Nothing feels better than soaking up the summer sun with a cool drink in hand. If you’re not wearing sunscreen while you do it, however, you could be putting yourself at risk for harmful ultraviolet (UV) exposure . That’s where sunscreen comes in.

Sunscreen works by physically blocking or absorbing the sun’s UV rays. Without protection, your skin could be damaged by UV exposure. That UV radiation is what causes sunburn and increases your risk for developing skin cancer. It’s also what causes you to tan .

What you may not realize is that tanning is a sign of skin damage. It’s an indication that UV rays have penetrated your skin, triggering a protective reaction . Your skin produces more melanin (a skin-darkening pigment) in an effort to protect against further damage.

Wearing sunscreen is the best way to protect your skin against the harmful effects of UV radiation. On top of an increased risk for skin cancer , prolonged sun exposure can lead to premature aging.

But if you’ve noticed that you still tan despite wearing sunscreen , you’re not alone. It’s a pretty common experience. Here are some reasons it might happen:

• You’re not using a product with a high enough sun protection factor (SPF ).

• The sunscreen you’re wearing is expired and no longer effective.

• You aren’t applying enough sunscreen to achieve full coverage.

• The product you’re using only protects against UVB rays , not UVA.

• You’re not reapplying sunscreen often enough for the duration of sun exposure.

To put it simply, if you’re still tanning while wearing sunscreen then there’s likely a flaw in your application technique or in the product itself . Now, let’s talk about whether it’s possible to tan without damaging your skin.

Unfortunately, there’s no way to tan safely without damaging your skin. As you’ve already learned, tanning is a protective reaction that indicates your skin has absorbed potentially harmful UV rays and it’s trying to prevent further damage.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that skin damage is cumulative. While sunburn heals and tans fade, the effects of UV radiation are lasting and they add up over time.

The good news is you can still achieve a sunny summer glow without sustaining skin damage. Wearing  tinted sunscreen  (SPF 30 or higher) or using  self-tanner  can give your skin the tanned appearance you want without unnecessary UV exposure. 

If you’re looking to achieve that summer glow without damaging your skin, tinted sunscreen could be the perfect solution. It gives your skin just a hint of color without sacrificing essential UV protection.

Here are some of our recommendations for tinted sunscreen from Exclusive Beauty Club:

If you’re looking for a lightweight sunscreen that delivers maximum protection, give Anthelios 50 Mineral Tinted Sunscreen from La Roche-Posay a try. With its mineral formula powered by Cell-Ox Shield technology, this sunscreen offers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection.

And if you’re looking to achieve a flawless summer glow, you’ll love the subtle tint. Users love this fragrance-free, sensitive skin-friendly sunscreen.

For those looking for powerful sun protection with a personal touch, try Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex . This 100% mineral sunscreen delivers SPF 50 sun protection and comes in six different shades to help you achieve the perfect sunless tan.

What users like most about this sunscreen is its lightweight, hydrating formula. Plus, the adaptive tint technology features color-adjusting pigments that blend effortlessly with your natural skin tone to give you a subtle glow.

Perfect for dry skin, this EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 sunscreen features a lightweight formulation enriched with hydrating hyaluronic acid. It’s lightly tinted, so you can wear it with or without makeup, and it doesn’t leave behind a white cast or greasy residue.

Though this sunscreen gives dry skin a hydrating boost, it’s suitable for all skin types (including sensitive and post-procedure skin).

Want your sunscreen to go the extra mile? This MDSolarSciences MD Mineral BB Creme SPF 50 delivers three powerful benefits all in one product: broad-spectrum sun protection, anti-aging benefits, and a tinted formula with a matte finish.

Choose from three different shades (light, medium, and dark) to match your skin tone or to achieve a healthy-looking sunless tan.

If you’re struggling with redness or uneven skin tone, this EltaMD UV Physical Rosy Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 40 could be the solution. It’s lightly tinted to give your skin a healthy glow and uniquely formulated to help calm sensitive skin and reduce redness.

Users love this 100% mineral sunscreen for its subtle rosy tint, non-comedogenic formula, and antioxidant-enriched recipe.

As much as you may love the look of a summer tan, it’s not worth risking the cumulative risks of skin damage to achieve it. And if you’re still catching a tan despite wearing sunscreen, it might be time to revisit your application technique or invest in a higher quality product .

If you’re ready to take your sun protection game to the next level (and look great doing it), head to Exclusive Beauty Club to find a sunscreen that suits your needs. You’ll find an array of products suitable for all skin types, including tinted formulas to give you a summer glow without putting your skin health on the line.

And don’t forget to check out the Exclusive Beauty Club Blog for product recommendations, skincare tips, and more.