How to tan properly?

Author: Karine Lockman II  |  Last update: Thursday, October 30, 2025

Therefore, to ensure a natural and long-lasting tan, it is recommended that you stay in the sun for a maximum of 2-3 hours in a day, or even less in the case of very fair-skinned people. Be sure to use sunscreen, and to sunbathe when UV radiation is not as strong, which is before 10 am and after 4 pm.

How do you get a perfect dark tan?

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  • Don't go too dark, and use products that will only make you ``tan'' 1-2 at most 3 shades darker than your current skin tone.
  • Remove body hair and exfoliate several times before applying.
  • Personally I use a gradual tanning lotion to damp skin right after showering, and let it properly sink in.

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 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.

Do you tan faster in water or laying out?

You don't necessarily tan faster in water or laying out. This is because water reflects UV rays, so you may not be getting as much exposure as you think if you're actually in the pool.

Safe Sun Tanning Tips | Dr. Janine

Does water make you tan faster?

In or On the Pool –Water reflects sunlight, so one of the best ways to catch some serious sun is to be in the water, or to lie on water on a floatable device. This means sunlight will reflect off the water and bounce right onto you.

What foods make you more tanned?

Papaya: Like carrots, orange fruits and vegetables, such as papaya, help to enhance your tan naturally thanks to its high beta-carotene levels. Melon: This refreshing fruit, rich in antioxidants and beta-carotenes will help you to keep your golden skin tone.

Do you tan faster without sunscreen?

Yes, you will tan faster without sunscreen because your skin is not protected from the sun's rays. This doesn't mean that you should ditch the sunscreen, however. Unprotected exposure to UV rays can lead to skin damage, so it's important to use sunscreen even if you're trying to tan quickly.

What is 10 minutes in a tanning bed equal to?

Ten minutes in a sunbed can be roughly equivalent to 1-2 hours in natural sunlight, depending on factors like sunbed intensity and skin type. However, this varies widely based on geographical location, time of day, and weather conditions. Always adhere to recommended exposure times to minimise skin damage risks.

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.

Why do I tan so easily when I'm white?

This happens because “Each of us produces a different quantity and quality of melanin. Melanin is a pigment produced by our cells found in the basal layer of the skin,” explains Dr Puig.

Is 30 minutes in the sun enough to tan?

If you have light skin or very light skin, 10 to 30 minutes in the sun is a perfect amount of time for a tan. Much longer than that, and you could start to develop a sunburn. No, not if you have light brown to dark brown skin.

How to tan if you're pale?

Here's what you need to do:
  1. Exfoliation. This step is crucial if you want to avoid a tan that looks patchy. ...
  2. Hydrate. Dry skin doesn't tan well. ...
  3. Sunscreen is Your Friend, Not Your Enemy. Contrary to popular belief, sunscreen won't block you from tanning. ...
  4. Consider What You're Eating.

Does baby oil help tan?

Why Is Baby Oil Used For Tanning? Many people tan with baby oil because it can make your skin tan more quickly. The reason for this quicker tan is because baby oil helps attract and absorb UV rays, says Farber. The problem, and this is a big one, is that baby oil doesn't offer sun protection.

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.

Is a tan skin attractive?

The positive effect of a tan could be attributed to the fact that it provides a uniform light reflection with a continuous blend of light and shadow, in contrast to pale skin that is commonly associated with pigmentation differences and sharp shadows.

Why won't my skin tan?

Basically, everybody's skin reaches a cut-off point when their skin can't tan anymore. This is due to the fact it's physically unable to produce any more melanin, the pigment that makes our skin turn darker.

How to get the darkest tan?

6 Top Tanning Tips for a Darker and Long-lasting Tan
  1. Exfoliate your Skin prior to Tanning. ...
  2. Keep your Skin Hydrated and Moisturised. ...
  3. Apply a sunbed cream or tanning accelerator prior tanning.
  4. Remove any kind of makeup and other cosmetic products. ...
  5. Choose foods that accelerate tanning.

Do you tan better when wet?

Moisture is critical to good skin health because it helps maintain a good skin barrier and creates a flexible, pliable skin that is soft to touch. Moist skin will tan better and more evenly than dry skin.

Do you tan in the shade?

Can I tan or burn in the shade? It is still possible to tan or burn in the shade because you don't have to be in direct and full sunshine to get a tan. As long as UV light is reflecting on to you, then your skin is absorbing it – snow and sand, in particular both strongly reflect the rays of the sun.

Do you tan better lying down?

Stand-up beds allow your body to tan all around without any pressure points, leading to a more even tan. Some people like them even better because the body isn't in direct contact with the bed. To achieve the best and most even tan, it's crucial to rotate between using lay-down and stand-up beds.

Do you tan after shower?

Prepare Your Skin

You'll want to shower, shave and exfoliate at least a day before your tan (preferably two!). We recommend using our Premier Collection® body washes as the perfect pre-tan prep. Exfoliating is especially important.

Do you tan better at the pool or beach?

Moreover, if you are on a sandy beach rather than a pebble one, the speed of tanning will be further enhanced because the sand is also capable of reflecting UV rays, to the extent of about 17%. These different elements therefore allow us to conclude that one generally tans faster at the sea than at the pool.

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