How to Safely Get a Tan in the Sun Faster

Tanning is your body’s natural response to shield itself from excessive sun exposure and the harms that can follow, such as skin cancer. Understanding the risks tied to tanning and following safety measures can help preserve your skin.

Many people prefer the aesthetic of tanned skin, but prolonged solar exposure carries multiple hazards, including an elevated risk of skin cancer.

Even with sunscreen, sunbathing outdoors isn’t completely without danger. If you want to tan, you can lower the risks by speeding up the tanning process so you avoid extended UV exposure. This approach can reduce the likelihood of skin damage and cancer.

Below are tips for achieving a quicker tan and precautions you should consider.

How to get a tan faster

Here are 10 strategies to help you tan more quickly and thereby reduce the amount of time you’re exposed to the sun.

1. Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30. Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Avoid tanning oils that lack sun protection. Apply sunscreen within about 20 minutes of stepping outside. SPF 30 is sufficient to filter UVA and UVB rays while still allowing some tanning. Cover your body with around a full ounce of sunscreen.
2. Shift positions often. Moving around prevents one area from getting overexposed and reduces the chance of burning.
3. Eat foods rich in beta carotene. Items such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and kale may help you tan without burning. Although more studies are needed, some research suggests beta carotene can lower sun sensitivity in people with photosensitive conditions.
4. Consider oils that have natural SPF. These shouldn’t replace regular sunscreen, but oils like avocado, coconut, raspberry, and carrot can add moisture and some natural SPF.
5. Don’t stay out longer than your skin can produce melanin. Melanin is the pigment that creates a tan. Everyone has a melanin production limit, commonly 2 to 3 hours. After that period, your skin won’t darken more that day, and persisting past that threshold raises your risk of harm.
6. Consume lycopene-containing foods. Tomatoes, guava, and watermelon are examples. Some (including older) research indicates lycopene can help the skin resist UV damage naturally.
7. Pick your tanning window carefully. If you want a quicker tan, sunlight is strongest between noon and 3 p.m. Keep in mind this period yields the most harmful rays and may heighten skin cancer risk. Those with very fair skin should opt for morning or post-3 p.m. sessions to reduce burn risk.
8. Wear a strapless top if possible. This helps achieve an even tan without tan lines.
9. Take shade breaks. Stepping into shade periodically lowers the chance of burning and gives your skin a respite from intense heat.
10. Prep your skin before tanning. Getting your skin ready can extend the life of your tan. Exfoliate before going out, since non-exfoliated skin is more likely to flake. Applying aloe vera gel after tanning may also help your tan persist longer.

Risks of tanning

Tanning and sunbathing can feel pleasant and provide some vitamin D exposure. Still, tanning carries risks, particularly if you skip sunscreen. Potential consequences include:

• melanoma and other skin cancers
• dehydration
• sunburn
• heat rash
• premature aging of the skin
• eye damage

What determines your tan shade?

Individual responses to sun exposure differ. Some people burn quickly; others seldom do. These differences are mostly due to melanin, the pigment responsible for tanning that’s present in hair, skin, and eyes.

People with lighter complexions have less melanin and are more prone to burning or reddening. Those with darker skin possess more melanin and tend to darken further when tanning. Nonetheless, people with darker skin can still experience sunburn and are at risk for skin cancer.

Melanin is produced by the body to protect deeper skin layers from injury. Bear in mind that even without visible burning, sun exposure still causes harm to your skin.

A note on tanning beds

Tanning beds and booths are widely recognized as unsafe. They often pose greater hazards than outdoor sunbathing because they expose the body to very high UVA and UVB levels.

The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies tanning beds as carcinogenic. According to Harvard Health, tanning beds can emit UVA rays up to three times stronger than those in natural sunlight. Even UVB output may be similar to bright sun.

Tanning beds are highly risky and should be avoided. Safer options include spray tans or topical tanning products that use dihydroxyacetone (DHA) to darken the skin.

Tanning precautions

Tanning can be somewhat safer if you limit session length, stay hydrated, use sunscreen of at least SPF 30 on skin and lips, and shield your eyes. Avoid:

• falling asleep in direct sun
• using sunscreen with less than SPF 30
• consuming alcohol, which can promote dehydration

Also remember to:

• Reapply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming.
• Cover often-missed spots like the scalp, tops of feet, ears, and other overlooked areas with SPF.
• Rotate frequently to achieve an even tan and prevent burning.
• Drink plenty of fluids, wear a hat, and protect your eyes with sunglasses.

Takeaway

Many people enjoy sunbathing and the appearance of tanned skin, but tanning carries several dangers, including increased risk of skin cancer. To cut down on sun exposure, you can speed up tanning by using SPF 30, choosing the right time of day, and preparing your skin ahead of time.

Tanning beds are established carcinogens and should be avoided, as their UVA output can be up to three times stronger than natural sunlight.