It’s one of the most common questions we hear, especially when the sun’s out and the outdoors is calling.

Short answer? Yes, you can.

But honestly, the story doesn’t end there. We reckon it’s important to know what’s actually happening to your skin.

First off, what even is a tan?

Let’s be straight about what a tan actually is. That colour is your skin’s response to damage from UV radiation.

When UV radiation hits your skin, your body goes on the defensive. It starts pumping out extra melanin - the pigment that gives your skin its colour - to try and shield your cells from further damage. So, that golden colour you see? It’s a sign that your skin has been hit and is trying to protect itself. A tan is literally a sign of sun damage.

So, how does sunscreen fit into the picture?

Here’s the thing: no sunscreen on the planet can block 100% of UV rays. It’s just not possible.

Think of a high-SPF sunscreen as a top-quality shade cloth for your skin. It provides serious protection by filtering out the vast majority of UV rays. Here in Australia, our sunscreens are regulated by the TGA, some of the toughest standards in the world. An SPF 50+ product, when applied correctly, is tested to block over 98% of UVB radiation.

But what about that other 2%? Well, that tiny fraction can still get through. Over time, with enough exposure, that small amount of UV can still be enough to trigger your skin’s melanin response. That’s why you might still get a bit of colour even when you’re being diligent with your sunscreen. You're getting tanned, just much, much slower and without the lobster-red burn.

The goal isn't a "safe" tan

This is where we need to be straight with you. The goal of sunscreen isn't to help you get a "safe" tan. There's no such thing. The goal is to provide protection that holds up, so you can live your life outdoors without a second thought.

Getting a bit of incidental colour over a summer of cricket, gardening, or beach trips while wearing sunscreen is one thing. Deliberately sun tanning is another. We make products for the first scenario: for a life that’s meant to be lived. So, can you still tan with sunscreen on? Yes, a little. But if you’re wearing it properly, you’re drastically cutting down the UV damage that comes with it.