tanning tips for sensitive skin

Sensitive skin can be difficult to manage, but it doesn’t have to stop you from achieving a glowing tan. Whether you’ve been longing for a sunny day spent lounging in the park, or dreaming of a beach holiday, with the right levels of protection you can keep sensitive skin feeling fabulous all day long.

At Hawaiian Tropic, we’ve put together a useful guide packed with our top tips for tanning with sensitive skin. As always, safety comes first, so we’ll give you all the advice to help keep your skin safe, healthy and hydrated whilst out in the sun. After all, the best looking skin is healthy skin!

What is the best sun lotion for sensitive skin?

If you’re hunting down the best sun lotion for sensitive skin, deciding which SPF to use can be tricky.. Getting a sunburn on sensitive skin could lead to a reaction and is likely to be extra painful. For this reason, we recommend buying a sun lotion with an SPF of 30 or higher to keep your skin looking fresh and feeling silky smooth. The higher the SPF, the more UV rays are blocked from reaching your skin and, for those with sensitive skin, avoiding overexposure to these rays is key.

The second factor to consider is the ingredients used within the sun lotion. Chemical sun lotions can often irritate sensitive skin, leading to redness and pain.

That’s why it’s best to opt for a mineral sun lotion, such as Hawaiian Tropic’s mineral protective sun lotion. It’s perfect for sensitive skin, as it contains 100% mineral filters for UVA and UVB protection. The mineral milks formulated within this lotion are derived from zinc oxide, which has been proven as a great alternative for those with sensitive skin.

If you suffer from severe sensitive skin, be sure to contact your doctor for advice before applying any sun lotion. In addition, it’s always best to patch-test sun lotion on one area of your skin, before applying it to your whole body.

Discover how to find the right SPF for your skin type

What are the best ways to protect sensitive skin whilst out in the sun?

Having sensitive skin doesn't need to stop you from enjoying your time in the sun, but there are some safety measures which you should follow. As with all skin types, if you’re heading out in the sun, it’s always important to protect your skin.

Prepare your skin first:

Before you dash out the door to catch the first rays of sunshine, be sure to prepare your skin first. Dryer skin is more likely to become sunburned, which can cause particular problems for those with more sensitive skin.

To keep your skin hydrated and fresh, we recommend using a good-quality moisturiser or year-round after sun. Here at Hawaiian Tropic, we have a selection of moisturising products, ranging from coconut body butter to silk hydration after sun. These products will work to hydrate your skin, helping to ensure it’s ready for a day in the sun.

Wear a good-quality sun lotion everyday:

The number one way to protect your skin whilst tanning is to apply a good-quality sun lotion. But in reality, sun lotion should actually be used everyday. Even if it appears to be a super cloudy day, those pesky UV rays can still penetrate through clouds to reach your skin. We know it can be easy to dismiss the bottle of lotion when it’s looking particularly dull outside, but avoiding sun damage is essential for healthy, glowing skin.

Take regular breaks from the sun:

The longer you’re exposed to the sun, the more risk you have of burning. This is why taking regular time out is essential to avoid sensitive skin flare-ups. The sun is at its strongest from 11am to 3pm, so it’s a good idea to seek some shade during these hours.

Whilst you’re taking a break in the shade, it’s a great opportunity to top up on the sun lotion. Yes, that’s right, sun lotion isn’t just something you apply once in the morning. In fact, we recommend reapplying your lotion at least every two hours for the best protection.

What is the best after sun for sensitive skin?

After spending a day in the sunshine, after sun is the best way to rehydrate and nourish your skin. These products are full of soothing ingredients to help replenish lost moisture and protect against dry skin — something which is vital for sensitive skin. Just like with sun lotion, it’s important to read the labels before applying, and to opt for products specifically designed for sensitive skin.

Shop our range of sun lotion and after sun products today to help keep your skin glowing all year round.