If you've ever skipped SPF because you didn't want to "block" your tan, this one's for you. The Short Answer No, sunscreen does not completely stop you from tanning. But it does change how your skin responds to the sun — and understanding that difference might just change how you think about SPF forever. What Actually Causes a Tan? Before we get into sunscreen, let's talk about what a tan actually is. When your skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, your body triggers a defense mechanism: melanocytes (the cells responsible for pigment) produce more melanin to absorb and scatter UV rays. That darkening of the skin? That's your body trying to protect itself from damage. In other words, a tan is not a sign of health — it's a sign that your skin has been injured and is doing its best to cope. There are two types of UV rays to know: UVB rays — responsible for sunburn and surface-level skin damage UVA rays — penetrate deeper into the skin and are the primary driver of tanning, premature aging, and long-term DNA damage Both contribute to skin cancer risk. So What Does Sunscreen Actually Do? Sunscreen — especially broad spectrum SPF — works by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering UV radiation before it can penetrate your skin. It doesn't create an invisible force field that blocks 100% of UV rays. What it does is significantly reduce the amount of UV radiation that reaches your skin cells. Here's the math: an SPF 30 filters out approximately 97% of UVB rays. An SPF 50 filters out approximately 98%. That remaining 1-3% of UV exposure? That's still enough to trigger some melanin production — which means yes, you can still tan while wearing sunscreen. But here's the critical difference: that tan happens with dramatically less UV damage to your skin cells, less risk of sunburn, and far lower cumulative risk of skin cancer and premature aging. Can You Still Get a Glow With SPF On? Yes — and this is the part most people miss. Wearing sunscreen doesn't mean you'll come home from the beach looking exactly the same as when you left. It means you'll get less UV exposure, which slows down the tanning process and reduces the intensity of the tan. But slower and lighter doesn't mean zero. Many people who wear SPF consistently still develop a natural, gradual glow over a summer — just without the peeling, the sunburn, and the long-term skin damage that comes with unprotected sun exposure. If a bronzed look is your goal, there are safer ways to get there: Self-tanner or tanning drops layered under or over your SPF give you color without UV damage Tinted SPF and bronzing formulas create the appearance of warmth and glow while protecting your skin Gradual sun exposure with SPF can still build a light, natural tan over time — just without cooking your skin in the process Why Skipping SPF to Tan Faster Is Never Worth It We get it — the logic seems to make sense. Less sunscreen = more UV = faster tan. But here's what you're actually signing up for when you skip SPF: DNA damage — UV radiation causes direct damage to your skin's DNA, which accumulates over time and increases skin cancer risk Premature aging — UVA rays break down collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and hyperpigmentation years before their time Uneven pigmentation — unprotected sun exposure is one of the leading causes of dark spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation Skin cancer — the most common cancer in the United States, and one of the most preventable with consistent sun protection The tan fades. The damage doesn't. The Reapplication Factor One reason people feel like sunscreen "isn't working" or is stopping them from tanning is actually a reapplication issue. Sunscreen breaks down with sun exposure, sweat, and water — which is why dermatologists recommend reapplying every 80 minutes during outdoor activity, or immediately after swimming or sweating. If you apply SPF in the morning and spend six hours outside without reapplying, you're spending most of that time with little to no protection. And at that point, any tanning (or burning) you experience has nothing to do with sunscreen stopping it — it's because the sunscreen is no longer doing its job. Tips for keeping your SPF working all day: Apply generously — most people use far less than the recommended amount (about a shot glass worth for the body, a nickel-sized amount for the face) Reapply every 80 minutes outdoors Use water-resistant SPF if you're swimming or sweating Don't forget ears, the back of the neck, hands, and feet What Dermatologists Actually Say Dermatologists are unequivocal on this: there is no such thing as a safe tan from UV exposure. Any color change from the sun is evidence of skin damage. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends wearing broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher every single day — rain or shine, indoors or out — because UV rays penetrate clouds and windows. At MDSolarSciences, we were founded on this exact mission. Our brand was built around the belief that protecting your skin from the sun is one of the single most powerful things you can do for your long-term health — and that great SPF should feel good enough that you actually want to wear it every day. The Bottom Line Sunscreen doesn't stop you from tanning — but it does protect you while you do. It slows down and reduces the intensity of UV-driven color change while dramatically cutting your risk of sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. The glow you want is still achievable. The damage that comes with unprotected sun exposure is not worth it. Wear your SPF. Reapply. And if you want a deeper tan, reach for a self-tanner — your future skin will thank you. MDSolarSciences offers a full range of dermatologist-developed, broad spectrum mineral and chemical SPF formulas for face, body, and kids — designed to feel like skincare, not sunscreen. Shop at mdsolarsciences.com.
