Archive · 5 Jan 2026
Sunscreen Doesn't Prevent Tanning for Darker Skin Tones
A doctor named Dr. Shreya Sankhe explained that sunscreen is great for protecting your skin from sunburn and long-term damage, but it doesn't stop your skin from tanning, especially if you have medium to dark brown skin.
She said that if you spend a lot of time outside, like hiking or swimming, your skin will naturally tan.
Fair skin tones might not tan as much, but darker skin tones will.
She advised people to keep using sunscreen, cover up when they can, and drink plenty of water.
She also said not to worry too much about tanning because it's a natural part of living and enjoying the outdoors.
Sunscreen protects skin from sunburn, long-term damage, and early aging but does not prevent tanning.
Medium to dark brown skin tones will tan despite sunscreen use, especially with prolonged sun exposure.
Fair skin tones may experience minimal or no visible tanning with consistent sunscreen use.
Dr. Shreya Sankhe advises reapplying sunscreen, covering up, and hydrating while accepting natural tanning.
Influencers claiming to avoid tans with sunscreen may not have medium to dark brown skin or may be selling products.
- Who
- Dr. Shreya Sankhe, a skincare and fitness expert
- What
- Explanation of why sunscreen doesn't prevent tanning for medium to dark brown skin tones
- When
- Recently, as shared on Instagram
- Where
- Goa, India
- Why
- To educate people about the limitations of sunscreen and the natural process of tanning
- Expert
- Dr. Shreya Sankhe
- Platform
- Skin Tones Affected
- Medium to dark brown skin tones
- Sunscreen Benefits
- Prevents sunburn, reduces long-term damage, protects skin barrier, lowers pigmentation risk, prevents early aging
- Sunscreen Limitations
- Does not stop tanning during intense outdoor activity, does not freeze natural skin tone
- Advice
- Reapply sunscreen, cover up, hydrate, accept natural tanning