The majority of sun worshipers fail to discern the distinction between sunscreen and sunblock.  Whereas sunblock aims to completely shield your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, sunscreen is formulated towards letting sufficient rays pass through in order to facilitate a nice tan.  Sunscreens are rated on a scale commonly referred to as the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) rating.  A high SPF rating equates to a decreased amount of ultraviolet rays allowed to pass through to your skin.  Conversely, use of a low SPF rated sunscreen allows exposure to more UV rays thus resulting in a deeper tan.

The adverse health effects of prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays have been well documented.  However, without exposure to UV rays, it is not possible to sport that attractive summer tan.  As with everything in life, the decision regarding sunscreen selection involves trade-offs.  If your aim is to maximize protection while sacrificing the deepness of your tan, then you should buy sunscreen with a high SPF — one over 20.  Should your main concern be obtaining a radiant tan as quickly as possible, then the best course of action is to buy sunscreen with a low SPF rating.

One fact is clear — use of sunscreen provides a substantial level of protection as compared to tanning oil.  The amount of UV rays filtered by even low SPF sunscreens is significant, and reduction of UV exposure serves to lessen the odds of future deleterious health effects.  Most importantly, sunscreen use goes a long way towards preventing serious sunburns.  Studies have shown that even a single serious sunburn can appreciably increase future susceptibility to skin cancer.  Fortunately, when you buy sunscreen a glowing tan is possible while minimizing the attendant risks.