Learn more
You might've heard the news. The FDA just approved the first new sunscreen ingredient in over 25 years — and it's a big deal for everyone who cares about sun protection. Here's what you need to know, what it means for your routine, and how to navigate your SPF choices right now. What Is BEMT? BEMT stands for Bemotrizinol — a chemical UV filter that has been used safely in sunscreens across Europe and Asia since 1999. If you've ever used a K-beauty SPF or picked up a French pharmacy sunscreen on vacation and thought "why doesn't this exist in the US?" — bemotrizinol is a big part of the reason those formulas felt so different. The FDA finalized its approval of bemotrizinol, the first new ultraviolet filter in more than 25 years, deemed a safe and effective active ingredient in U.S. sunscreens. Here's the quick breakdown: BEMT = Bemotrizinol — a chemical (non-mineral) UV filter Safe and effective — data submitted to the FDA confirms that at concentrations up to 6%, bemotrizinol is minimally absorbed through the skin, with average absorption levels below the concentration the FDA considers indicative of systemic exposure 27 years of global use — used in Europe and Asia since 1999 under brand names including Tinosorb® S and Parsol® Shield Photostable — unlike avobenzone, BEMT doesn't break down in sunlight, meaning it stays effective all day Strong UVA protection — it specifically closes the UVA gap that has long been a weakness in American sunscreens Why Is This Such a Big Deal? The core issue is UVA protection. UVA rays are the ones responsible for deep skin damage — premature aging, collagen breakdown, and a primary contributor to skin cancer. Traditional U.S. sunscreens excel at blocking UVB rays, which cause visible sunburns, but routinely fail to shield against deep-penetrating UVA rays. Until now, the only non-mineral ingredient in US sunscreens that provided meaningful UVA coverage was avobenzone — and avobenzone is chemically unstable, meaning it breaks down when exposed to sunlight. BEMT solves that problem with a stable, long-lasting UVA filter that doesn't degrade. Even with bemotrizinol added to the mix, U.S. sunscreen formulators will have access to 16 approved UV filters — while European formulators have access to approximately 30. So while this is a meaningful step forward, there's still work to be done. So — Is BEMT Better Than Mineral SPF? Here's the honest answer: it depends on your skin and what matters most to you. Whether a chemical or mineral SPF is the best choice is highly personal. Both protect. Both have trade-offs. Here's how they compare: Mineral SPF ✓✓✗ ✓ Physical filter — sits on top of skin and physically deflects UV rays rather than absorbing them ✓ Can be reef-safe — zinc oxide is one of the most reef-friendly UV filters available, and when formulated without oxybenzone and octinoxate, mineral sunscreens are ocean-safe ✗ Can leave a white cast — this is the biggest complaint about mineral SPF, though it depends entirely on the formula. Modern mineral formulas like ours are engineered to minimize white cast significantly Best for: Sensitive skin, rosacea, acne-prone skin, babies and children, people who want the most stable and balanced UVA/UVB protection, and anyone who prefers a physical barrier Chemical SPF (including BEMT) ✓✓✗ ✓ Absorbs into skin — chemical filters work by absorbing UV rays and converting them to heat, which means they go on invisibly ✓ Clear — no white cast — this is the biggest advantage of chemical SPF, especially for deeper skin tones where mineral formulas have historically been more visible ✗ Can sometimes feel oily — depending on the formula, some chemical SPFs have a heavier or greasier feel, particularly in heat and humidity Best for: People who have struggled with white cast, those who prefer an invisible finish, and anyone who wants the lightest possible texture on skin Where Does MDSolarSciences Stand? At MDSolarSciences, our foundation has always been mineral SPF. EWG's top recommendation for daily use remains mineral sunscreens formulated with zinc oxide, which provide the most stable and balanced broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection currently available. Our formulas are built on 100% mineral actives — zinc oxide as the core UV filter — engineered by our founder Dr. Robert Friedman, one of the pioneers of the ABCDE's for melanoma detection. Every formula we make is dermatologist-developed and rooted in skin cancer prevention. That said, we believe in empowering you to make the right choice for your skin. The best sunscreen is always the one you'll actually wear — every single day. For mineral SPF: Our Mineral Crème SPF 50, MD Mineral BB Crème SPF 50, and Mineral Tinted Crème SPF 30 are formulated to minimize white cast while delivering maximum broad-spectrum protection. For kids: Our Mineral KidCrème SPF 50 and Mineral KidStick SPF 40 use 100% mineral actives that are safe from 6 months+ and gentle enough for the most sensitive skin. What to Do Right Now BEMT products won't hit US shelves immediately. Today's approval of bemotrizinol triggers 18 months' exclusive marketing rights in the U.S. of Parsol Shield, a proprietary bemotrizinol formulation. After that period, other manufacturers may use it in their formulations, driving broader availability and more competitive pricing. In the meantime, here's how to choose the best sunscreen for your skin today: If you want maximum protection and have sensitive skin: Choose a mineral SPF with zinc oxide. It's the most stable, most trusted, and most dermatologist-recommended option currently on shelves. If white cast has stopped you from wearing SPF: Look for modern mineral formulas engineered for minimal white cast — or a hybrid formula. The right formula makes all the difference. For your kids: Mineral actives are still the recommendation for babies and children. Safe, gentle, and effective from day one. The most important rule of all: The best SPF is the one you actually wear. Daily. Rain or shine. Indoors and out. ☀️ Explore MDSolarSciences' full collection of dermatologist-developed SPF skincare at mdsolarsciences.com Sources: Environmental Working Group (EWG), FDA Press Announcement June 2026
Learn more
You applied sunscreen before leaving the house. You always do. But here's the thing nobody talks about enough: that first application wears off — and reapplication is just as important as the first coat. The walk to the farmers market. The afternoon hike. The stroll around the neighborhood with the stroller. These are exactly the moments when shoulders, arms, and the back of your neck are soaking up UV rays — often without you even thinking about it. And these are the moments a quick, portable, 360° spray was made for. Meet the two sprays we think belong in every bag this summer. Why Reapplication Matters More Than You Think SPF isn't a set-it-and-forget-it step. Broad spectrum sunscreen protection breaks down with sun exposure, sweat, and time — and the American Academy of Dermatology recommends reapplying every two hours during outdoor activity. The challenge? Reapplication is inconvenient. Lotions require rubbing. Sticks are great for faces but miss larger areas. And most sprays are aerosol — which means they're pressurized, can't be used upside down, and are often restricted in certain travel and outdoor settings. That's exactly the problem our sprays solve. Quick Dry Body Spray SPF 40 — For You The spray that works from every angle. Our Quick Dry Body Spray SPF 40 is a non-aerosol pump spray with a 360° nozzle — meaning it sprays in any direction, including completely upside down. That's not a small thing. It means you can actually reach your own back, your shoulders, the back of your legs — every spot that gets exposed on a walk, a hike, or a bike ride and that you'd normally miss. Why it belongs in your bag: Tuck it into your tote, your hiking pack, your stroller bag, or your beach bag. At 6 fl oz it's the perfect size to have on hand for the moments that sneak up on you — the afternoon that turned into an outdoor lunch, the walk that went longer than expected, the shoulders that got more sun than you realized. What it does: Broad spectrum SPF 40 — protects against both UVA and UVB rays Water and sweat resistant for up to 80 minutes Quick-dry formula — no grease, no residue, no waiting around 360° nozzle — sprays upside down for full-body coverage Antioxidant-enriched