How Long Does It Take to Tan? Plus, How to Do It Safely

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Learn what factors affect how easily you tan
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Many people love having a sun-kissed glow, but how long does it take to achieve a tan? While most people can tan within an hour or two, the exact amount of time depends on several factors, like skin tone and the UV index. We interviewed dermatologists Margareth Pierre-Louis and R. Sonia Batra to teach you everything you need to know about tanning, including how long it takes, factors that affect tanning , how to tan safely , and the risks associated with tanning.

How much sun do I need to tan?

On average, people begin to tan within 1-2 hours of exposure to sunlight. However, the amount of sun you need to tan depends on your skin type. People with fair skin typically begin to tan (or burn) within 10-15 minutes of direct sun exposure, while it may take people with darker skin tones a few hours.

Section 1 of 7:

How long does it take to get tan?

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  1. Most people can tan within 1-2 hours. The amount of time it takes to tan depends on a number of factors, including your skin tone . People who are pale often begin to tan or burn within 10-15 minutes, while people with darker skin may only tan after a few hours. Sunburns can also develop in as little as 10 minutes without proper protection, so always remember to wear sunscreen when you’ll be outdoors. [1]
    • Can you tan in 30 minutes? Some people can tan in 30 minutes, but it depends on your skin type. If you have light or very light skin, you may start to tan within 10 to 30 minutes. If you have darker skin, however, it may take 40 to 60 minutes or more in the sun to start tanning. [2]
    • Can you get a tan in one day? Yes, you can get a tan in one day. Depending on your skin tone, you may start to tan in as little as 15 minutes. However, tanning too much at one time can lead to sunburn and other skin damage Try laying out for 10-30 minutes every day, and be sure to wear sunscreen when you’re outside. [3]
    • Does sunscreen prevent you from tanning? SPF 30 is strong enough to block harmful UVA and UVB rays, but not so strong that it completely prevents tanning. Remember to reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours or after you swim or sweat to prevent sunburn. [4]
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Section 2 of 7:

What’s the fastest way to tan?

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  1. Floating in water can help you tan faster. The sun’s rays reflect off of water and onto your skin. This means that when you’re floating on top of the water, you’re getting more intense exposure to the sun. Some sources also say the water droplets on your skin act as tiny lenses that help focus sunlight to give you a more intense tan. [5]
    • Keep in mind that since you’ll tan faster in the water, you may need to take more frequent breaks and apply sunscreen earlier.
  2. Tanning beds can give you a tan faster, but they’re more dangerous. Tanning beds emit stronger UV rays than natural sunlight, so you can get tan faster than you would by lying in the sun. However, dermatologists strongly advise against using tanning beds, as studies have shown that using them puts you at a much higher risk for skin cancer, especially if you use them regularly. [6]
    • Research shows that even one tanning bed session can increase your risk of developing melanoma by as much as 20%.
    • The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) categorizes tanning beds as carcinogenic.
    • As a safer alternative, consider getting a spray tan or using a bronzing lotion that contains DHA.
  3. 3
    Can you tan in UV 3, 4, or 5? Yes, and it’s generally safe to tan in UV 3-5. A UV index of 3-5 indicates a moderate risk of sunburn for the average person, so as long as you take precautions like wearing sunscreen and seeking shade when needed, you should be able to get a tan. A UV index of 6 or above is considered high, increasing the risk of sunburn and damage significantly, so it’s best to stay out of the sun as tanning isn’t worth the risk. [7]
    • It’s also safe to tan in UV 1-2, as there’s a minimal risk of sunburn. However, it’s still important to wear sunscreen and protect your skin.
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Section 3 of 7:

Factors That Affect Tanning Time

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  1. 1
    Skin type The primary factors that determine how quickly you can tan are your skin type and your skin’s sensitivity to sun exposure. Those with pale skin typically burn easily and require less time to tan, while those with darker skin are more resistant to burning and need more time to tan. The Fitzpatrick scale categorizes skin into 6 phototypes based on melanin levels: [8]
    • Type I (pale white skin): burns easily and rarely/never tans, has the highest risk of sunburn and skin damage, maximum exposure time of less than 15 minutes
    • Type II (white to light beige): usually burns, tans minimally, maximum exposure time of 30-45 minutes
    • Type III (light brown): may burn, tans uniformly, maximum exposure time of 1-2 hours
    • Type IV (moderate brown): minimally burns, tans easily, maximum exposure time of 2-4 hours
    • Type V (dark brown): very rarely burns, tans profusely, maximum exposure time of 4+ hours
    • Type VI (very dark skin): never burns, deeply pigments, maximum exposure time of 4+ hours
  2. 2
    UV index The UV index is a forecast that monitors UV exposure throughout the day with a range of 1-11+. The higher the number, the higher the UV exposure and the chances of skin damage. UV rays are most intense between 10 am and 3 pm, so while lying out during this time can make you tan more quickly, it also increases your chances of sunburn or other damage. It’s recommended to tan early in the morning or late in the afternoon when UV levels are lower. [9]
  3. 3
    Climate and weather UV exposure varies depending on your geographical location and latitude, as well as the weather. Locations that are closer to the equator or higher in altitude increase exposure intensity. Cloud cover also affects UV exposure, as clouds can diffuse UV rays for milder tanning potential. Reflections from water and snow, on the other hand, multiply UV effects. [10]
  4. The angle of the sun also plays a role in how quickly you tan. The more direct exposure you have without taking a break in the shade, the more likely you are to tan (or burn). However, you can still get a tan in the shade. UV rays can reflect off of the ground and onto your skin, even if you’re lounging in a covered area. It may just take a little longer than if you were in direct sunlight. [11]
    • Remember to wear sunscreen even if it’s cloudy or if you plan on staying in the shade.
  5. 5
    SPF While you should always wear sunscreen when you’re outside, the amount of SPF determines how easily you can tan. The higher the SPF, the longer you should have until you start to burn. Pierre-Louis explains that “SPF typically means how many minutes it can stay on the skin. So for instance, an SPF 30 means that you can have the sunscreen on for 300 minutes before you burn.” [12] An SPF of 30 protects your skin 30 times more than if you weren’t wearing anything.
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Section 4 of 7:

