How to Get a Dark Tan in the Sun

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

A deep, bronze tan can make you look healthy and glowing, but what's the best way to get one? Don't worry—this article will walk you through the best (and safest) way to get a dark, dazzling tan this summer, no slathering aloe vera onto burned skin required.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Preparing Your Skin

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5f\/Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5f\/Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-1.jpg\/aid850974-v4-728px-Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Gently scrub the skin with a loofa, bath sponge, or natural scrub product in order to remove dead skin and achieve an even and dark tan. Don’t rub so hard as to make your skin raw or irritated.
    • For a natural exfoliating scrub, try coarse sea salt, granulated sugar mixed with honey, or coffee grounds mixed with olive oil.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f0\/Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f0\/Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-2.jpg\/aid850974-v4-728px-Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Choose a rich lotion and apply it all over your skin, focusing on spots that tend to get dry easier. Also drink plenty of water to keep your skin and entire body hydrated. This will allow your skin to get darker over time because each layer of darkened skin will not get dry and flake off as easily. [1]
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-3.jpg\/aid850974-v4-728px-Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that is 15 SPF or higher, and rub it into your skin evenly and all over your body. Have a friend apply it to your back or other areas that you can’t reach easily yourself. You should apply sunscreen 30 minutes before you go outside. [2]
    • Water-resistant sunscreen is great for many outdoor activities for which you’ll be getting wet or sweaty. You still need to reapply it regularly.
    • Don’t listen to the common myth that you will tan better or faster without wearing sunscreen! Getting a sunburn from lack of sunscreen actually kills the skin cells that you are trying to darken, prohibiting you from getting a dark tan and increasing your risk of skin cancer. [3]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/39\/Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/39\/Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-4.jpg\/aid850974-v4-728px-Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Buy a tanning accelerator lotion or pill to increase your tan. Use sparingly before going out in the sun, and test it for a small amount of time to make sure there are no adverse side effects. [4]
    5. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Spending Time in the Sun

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/40\/Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/40\/Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-5.jpg\/aid850974-v4-728px-Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Spend a brief time outside around 12:00 noon for the most exposure to the sun and greatest chance to tan. [5]
    • Remember that you can still get burned or tanned throughout the daylight hours, and even in cloud cover or shade. [6]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c1\/Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c1\/Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-6.jpg\/aid850974-v4-728px-Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Pass the time in the sun by laying out with a good book or music, playing a sport, or simply getting outdoor chores like mowing the lawn done.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/24\/Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/24\/Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-7.jpg\/aid850974-v4-728px-Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Ideally you should be out in the sun for only an hour or two at a time, but if you are out longer, reapply sunscreen every two hours and after every time you get wet (from swimming, showering, or sweating a lot). Drink plenty of water to keep hydrating the skin so you don’t lose your tan.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2f\/Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2f\/Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-8.jpg\/aid850974-v4-728px-Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you’re lying down or in a chair, change positions between your front, back, and sides every 15 to 30 minutes so you get darker all over.
    • When lying on your back, place your arms above your head and your head tilted slightly back to expose your inner arms and neck. When on your front, put your arms out so the top of your shoulders and forearms get sun.
    • Remember that if you’re playing a sport or doing anything else standing up, your nose, shoulders, arms, and back of the neck will likely get more tan than anything else, as they are facing the sun more directly.
    5. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Maintaining Your Tan After Sun

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/13\/Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/13\/Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-9.jpg\/aid850974-v4-728px-Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Hop in the shower after you spend time in the sun to remove excess sunscreen, sweat, or sand and dirt.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-10.jpg\/aid850974-v4-728px-Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Keep drinking plenty of water and apply lotion topically to fully hydrate your skin for the best tan. Use aloe vera gel for a good way to soothe the skin. Continue to apply lotion regularly, both right after sun exposure and before bed. [7]
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b9\/Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b9\/Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-11.jpg\/aid850974-v4-728px-Get-a-Dark-Tan-in-the-Sun-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Spend just an hour or two in the sun per day, but do this every day. Build up your tan more gradually for a safer, longer-lasting, and more consistent dark tan. [8]
    4. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How many hours do I have to be outside in order to get a tan?
    Lauren Pham
    Community Answer
    It varies from person to person. It can depend on ethnicity, skin sensitivity, what season it is, and genetics. Usually, it will take about an hour to and hour and a half to tan. Remember, even after you get out of the sun, your body continues to tan. Do not stay in the sun for too long! Although it is tempting, do not exceed 3 hours in the sun because your body stops producing melanin after 3 hours.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 12
  • Question
    Can I put lemon eucalyptus oil in my suntan lotion to prevent mosquito bites?
    Community Answer
    Do NOT put essential oils in suntan lotion. Most essential oils combined with ultraviolet light will give you severe burns. Find a bug spray instead.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 16
  • Question
    What is the best accelerator to use and what lotion to hydrate? What towel is reflective?
    Community Answer
    Body oils are the best accelerator for tan, and they also hydrate and nourish your skin. You can purchase tanning oil with FPS sun protection, while still getting tanned. A white or bright towel is the most reflective.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 5
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Wait till later in the day to see the tan you have achieved. Don’t stay out longer in the sun waiting to see a difference in your skin, as it usually will not show up for a few hours after you’ve been outside.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • If you have very pale skin and have a hard time tanning without burning, be safe and opt for a sunless tanning lotion instead.
        Thanks
        Helpful 6 Not Helpful 16
      • Don’t stay in the sun too long or too often, especially without reapplying sunscreen. Sun exposure is associated with the development of skin cancer, as well as more minor but undesirable skin conditions such as wrinkles, skin discoloration, and blood vessel dilation.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Sunscreen
      • Water
      • Lotion and/or aloe vera gel
      • Loofah, bath sponge, or natural exfoliant
      • Tanning accelerator (optional)

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Lighten up Your Bikini Areas
      How Long Does it Take to Get Tan? Your Top Tanning Questions Answered
      How to
      Remove a Tan from Your Face
      How to
      Apply Bronzer
      How to
      Get Rid of an Annoying Farmer's Tan Fast
      How to
      Darken Your Skin
      How to
      Tan when It's Cloudy
      How to
      Turn Sunburn Into a Tan
      How to
      Tan Faster: Natural Sun, Self-Tanner, & More
      How to
      Increase Melanin Production
      How to
      Fade Your Tan Fast
      How to
      Get a Proper Tan
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ Diana Yerkes. Skincare Specialist. Expert Interview. 16 April 2019.
      2. ↑ http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/sunscreens-explained
      3. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/melanoma-skin-cancer/news/20140530/5-or-more-bad-sunburns-while-young-tied-to-higher-melanoma-risk
      4. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25458018
      5. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18348449
      6. ↑ http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/Shade
      7. ↑ Diana Yerkes. Skincare Specialist. Expert Interview. 16 April 2019.
      8. ↑ Diana Yerkes. Skincare Specialist. Expert Interview. 16 April 2019.

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you want to get a dark tan from the sun, prepare ahead of time by exfoliating your skin the night before with a loofah or bath sponge. Once your skin is scrubbed, moisturize with lotion and drink plenty of water so when you get a tan, it’ll take longer for the darkened skin to flake off. While plenty of people might tell you not to wear sunscreen when tanning, you should apply a sunscreen of 15 SPF or higher 30 minutes before going outside. Otherwise, you could get a sunburn, which will keep your skin from tanning. To get the most out of your time outside, go out around noon when the sun is at its strongest. If you’re lying down, change positions every 15 to 30 minutes so you tan evenly. For more tips, like how to maintain your tan, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 129,799 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement