Still getting a tan despite applying SPF. Am I going to be a leather bag when I'm 40?

I worked outside all the time as a kid, and I still spend a lot of times outdoors. I turn darker in the summer, but my skin has held up well. If you’re using sunscreen you should be okay.

Where do you live? I have no idea how to help you. how much time do you spend outdoors?

Hats and shade….. that is all that immediately come to mind.

@Adirondackwannabe Thanks!

@cazzie I live in NYC and walk a lot in the summer in lieu of the stinky subway. I wear SPF 30 under my makeup. This was a just a quick vacation to Fire Island but I really should have bought a hat!

I’m of partial Southern Italian descent and both my grandma and my mother were darker skinned as far as Europeans/Caucasians go. However, I’m under the impression that it doesn’t matter how well you tan—a tan is still your skin’s response to damage.

Is there anything I can do to mitigate the past two days or is the damage done?

Sunscreen and moisturizer should help. The sun didn’t used to be as intense I think, but I’d routinely spend 12 to 15 hours working outside, sometimes longer. I concur with the hat and sunglasses.

@LeavesNoTrace I’ve got really good news for you. The natural olive skin you have will help. The pigments in your skin protect you to a certain degree. You can tan to a certain degree without it actually measuring damage. You just need to realise that it isn’t going to make you bullet proof. Keep using sunscreen and being cautious of your exposure. Your genes and your knowledge will keep you from looking like a cryptkeeper. (I’m of French extraction and constantly taken for someone more than 10 years younger.)

Are you using Coppertone? I swear by it. The regular lotion in the brown bottle. I am so white I burn in less than 30 minutes, but with just Coppertone 8 I can be out for a couple of hours no problem. If I use 15 I stay white.

I noticed with my Lancôme face lotion that is SPF 15 I still get burned. It’s not sun lotion, but even if I’m not sweating it isn’t protecting me like Coppertone.

In summery, if you’re not using Coppertone try it. Also, remember to add more sunscreen every couple of hours.

You don’t smoke do you? That’ll make you a leather face in a hurry.

A lot has to do with genetics but as long as you use a good sunscreen, especially on your face you should be fine. I am a natural blonde, blue eyes and tanned like crazy for years, I have also smoked on and off and at almost 56 I have very nice skin. I get compliments on my skin all the time. One just never knows.

I know a women in her early 40’s that looks like she is 70. She has been an avid horsewoman and outdoors a lot with her horses.
Use sunscreen, moisturize and I have always taken a lot of Vi at least 1000–1,500 mgs. a day. Vit C helps maintain and repair and form collagen in your skin the connective material that keeps skin elastic.

The best predictor is to look at your parents and grandparents aging process.

It’s good that you use sunscreen from such an early age.

When I was 30 and first started working for my present employer, I went to the dermatologist and one of the things I discussed with him was how can I reduce the signs of aging. He said “wear sunscreen every day.” I started doing it then, and have every day since. Now I’m in my late 40’s and people often think I’m ten years younger. My skin is not blotchy or saggy, which is often what seems to happen with people my age.

Remember to put sunscreen on your neck and chest too.

Eye doctor also warns that unless you are diligent about wearing sunglasses, the whites of your eyes will get yellow spots. My desk is right next to the window at work, which I love and can move desk anywhere I want, but of course it would look silly to wear sunglasses in the office, so who knows what my eyes will look like later on in life.