How to Tan Safely

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  1. Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA rays and UVB rays, which is important when you’re in the sun. [13] While the amount of SPF needed varies from person to person, it’s generally recommended to use an SPF of at least 30 . Apply your sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going out. Pierre-Louis recommends, “Reapply sunscreen every two hours… If for some reason you’ve gotten the skin wet or if you feel like you’ve totally sweated it off, reapply even sooner.” [14]
    • When applying sunscreen, Pierre-Louis stresses, “Make sure you put on a good layer. They say you’re supposed to take one gram and apply it to a wide area, but no one really does that. It should be a layer thick enough where you can really see the product on the skin. If you don’t see it going on like it’s a moisturizer, then you might not have enough sunscreen on.” [15]
    EXPERT TIP

    Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD

    Board Certified Dermatologist
    Dr. Margareth Pierre-Louis is a board certified Dermatologist and Dermatopathologist, Physician Entrepreneur, and the Founder of Twin Cities Dermatology Center and Equation Skin Care in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Twin Cities Dermatology Center is a comprehensive dermatology clinic treating patients of all ages through clinical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, and telemedicine. Equation Skin Care was created to provide the best in evidence-based, natural skin care products. Dr. Pierre-Louis earned a BS in Biology and an MBA from Duke University, an MD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, completed a residency in dermatology at the University of Minnesota, and completed a dermatopathology fellowship at Washington University in St Louis. Dr. Pierre-Louis is board certified in dermatology, cutaneous surgery, and dermatopathology by the American Boards of Dermatology and Pathology.
    Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD
    Board Certified Dermatologist

    There are two types of sunscreen. Physical blocking sunscreens are mineral sunscreens; they have zinc and titanium in them, and they start working immediately. Chemical sunscreens have no zinc or titanium oxide, and they take about 20 minutes to absorb into the skin and start working.

  2. For most of the United States, this is between 10 am and 3 pm. During this time, it’s really easy to get a sunburn, and you might not even feel it happening until it’s too late. Try tanning earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon when the sun isn’t as direct. [16]
  3. 3
    Change positions frequently. If you lie in one position for too long, you risk burning that part of your body. To prevent this, rotate your body regularly. This also helps ensure you get an even tan, as you’ll be exposing different parts of your body to the sun for an equal amount of time. [17]
  4. 4
    Take breaks periodically. The maximum time you should be in the sun varies depending on your skin tone and how easily you tan, so monitor yourself for signs that it’s time to seek shade. If you’re experiencing redness, hot sensations, or tenderness of the skin, it’s time to seek shade, cool off, and rehydrate. [18]
    • If you get a sunburn , apply aloe vera to help it heal, and avoid tanning until your skin has fully recovered to avoid more damage.
  5. 5
    Stay hydrated. When tanning, you’ll be out in the sun for a while, which can cause you to sweat and become dehydrated. Dry, dehydrated skin can look wrinkly as it tans, so drink plenty of water to stay healthy and keep your skin looking its best. [19]
  6. 6
    Wear protective clothing. When you’re not actively tanning, keep your skin covered to protect it from harmful UV rays. Bring a sunhat and sunglasses to protect your head, face, and eyes, and consider wearing sun-protective swimwear when you’re at the pool or the beach. [20]
  7. Lying out in the sun can dry your skin out, leading to itchy, flaky spots even if you don’t get a sunburn. When you’re done tanning, apply a mild, fragrance-free lotion or moisturizer all over your body to hydrate and repair your skin. [21]
  8. Even when you take precautions, there is no “healthy” way to tan, and dermatologists warn that tanning in any form will cause injury to your skin, even if it’s just a small tan. To protect your skin, consider using self-tanning lotion or getting a spray tan instead. These will give you that sun-kissed glow without the exposure to harmful UV rays. [22]
    • Keep in mind that self-tanning lotion doesn’t protect against the sun, so you’ll still need to wear sunscreen when you go out.
    • If you want to tan safely, Batra recommends self-tanner: “In general, it’s always safer to use a self-tanner than to go outside and tan… Most common self-tanners have an active ingredient called dihydroxyacetone in them, and those are generally the more effective ones.” [23]
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Section 5 of 7:

How long does a tan last?

