Q&A for How to Get a Tan

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Does coconut oil help you tan faster?

Community Answer

Yes, it does help you tan faster. It is an oil which will amplify the sun's effects. Don't overdo the tanning though, as you can easily get sunburn.

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Question

How long should I spend on each side?

Community Answer

About 15 to 30 minutes on each side depending on how fair your skin is and how easily you burn.

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Question

How long should I stay outside if I burn easily?

Community Answer

Limit your sun exposure to only 15 or 30 minutes before going into the shade; you can always return to the sun later once you skin has had some time to recover. Remember to wear a lot of sunscreen before going out into the sun, and always use moisturizer afterwards.

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Question

Can exercising outside, such as jogging, swimming, or bike riding, help me get tan?

Community Answer

Yes! Keep in mind that you will only get tanned in the areas that are exposed to the sun. If you are running or riding a bike, you may end up with lower tan lines than if you were swimming. Remember to wear sunscreen!

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Question

Even after a day of sun exposure I don't seem to be any darker, how can I get better results?

Community Answer

You can try using tanning oil. But still remember to use sunscreen on the sensitive areas of your body (nose, shoulders, face, etc.).

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Question

Does carrot oil help you tan?

Community Answer

Carrot oil is a natural tanning accelerator and contains henna, which is the main component in most tanning sprays. It can lend a slightly orange hue to some skin tones, though, so proceed with caution.

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Question

Am I supposed to apply sunscreen and tanning lotion at the same time?

Community Answer

Put on the sunscreen first, about 15-20 minutes before you go out in the sun, then about 5 minutes before you're going out, put on the oil.

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Question

I heard that saltwater and salt air enhance tanning. Is it true that you tan faster on the beach than by the pool?

Community Answer

You will tan the fastest using this cycle: 15 minutes in pool then 15 minutes laying out and repeat. The water doesn't make a difference, it's the sun.

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Question

Will I still tan if I wear sunscreen?

Community Answer

You will still tan if you wear sunscreen. If you are sensitive to the sun, wear sunscreen and limit your time in the sun to about 15-30 minutes.

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Question

Does chlorinated water make you burn faster?

Community Answer

Water in general will make your skin burn quicker. Chlorine might actually slow down the burn process, though.

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Question

What is the time span in which to get the best possible results?

Community Answer

Spend about 10-30 minutes in the sun depending on your skin's fairness, and within roughly a week, you should see results.

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Question

How can I get a tan if I do not live near a pool or beach?

Community Answer

You can lay out anywhere there is sun, like your backyard or a park.

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Question

Can you get sick from staying out in the sun for too long?

Community Answer

Yes. You can get sunstroke or heat rash. If you get this, just stay inside near a fan and apply aloe vera as it moisturizes and prevents blisters on burnt skin.

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Question

If your sunscreen is a higher SPF (30 or more), does it affect the tan?

Community Answer

Yes. If you're really pale try not to use as much sunscreen, but be more careful in the sun. If that doesn't seem to work, you could always go to your local drug store and get self-tanner.

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Question

What if I wear bug repellent?

Community Answer

Bug repellent should not affect your tan in the slightest, so you don't have to worry about that (as long as it doesn't have a built-in sunscreen, which most don't).

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Question

I usually get super tan during the summer but when winter starts I lose my tan. Any advice on keeping it longer?

Community Answer

Go out in the sun during the winter. The hours of sunlight change during each season, so adjust your activities to happen during prime sunlight.

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Question

Is there any other way to tan that is natural without the risk of burning?

Rudi Hodge

Community Answer

Self tanner lotions or a spray tan are the only other two ways to get a tan without UVB or UVA rays.

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Question

Are self tanners bad for for the skin?

Community Answer

They are not bad if you use them in moderation. Try not to overuse them, and you should be fine.

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Question

I don't use sunscreen because my skin is not sensitive in the sun, and when I go out for a tan it doesn't work. I look pale still. How long can I stay under the sun?

Savannah F.

Community Answer

10-30 minutes would help, but if you are very fair, you can add a few 10 minute increments.

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Question

How long should I expect to wait before I notice darker skin?

Community Answer

A week or so, it depends how fast you tan and how fair your skin is but remember that you will not get more tan by spending more time in the sun per tanning session, you'll just be burning yourself.

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Question

How many hours will it take to get a tan outside if my skin is white?

Community Answer

It depends on many factors, like your skin and the conditions outside.

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Question

I tan really easily. No matter how much sun screen I use, I'm still tan. It's not an orange or red tan, but I feel too dark. Advice?

AnswerBOT

Community Answer

Stay inside or stay out of the sun. When you go outside, stay in the shade or wear clothing that covers your skin and a sun hat.

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Question

How do I get the golden or even bronze goddess look?

Community Answer

Use tanning oil or coconut oil. This will help you get the skin tone you're looking for, and it works pretty fast too.

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Question

Will water resistant sunscreen help keep my tanning lotion from coming off when I go swimming?

Community Answer

No. But there are some water resistant tanning oils to keep you tanning in and out of the water!

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Question

What if you live in a place that's cloudy 9 months a year?

Community Answer

You could always get a fake tan. Or, you could just go on a holiday where it's always sunny.

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Question

Would just laying out in the sun with only sunscreen on help me tan?

Community Answer

Yes. Just be careful to not get too much sun at a time.

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Question

What natural products can I use for tanning?

Community Answer

Coconut oil is my favorite, it's cheap and is a main ingredient in a lot of store bought tanning oils. Any oil will work, just avoid putting a lot on your face and wear sunscreen underneath if you burn easily!

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Question

Why is it that every time I try to tan, a large amount of dead skin comes off in the shower and I end up looking paler than before?

Community Answer

Because you aren't using enough sunscreen. Apply a healthy amount of sunscreen before you apply your tanning oil or lotion.

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Question

Can rose oil be used in the tanning process?

Community Answer

Yes, any oil based moisturizer can help you tan and see results faster. Just remember, less is more.

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Question

Can I still tan on holiday if I got a spray tan beforehand?

Community Answer

Yes, but be careful not to overdo it or you risk damaging your skin permanently.

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