How to prep your skin for sun tanning?

Author: Rosella Denesik  |  Last update: Sunday, December 14, 2025

So avoid burning and get that dream long-lasting tan with these 10 top tips.
  1. Moisturise. Hydrated skin will not only tan better but will also keep its colour for longer. ...
  2. Avoid dry skin. ...
  3. Exfoliate. ...
  4. Sun cream. ...
  5. And more sun cream! ...
  6. Prior application. ...
  7. Shady times. ...
  8. An early start.

What should I put on my skin before tanning?

Moisturize just before tanning

Fake tan can often cling to very dry areas, so make sure that your skin is well-hydrated. Use a moisturizer every day in the week leading up to tan application, then moisturize very dry areas, such as elbows, knees, ankles, feet and hands, 2 to 3 hours before tanning.

Is 30 minutes in the sun enough to tan?

Is 30 minutes a day enough to tan? It depends on your skin type. Those with fair skin likely need a bit longer, while people with darker skin may only require 15-20 minutes daily. Start slow and gently build UV skin tolerance over multiple sessions for the best color development.

What is the golden rule of tanning?

The professional indoor tanning industry promotes and teaches what we refer to as The Golden Rule of Smart Tanning: Don't ever sunburn. The indoor tanning industry has been more effective at teaching sunburn prevention than those who promote complete sun avoidance.

What not to do when tanning?

Avoid wearing make-up, perfume or deodorant on the day of the tanning bed session. That's because these chemicals can negatively impact the even result of the final tan. For the same reason, please don't wear watches or jewellery.

WHAT IS THE SAFEST TIME TO SUNTAN?

What is the tan 2 rule?

Since tan x can be expressed as the ratio of sine function and cosine function, therefore we can write tans square x as the ratio of sin square x and cos square x, therefore we have tan^2x = sin^2x / cos^2x. Also, we know that tan x is the reciprocal of cot x, therefore we can write tan^2x = 1/cot^2x.

Do you tan with sunscreen on?

Is it possible to get a tan with sunscreen on? In short, the answer is yes. Whilst sunscreen works to reflect and absorb the majority of UV rays, it is designed to let a small number through. No sunscreen can block 100% of the sun's UV rays and this enables you to still tan whilst wearing it.

What time should you sit in the sun for vitamin D?

To make sure you get the amount you need, let the sun shine on your face or arms for about 10 minutes between 11am and 3pm, but take care not to burn. Ultraviolet rays from the sun produce vitamin D on cloudy days but it can take a little longer.

Do you still tan when cloudy?

A cloudy sky may not seem like the best choice for tanning, but it is still possible to tan! According to research and studies, around 90% of UV rays penetrate clouds, therefore reaching your skin. Even if you can't feel the sun on your skin, the UV rays that lead to tanning are still present.

How do I prepare my skin for sun tanning?

Moisturise

Hydrated skin will not only tan better but will also keep its colour for longer. Moisturise your skin twice daily to prepare your skin for the sunshine and get that long-lasting tan.

What happens if you don't moisturize before tanning?

Moisturizing creates a smooth, hydrated base that helps your self-tanner glide on evenly. Without it, dry areas of your body—like elbows, knees, and ankles—soak up more product, leaving you with darker, blotchy areas.

How do I prepare my face for tanning?

In the same way that you'd prepare your body for tan application 24 hours in advance, you should prepare your face too. A day before tanning, exfoliate with a gentle, oil-free face scrub to smooth away rough, dry patches. Focus on areas that are prone to dryness, like the cheeks and around the nose.

What helps you tan faster?

From beachside secrets to savvy skincare tips, we've got the golden rules to tan faster without burning.
  1. Exfoliate Before Tanning. ...
  2. Apply & Reapply SPF for a Faster Tan! ...
  3. Use a Tan Accelerator to Tan Faster Without Burning. ...
  4. Gradually Increase Sun Exposure. ...
  5. Tan Faster, Not Longer - Remember that More Isn't Always More.

How to get tan as a pale person?

Natural Sun Tanning

Fair skin can tan under the sun, but only with care. Start with short, consistent exposure, about 10-15 minutes a day during safer times like early morning or late afternoon.

What is the best moisturizer before tanning?

LOTIONS Avoid any oils or lotions that use mineral oil (petroleum), baby oil, coconut oil, and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (which is found in most body washes). I have found the best lotions to use are Aveeno, Cetaphil, Hempz, and CeraVe. Lotions with perfumes contain high alcohol levels and tend to dry out the skin.

Which body part absorbs most sunlight?

Vitamin D is made from cholesterol in the skin, which means one needs to expose lots of skin to sunlight to get enough vitamin D. Expose your arms, legs, back and abdomen to get more vitamin D. Do not forget to expose your back as it allows your body to produce the maximum vitamin D.

How can I raise my vitamin D level quickly?

Foods that may help boost your vitamin D levels are:
  1. Cod liver oil*
  2. Trout*
  3. Salmon*
  4. Mushrooms*
  5. Fortified dairy and non-dairy milks.
  6. Fortified cereals.
  7. Sardines.
  8. Eggs.

How long can I be in the sun without sunscreen?

In general, scientists think 5 to 15 minutes -- up to 30 if you're dark-skinned -- is about right to get the most out of it without causing any health problems. You can stay out longer and get the same effect if you use sunscreen. Talk to your doctor about what's right for you.

Do you tan quicker with or without sunscreen?

This means that some rays will still reach your skin despite wearing sunscreen, so it will not prevent tanning completely. You will still be able to get some colour on your skin, just at a slower, more manageable rate, whilst lowering the risks of damaging your skin.

How to tan without damaging skin?

How to protect your skin from the sun
  1. Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher if you plan to be outside longer than 20 minutes. ...
  2. Protect yourself from sun damage between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun is the strongest. ...
  3. Cover up with a wide-brimmed hat, UV-blocking sunglasses and long sleeves and pants. ...
  4. Don't burn.

What is the tansine rule?

The tangent rule, also known as the tangent-secant theorem, states that the tangent to a circle is perpendicular to the radius at the point of contact.

What is the tan formula?

The important tangent formulas are as follows: tan x = (opposite side) / (adjacent side) tan x = 1 / (cot x) tan x = (sin x) / (cos x)

What is the angle of depression?

In trigonometry, the angle of depression is the angle formed between the horizontal line and the line of sight when we look downwards at an object. In this angle, the object at which we look is always placed below the horizontal axis or line.

Previous article
Are 2 lb dumbbells good for beginners?
Next article
Which shampoo is best for sebum control?