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  1. Tans typically start to fade after 7-10 days. Sometimes, however, they can last up to 2-4 weeks. A tan’s longevity depends on several factors, including your skin tone, amount of exposure to the sun, and post-tanning skincare. Repeated tanning keeps the color consistent as it replaces lost melanin before paling occurs, and moisturizing regularly can help delay peeling. [24]
Section 6 of 7:

Enhancing Your Tan

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  1. 1
    Exfoliate your skin before tanning. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells which could otherwise flake off and remove your tan. In general, exfoliate 2-3 times a week using warm water. Scrub gently in a circular motion, and apply moisturizer when you’re done. [25] If you have a sunburn, do not exfoliate, as this can further damage the skin and interfere with the healing process.
  2. 2
    Eat foods that contain beta-carotene or lycopene. Beta-carotene is a natural pigment found in vegetables like carrots that can naturally darken your skin, while lycopene (found in foods like tomatoes and watermelon) helps the body naturally fight UV rays. Eating a healthy diet full of these veggies can potentially help you tan more easily and keep your tan longer. [26]
  3. 3
    Tan in direct sunlight. While you can still tan in the shade or when it’s cloudy, you’ll get tan more quickly when the sun is shining. It can actually be more dangerous to tan when it’s cloudy, as the UV rays are scattered and reflected, which can cause more damage to your skin. When tanning on a sunny day (and in general), monitor the UV index to make sure it isn’t too high, regularly apply sunscreen, and take breaks to cool off and hydrate. [27]
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Section 7 of 7:

Risks of Tanning

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  1. 1
    Tanning increases your risk of sunburn and other skin damage. Even when you take precautions, tanning damages your skin. Some of the more immediate risks of tanning include getting a sunburn, becoming dehydrated , and developing a heat rash . You can even sunburn your eyes, which can lead to eye pain, headaches, swelling, redness, and blurry or temporarily lost vision. [28]
  2. 2
    Tanning can prematurely age your skin. Prolonged and unprotected exposure to UV rays can cause photoaging, or the premature aging of the skin. This exposure can cause DNA changes at the cellular level, which causes your skin to age and increases your risk of developing cancer. Signs of photoaging include wrinkles , age or dark spots , leathery skin, broken capillaries, and redness and blotchiness. [29]
  3. 3
    In extreme cases, tanning can cause skin cancer. Both indoor and outdoor tanning can increase your risk for skin cancer because exposure to UV radiation damages the DNA in skin cells. This can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and the development of melanoma or other forms of skin cancer. [30]
    • Skin cancer symptoms vary depending on the type of cancer, but some signs may include large brown spots with darker speckles; moles that change in size, color, or texture; painful lesions that itch or burn; or dark lesions on your palms, soles, fingertips, toes, or mucous membranes.
    • If you notice any sudden or suspicious changes to your skin, see a doctor as soon as possible.
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      Warnings

      • Sun exposure puts you at a higher risk for skin cancer. If you notice any new moles or lesions on your skin, make an appointment with your doctor right away. [31]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/sunburn
      2. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK321117/
      3. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/problem-tanning-myth-base-tan-2017041211528
      4. ↑ https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/sun-and-uv/uv-protection.html
      5. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/tanning.html
      6. ↑ https://www.aad.org/media/stats-indoor-tanning
      7. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10985-ultraviolet-radiation
      8. ↑ https://www.uhd.nhs.uk/uploads/about/docs/our_publications/patient_information_leaflets/dermatology/The-Fitzpatrick-Skin-Type-Chart.pdf
      9. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/problem-tanning-myth-base-tan-2017041211528
      1. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/tanning.html
      2. ↑ https://www.cancer.org/healthy/be-safe-in-sun/uv-protection.html
      3. ↑ Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 15 May 2020.
      4. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/problem-tanning-myth-base-tan-2017041211528
      5. ↑ Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 15 May 2020.
      6. ↑ Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 15 May 2020.
      7. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/problem-tanning-myth-base-tan-2017041211528
      8. ↑ https://www.gq.com/story/how-to-tan
      9. ↑ https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sunburn
      10. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-weight-growth/water-healthy-drinks/index.html
      11. ↑ https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/sun-and-uv/uv-protection.html
      12. ↑ https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/skin-care-and-aging
      13. ↑ https://www.skincancer.org/press/spray-dont-bake-the-skin-cancer-foundation-suggests-indoor-tanning-alternatives-for-young-women-this-spring/
      14. ↑ R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 14 May 2021.
      15. ↑ https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/how-to-prolong-a-holiday-tan-maintaining-a-tan
      16. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/have-you-exfoliated-lately-202405203042
      17. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4345932/
      18. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/radtown/ultraviolet-uv-radiation-and-sun-exposure
      19. ↑ https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/tanning/risks-tanning
      20. ↑ https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/tanning/risks-tanning
      21. ↑ https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/tanning/risks-tanning
      22. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10985-sun-exposure--skin-cancer

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