I'm not sure saying "tanned skin is damaged skin" directly answers the original question, or at least the way I'd ask it. Suppose, I go outside for a little bit

I'm not sure saying "tanned skin is damaged skin" directly answers the original question, or at least the way I'd ask it. Suppose, I go outside for a little bit at a time with my kids during the spring, and get something of a tan, then I go to the beach and am a lot of direct sun.[0] Although the articles say the tan is not much protection (2-3 SPF max), it is some. On the other hand, I had lots of exposure during the spring. Both effects are real, but which is bigger? For that matter, how big are the effects of those exposures? Can you just add up the entire time spent outside during peak hours? [0] I do use sunscreen, but between getting in the water, uneven application or whatever else, I end up with part of my body burning a fraction on the time.