text: what spf should i use in order to still get a tan?   do not, i repeat, do not use a tanning oil with an spf of 4.  i learned the hard way that it's for middle-eastern men, not fair-skinned white girls.  an spf 15 will still allow you to tan.  you can try an spf 8 spray on if you don't burn easily, but again....don't go for anything lower than that.