Halacha of the Week: Using Suntan Lotion on Shabbat by Rabbi Rothman
Suntan lotion which is in cream, ointment or thick, slow-pouring oil form, is forbidden to be used on Shabbat, as it may be a violation of the Shabbat Labor of Smoothing. It is permitted, however, to use suntan protection which is in a liquid spray form, since smoothing does not apply to runny, non-viscous liquids like liquid spray. Halacha also allows use of the lotion if the lotion is thin, more like a somewhat thick liquid than a diluted cream. Nevertheless, a liquid or spray form of suntan lotion is definitely preferred.
Although there is a Rabbinic injunction against taking medicine on Shabbat, suntan protection is not considered medication, since its purpose is not to heal but to protect. It is similar to using insect repellent on Shabbat, which is permitted since its function, as well, is not to heal but to protect.
In the atypical case where the sunburn is so severe that one feels "weak all over" or bad enough to require bed rest because of it, liquid or spray medication is permitted. If one actually feels so ill, they should seek medical attention, including, but not limited to, going to the hospital emergency room. Sadly, with the environment we live in, suntan or sunburn can directly lead to serious illness that, if not handled correctly, could threaten one’s life and require one to even break Shabbat in order to be treated.
One should keep in mind, with the proliferation of serious medical issues arising from suntanning and sunburn, one needs to be extremely careful about spending time in the hot sun. It is clearly a Mitzvah for one to put proper suntan lotion or protection on their children before they play in the sun. This includes Shabbat, in that with proper and very minimal preparation one can be assured that they are safeguarding their children and themselves against the medical fallout of “too much sun” while still staying well within the guidelines of proper Shabbat observance.
Finally, for one to sit in the sun with the specific purpose to "get a tan” on Shabbat does go against the “spirit of Shabbat” and, in addition, some authorities consider it to be forbidden to do. That does not mean that a person could not sit on their deck or in the sun on Shabbat. It only is referring to one that does so for the purpose of receiving a tan specifically.
Let us all do what is needed to assure that we and our families remain healthy this summer.
Important Numbers
