What happens inside the skin?
Melanocytes are the skin cells that make melanin. When sunlight stimulates these cells to produce more pigment, skin becomes darker. UVA rays reach deeper into the skin and cause tanning; UVB rays mainly affect the top layer and cause sunburn. UVA can also burn skin. Everyone has sun sensitive skin, although some people are born more sensitive than others.234
Why do some white people tan and others only burn?
Your skin type and the amount of melanin in your skin's top layer affect whether you burn or tan. The word 'white' covers several skin types, which is more paperwork than a colour name suggests. The Fitzpatrick scale groups skin by its colour and response to sunlight; these are the lighter categories.5
| Skin type | Typical response to sunlight |
|---|---|
| Type 1: Very light, fair skin | Always burns and never tans. |
| Type 2: Light, fair skin | Usually burns and tans minimally. |
| Type 3: Darker white to light brown skin | Sometimes burns and tans slowly. |
Will a sunburn turn into a tan?
A sunburn can darken as skin heals, but whether that happens depends on your skin type. If your skin does not readily tan, the burn can peel and leave the same fair colour as before. Healing skin can also look pinker or darker while its protective outer layer recovers. Depending on severity, burned skin can take one to two weeks to heal and darken. Blistering burns often take longer and can need medical attention. Burning first is not a useful route to a tan: both burns and suntans age skin and increase skin cancer risk.5
What if you mean white patches?
Naturally fair skin is different from white patches caused by vitiligo, a condition involving loss of melanin. In vitiligo, there are not enough working melanocytes to make enough pigment. Those patches are more vulnerable to sunburn and need extra sun protection. A GP can examine pale patches to identify their cause.2
Why can you still tan with sunscreen?
Sunscreen cannot block every UV ray, so skin can still tan while you wear it. Broad spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB. SPF mainly describes protection against UVB sunburn, rather than a promise that your skin will keep exactly the same colour. Use broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day. For full body coverage, apply two tablespoons 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours, and more frequently when swimming or sweating. Add shade, protective clothing, a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses. Certain medicines increase sun sensitivity, so check any sun precautions for medicines you take.3
Can you look tan without sunbathing?
Self tanners give skin a tan appearance, so the cosmetic result does not require a sunbathing appointment. Most use DHA, a colouring ingredient approved for use on the outside of the body. Keep it out of your eyes, nose and mouth, and do not inhale spray tan mist. Self tanner does not protect against UV rays. Tanning beds also expose skin to damaging UV. A 'base tan' will not prevent sunburn. Check your skin monthly and see a healthcare professional for new or changing spots or moles. Skin cancer can affect every skin tone, not only fair skin.1567
Where this answer comes from
- 1Tanning: MedlinePlusmedlineplus.gov
- 2Vitiligonhs.uk
- 3Does Sunscreen Prevent Tanning?health.clevelandclinic.org
- 4Xeroderma pigmentosum: Rare disease causes an extreme sensitivity to sunlightaad.org
- 5Will a Sunburn Turn Into a Tan?health.clevelandclinic.org
- 6Tanning: MedlinePlusmedlineplus.gov
- 7Finding skin cancer in darker skin tonesaad.org
