect your skin. If you’ve ever found yourself holding a bottle of sunscreen in one hand and a bottle of tanning oil in the other, wondering which one goes on first, you’re not alone. It's one of those questions asked by anyone who wants to buy tanning oil online without giving up safety when enjoying the sun. Our customers in this region often ask about the best tanning oils in UAE.

The response is straightforward: sunscreen always comes first.

Your skin's well-being is more significant than anything. Sunscreen is your protection against the harmful UV radiation of the sun, and tanning oil is something with which you enhance your faster, darker tan once that protection has been removed.

The Science Behind a Safe Tan

To know why sunscreen must be your first step, you need to know about the sun. The sun has two kinds of UV rays that work on your skin: UVA and UVB.

  • UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn. They are short wavelengths that burn the top layers of your skin. This is what the SPF number on your sunscreen is supposed to protect against.
  • UVA rays have a greater number of wavelengths and will penetrate deeper into your skin. They cause early aging, wrinkles, and all the other kinds of permanent skin damage. That's why you'll want to put on a "broad-spectrum" sunblock that will protect you against both types of rays.

A tan is simply your body's natural defense. When you're out in the sun's ultraviolet rays, your skin creates melanin to attempt to absorb that radiation. The darker you become, the more melanin your skin is creating to shield itself.

Does sunscreen stop you from tanning?

This is a myth! Sunscreen slows down it, but it can't prevent it. A sunscreen with SPF 30, for example, will block roughly 97% of UVB rays, which is a great protection. The remaining 3% of rays are sufficient to initiate the melanin production and tan you, just slower.

A Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use Tanning Oil with Sunscreen

Now that you understand what each of these products does, here is the safest way to tan in the sun using them properly. This is the best tanning regimen for glowing skin that loves beauty and wellness.

  • Begin with Sunscreen. Use a thick coat of tanning broad spectrum SPF at least 15-20 minutes prior to going out in the sun. Use on all exposed skin surfaces with an SPF of 30 or higher. Don't overlook those too often neglected areas such as your feet, ears, and back of your neck.
  • Wait for it to Absorb. Give your sunscreen a couple of minutes so that it can soak fully into your skin. This allows the protective layer to harden and won't be diluted by the oil.
  • Use Your Tanning Oil. Once your sunscreen is dry, you can now apply your sun tanning oil for body on top of that. Argan or coconut oil are two tanning oil ingredients which can possibly moisturize the skin and give you that wonderful, radiant appearance.
  • Reapply, Reapply, Reapply. This is crucial. You will need to reapply both your sunscreen and your tanning oil every two hours, or whenever after swimming or sweating heavily. This will provide constant protection and keep you with an even tan.

Dispelling Common Myths

Can I apply tanning oil after sunscreen?

Yes, you can. This is the correct method of doing it, as we have instructed you. Applying sunscreen first creates a barrier, and then oil can be applied over it to improve the tan and give your skin a beautiful sheen.

If you are in the UAE or need the most efficient tanning oils in Saudi Arabia, the secret to a stunning tan is good ingredients and daily routine.

A Dermatologist's Perspective

Since, as the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention has emphasized, skin cancer is the fourth most frequent cancer in the nation and research has indicated that even with heightened awareness, safe sun practices are not always followed, so it's so crucial to do what the experts recommend.

"Although the majority of individuals believe that a tan is healthy, it's actually a sign of skin damage," reports the American Academy of Dermatology. "No amount of tanning is 'safe' without protection." This is why a strict regimen of protection first, followed by a product deepening your tan, is the only safe route.

Choosing the Right Products

The best sunscreen to use with tanning oil is a wide-spectrum one with an SPF of 30 or more. Select a light, non-greasy lotion so that the tanning oil over it does not clog pores and feel oily. For a head start on deciding what product to choose, our blog post Which tanning oil is the best for my skin? can truly be helpful.

With our tips on how to apply sunscreen and tanning oil together, you can be certain that you're doing it right for your skin in the long term. By keeping protection first, you can enjoy the sun and still be just beautiful.

The search for that perfect glow begins with one step: prevention. You can browse our entire product range, from decadent tanning oils to necessary sunscreens, and begin your safe tanning experience today.

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