The sun’s rays can be both beneficial and harmful to the human body. The sun’s rays provide Vitamin D, which promotes strong bones. However, extended exposure to sunlight can lead to sunburn, premature skin aging, eye damage, and skin cancer.

Hence, it is necessary to take precautionary measures to protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun. Two common options for sun protection are sunscreen and tanning oil. However, many people do not know the key differences between the two. This article will explore the significant differences between sunscreen and tanning oil.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a product that comprises various chemicals aim to protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Sunscreen contains ingredients that protect the skin from two types of UV radiation, namely UVA and UVB.

UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin cells, leading to skin aging and can also cause longer-term skin damage. On the other hand, UVB rays only affect the outermost layer of the skin, leading to sunburn. Hence, sunscreens come with various Sun Protection Factors (SPF), which signify the level of protection they provide against these rays.

SPF ranges from 15 to 100, and the higher the number, the greater the level of protection it provides.

Applying sunscreen blocks the harmful UVA and UVB rays from penetrating the skin cells. Sunscreen also has moisturizing effects, and it can keep the skin smooth, supple, and hydrated.

It is essential to apply sunscreen liberally and reapply it regularly throughout the day, especially after swimming or sweating. The use of sunscreen is recommended daily, even on cloudy days, as UV rays can penetrate clouds. It is also essential to pay attention to the expiration date when using sunscreen, as expired sunscreen may not provide adequate protection.

Tanning Oil

Tanning Oil is a product that aims to enhance the tanning process by making the skin more receptive to the tanning effect of UV rays. It is typically oil-based and contains various ingredients, including melanin, that help to darken the skin.

Melanin is a naturally occurring pigment that provides color to the skin. Tanning oils also contain moisturizing ingredients such as oils and vitamins that provide hydration to the skin.

However, tanning oil does not provide protection against UVA and UVB rays, which can be harmful to the skin. In fact, tanning oil may increase the risk of sunburn, skin aging, and skin cancer.

Tanning oils’ primary use comes with the assumption that the user wants to tan and is willing to take the risk of exposing the skin to harmful UV rays. Nevertheless, modern tanning oils can come with low SPF, which offers minimal protection against UV rays.

Dissimilarities between Sunscreen and Tanning Oil

Protection against UV Rays

As discussed earlier, Sunscreen protects against the harmful UVA and UVB rays that cause sunburn, skin damage, and skin cancer. Sunscreen has a range of SPF, which provides a degree of protection against these rays.

On the other hand, tanning oil does not offer any substantial protection against UV rays, which can lead to sunburn, skin aging, and skin cancer.

Promotion of Skin Darkening

Tanning oil aims to enhance tanning by making the skin more receptive to the tanning effect of UV rays. It contains ingredients such as melanin, which help to darken the skin.

Sunscreen, on the other hand, does not contain ingredients that promote skin darkening. Hence, sunscreen is more suitable for individuals who want to protect their skin from harmful UV rays over-promoting skin darkening.

Hydration of the Skin

Tanning oil contains moisturizing ingredients such as oils and vitamins, which provide hydration to the skin. However, sunscreen also has moisturizing effects and can keep the skin smooth, supple, and hydrated.

Sunscreen is enriched with ingredients that help to lock and retain moisture in the skin cells, which is essential in maintaining healthy-looking skin.

Duration of Use

Tanning oil is typically used for short term periods when individuals want to the aide the skin’s tanning process.

In comparison, sunscreen is used for more extended periods daily to provide protection against harmful UV rays that can cause skin damage, skin aging, and skin cancer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sunscreen and tanning oil are two different products with different aims. Sunscreen aims to protect the skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays, while tanning oil aims to enhance the tanning process by promoting skin darkening.

Hence, it is essential to understand the differences between the two products before use. Ultimately, individuals should prioritize sunscreen use to protect their skin from harmful effects of the sun while using tanning oil sparingly.