PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

Skin with a warm, sun-kissed tan can look radiant, sexy, and attractive. At the same time, you want to be careful to avoid getting sunburned, and you want to minimize any risks associated with tanning. This article will provide you with guidance for sun tanning, spray tanning, and self tanning that will help you to look great and avoid sunburns.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Tanning Safely When You're Outdoors

PDF download Download Article
  1. Sunscreens allow some of the sun's rays to penetrate, giving you some tanning action while shielding you from many harmful UVA and UVB rays.
    • Always reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours to prevent any sunburn or sun damage to the skin. [1]
  2. Before you start sweating or swimming, wait about 20 minutes to give your sunscreen a chance to bind to your skin.
    Advertisement
  3. Do not lay out between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The sun's rays are strongest during those hours, and you're more likely to get a sunburn.
  4. Start by laying out for 15 minutes and add 5 minutes or so per week. Your tan will progress more gradually, but you'll avoid getting burned.
  5. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Giving Yourself a Spray Tan

PDF download Download Article
  1. Use a body scrub and a loofah to get rid of dead surface skin cells, or you'll come out of your tanning session looking speckled. [2]
  2. Otherwise, they may end up turning dark brown or orange.. [3]
  3. When you use clear aerosols, you may have a difficult time telling how much spray tan you've applied to your skin.
  4. Get into your shower and close the curtain so that you don't accidentally spray tanning product onto other bathroom surfaces.
  5. Put extra moisturizer on your knees and elbows, and spray them lightly compared to other areas. [4]
  6. Spray product into the air and step back into it as you would if you were applying perfume. Do this 2 to 3 times to make sure that you get enough product on your back.
  7. You can also buy a specially designed tanner remover to take off dark spots, streaks or other application errors.
  8. Expect to pay between $80 and $100.
  9. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Applying Self-Tanning Mousse or Gel

PDF download Download Article
  1. Apply your tanning mousse or gel immediately after you prep your skin to ensure the smoothest coat possible. [5]
    • Make sure that the product is formulated to work with DHA, which is the active ingredient in most self-tanners.
    • The moisturizer will do double-duty for you by providing coverage for spots you may miss when you apply mousse or gel.
  2. Working this way will keep you from creasing your skin when you bend over to apply the self-tanner.
  3. You may need assistance applying a mousse or gel to your back and other hard-to-reach areas.
  4. Advertisement


Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I know if I'm about to burn?
    Community Answer
    Your skin starts feeling warm, but it's a deep sensation. Your skin may also look speckled even if it doesn't look red. Your sunburn will usually appear after you shower.
  • Question
    How do I became dark brown like Ariana Grande without getting a sunburn?
    Community Answer
    Apply a self-tanning aerosol. Her "tan" has a slightly orange tinge to it, which suggests it comes out of a can, rather than from the sun.
  • Question
    Do red-heads tan or burn?
    Community Answer
    It really depends. If you're already darker, you'll tan more and burn less (but even very dark people get sunburned). However, most red-heads are pale, and tend to burn. It depends on skin color rather than hair color.
See more answers
Ask a Question
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Make sure to use a product on your lips to prevent sunburn. You can wear a lip tint with SPF 15 and then apply sunscreen to the rest of your face.
      • If you do get a sunburn, apply moist towels to your skin or take a cool bath. Apply aloe vera, and avoid breaking any blisters. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever to help with any aches.
      • When you exfoliate prior to applying a tanning product, choose a body scrub with spherical man-made beads (as opposed to granular beads). Also, choose a scrub that is oil-free so that you don't place a barrier between your skin and your tanning product.
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Indoor tanning is more likely to cause melanoma than outdoor tanning, according to the American Cancer Society. Young women are especially vulnerable to melanoma development if they tan indoors as teenagers. For these reasons, skip the tanning salon. If you feel compelled to tan indoors, then limit yourself to 3 sessions per week.
      Advertisement
      1. [5]

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To get a good tan in the sun without getting sunburned, wear a water-resistant sunscreen instead of a sunblock so you will still get some of the sun’s rays on your skin. You will need to wait 15 minutes after application before you start sweating or swimming. In addition, you should not tan between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. since the sun’s rays are strongest then and you’re more likely to get burned. You should also tan in short bursts as you slowly increase how long you tan each week. Scroll down to learn how to give yourself a spray tan!

      Did this summary help you?
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,605,768 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Anonymous

        Apr 27, 2017

        "Going out into the sun for 15 to 20 minutes with sunscreen! Love and live on the beach, but as I am getting older I ..." more
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement