Does Sun Tan Lotion Help? Nope, Experts Say No Safe Way To Tan

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For individuals who love to tan, health experts warn that there is no safe way to get a tan.

Millions of Britons love to expose themselves to the sun to get that golden brown complexion. However, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) warned them "there is no safe or healthy way to get a tan from sunlight." NICE also added that a tan provides little protection against prolong exposure to sun, Mirror reported.

NICE suggests that adults need between six and eight teaspoons (35 ml) of sun cream per application. Moreover, they should aim for an SPF of 15 or higher. They should apply the sunscreen liberally and frequently after contact with water, even if it is water-resistant, The Telegraph has learned. Applying the sunscreen lotion too thinly reduces the protection it provides.

The guidelines advised that anyone going out in the sun long enough to risk burning should put cream on twice. One half an hour before going out and, again, when reaching the outdoors.

While people need to expose their arms and legs to the sun for a short period to build up Vitamin D, they should also balance their exposure from the risk of skin cancer.

Millions of Brits are suffering from Vitamin D deficiency resulting in a higher risk of children developing rickets and osteoporosis for adults.

Although the sun is the easiest and most abundant source of Vitamin D, it can also be found in oily fish, egg yolk, red meat and some fortified foods.

Per the report, 23 percent of adults aged 19 to 64 and 21 per cent of those aged 65 and older are suffering from Vitamin D deficiency. The same case applies to 14 percent of children aged four to 10 and 22 percent of those aged 11 to 18.

It is recommended that supplements be given to children under five years old and be considered for those who are frail and unlikely to get enough sunlight.

NICE also stressed that it is impossible to get enough vitamin D by simply sitting next to a closed sunny window or between October and March in the U.K.

According to the guidelines, babies, children, individuals with fair skin or hair, people with lots of moles or freckles, and those with a family history of skin cancer should take extra care to avoid skin damage and skin cancer because they are at higher risk.

Parents are advised to keep their babies under six months from direct sunlight. Children are also recommended to be under the shade between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

According to Professor Gillian Leng, deputy chief executive and director of health and social care at NICE, the guidelines aimed to help the public "make the sun more friend than foe."