Many people use the terms “suntan lotion” and “sunscreen” interchangeably. While the two products do share many qualities, there are a couple of subtle differences that anyone planning to spend time in the sun should know.

One of the first things to understand is that suntan lotion can be used to refer to any type of lotion or oil that is worn while in the sun. Generally, the main function of lotions of this type is to minimize the chances for sunburn while still allowing the sun’s rays to gradually darken the skin to what is considered a healthy tan. Here the emphasis is on controlling the skin’s exposure to UV rays rather than filtering the rays themselves. However, sun tanning lotions do not preclude the possibility of sunburn, or damage to the skin cells below the surface.

By contrast, sunscreen does attempt to prevent any damage to the skin, both on the surface and the underlying layers of the epidermis. Ingredients such as titanium oxide and zinc can help to minimize the chances for deep sunburns that in turn lead to peeling of several layers of skin. In general, someone who is just beginning to work on a tan should go with this product rather than suntan lotion.

To complicate matters further, there is also a third product that is commonly used in the sun. Known as sunblock, this product tends to have higher concentrations of titanium oxide and zinc than is found with sunscreen. Products of this type offer the highest level of sun protection possible. People who burn easily when spending any amount of time in the sun would do well to use sun block rather than a tanning lotion or a sunscreen.

Over the years, the differences between these three options have blurred a great deal, particularly with sunscreen and suntan lotion. Part of the reason for the confusion has to do with the fact that manufacturers have sometimes created and sold hybrid formulas that attempted to combine the protection of sunscreen with the tanning properties of suntan lotion. Because these hybrid products can rightly be referred to as a suntan lotion or a sunscreen, consumers today tend to see the terms as referring to the same type of products.

For people who are not sure that they should use in the sun, it is a good idea to consider suntan lotion as providing the least amount of protection from the sun’s UV rays, and possibly being more appropriate for someone who already has a deep tan. Sunscreen is a better option for people who want to develop a good tan, and who don’t tend to burn easily. Anyone who burns after spending even a small amount of time in the sun should go with a sunblock.