suntan

Everyday

1. A suntan is the darker colour your skin goes after being in the sun. tree →
2. Suntan lotion or cream is put on the skin in the sun (sunscreen protects from burning). tree →

In the lessons

In health and safety lessons: a suntan is the skin trying to protect itself from the sun's UV rays, so it is a sign of skin damage, not health. Children learn «slip, slop, slap» (Australia, New Zealand): slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat. Phrases: «get a suntan», «suntan lotion».

Examples

• She came back from the beach with a suntan. tree →
• A suntan is a sign that the sun has hurt your skin. tree →
• Put on sunscreen before you go out to play. tree →
• He had a suntan line where his watch had been. tree →
• Suntan lotion with a high SPF protects you better. tree →
• Slip, slop, slap: shirt, sunscreen, hat! tree →
• Too much sun gives you sunburn, not just a suntan. tree →

Note

Countable noun, one word; often just «tan». Myth: a suntan is not healthy and does not stop sunburn well. «Sunscreen» blocks UV; some old «suntan lotion» did not protect much, so check the SPF. Sunburn is red and painful; a suntan is brown.