with Vitamin C and Indian Gooseberry Non-aerosol — travel-friendly (checked bag), reef-friendly, and safe for outdoor use The moments it's made for: Your morning walk. The hiking trail. The beach. The pool. The soccer sideline. Any time you're outside and your first application of the day has worn off — this is the spray that makes reapplication fast enough to actually happen. Note: Our Quick Dry Body Spray is not mineral-based — it uses a lightweight chemical broad spectrum formula designed for fast, even coverage over large body areas. Kids Quick Dry Spray SPF 40 — For Them The spray that actually keeps up with kids. Reapplying sunscreen on a child who wants to keep playing is one of the great parenting challenges of summer. You need something fast. Something that works. And something gentle enough for the skin they're in. Our Kids Quick Dry Spray SPF 40 is a non-aerosol pump spray specifically formulated for children — gentle enough for sensitive skin, fast enough for kids who won't stand still, and effective enough for real outdoor days. Why it belongs in the diaper bag: If you have a baby, a toddler, or a school-age child spending time outdoors — the diaper bag, the school bag, or the stroller's storage basket is exactly where this should live. Playground reapplication. Post-swim coverage. Mid-hike arms and shoulders. The spray makes it fast enough to actually do it in the moment, not just plan to do it. What it does: Broad spectrum SPF 40 — real protection for real outdoor days Water resistant up to 80 minutes — pool days, beach days, active play 360° nozzle — reaches shoulders, backs, and every spot kids miss Non-aerosol pump — no harsh propellants, travel and outdoor safe Gentle formula — suitable for kids from 6 months+ Quick-dry — no waiting, no fuss, back to playing in seconds Fragrance-free — gentle for sensitive skin The moments it's made for: The stroller walk where tiny arms are catching direct sun. The hike where little shoulders are completely exposed. The pool day that goes longer than expected. Summer camp reapplication. Vacation days where you're outside from morning to night. This is the spray that makes staying protected feel effortless — for you and for them. Note: Our Kids Quick Dry Spray is not mineral-based — it uses a broad spectrum formula developed with gentle, kid-appropriate ingredients. For a mineral option for kids, our Mineral KidCrème SPF 50 and Mineral KidStick SPF 40 are the perfect complement. The Shoulder Problem Nobody Talks About Here's something worth saying out loud: your shoulders are one of the most UV-exposed and most under-protected areas on your body. When you're walking, hiking, or pushing a stroller, your shoulders are at a direct angle to the sun for extended periods. Most people apply lotion to their arms and legs but don't reach their own shoulders, upper back, or the back of their neck — especially when they're alone. A 360° spray solves this completely. Point it over your shoulder, press, done. It takes under ten seconds and it's one of the most meaningful SPF habits you can build into your outdoor routine. The On-the-Go SPF Edit For the diaper bag: Kids Quick Dry Spray SPF 40 + Mineral KidStick SPF 40 for faces. Two products. Every inch of your child covered. Reapplication ready wherever you are. For the hiking pack: Quick Dry Body Spray SPF 40 for body reapplication + Solar Stick SPF 40 for face touch-ups. Lightweight, packable, and effective for a full day on the trail. For the beach bag: Both sprays for the whole family. Fast to apply, water resistant, and 360° coverage means nobody's shoulders get missed at the shoreline. For the stroller bag: Kids Quick Dry Spray SPF 40 tucked in and ready for the moments when the walk goes longer than expected or the afternoon sun gets stronger than you planned. Sun protection shouldn't stop when you leave the house. It should travel with you — into the hiking trail, onto the playground, down the neighborhood street, and everywhere in between. That's what these sprays are for. 🤍☀️ Shop the Quick Dry Body Spray SPF 40 and Kids Quick Dry Spray SPF 40 at mdsolarsciences.com
Learn moreYour cart is currently empty.
Not sure where to start?
Try these collections:
