How to Tan when It's Cloudy

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

The sun might be hiding behind the clouds, but that doesn’t have to stop you from tanning! Most of the sun’s rays will get through the clouds, so your skin can get darker. When tanning on a cloudy day, choose a spot that has the least amount of cover and sun yourself for about 5-10 minutes on each side. Then, shower and moisturize your skin . However, keep in mind that a tan is still sun damage and can lead to skin cancer, so it’s best to use an SPF 30 sunscreen even when you're tanning and wear sunglasses.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Sunning Yourself

PDF download Download Article
  1. Tan before 10:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m. to avoid a sunburn. The sun is the most powerful from mid-morning to late afternoon. While this might sound like the perfect time to tan, it’s too risky because your skin may burn. Instead, sun yourself in the early morning or late afternoon for the perfect tan. [1]
    • For instance, plan to go out at 9:00 a.m. or 4:00 p.m.
  2. About 90% of the sun’s rays penetrate the clouds, so you should have no problem tanning. However, you’ll get more rays if you pick a spot with minimal cloud coverage. Look for the brightest area you can find. Additionally, stay away from shadows cast by trees, buildings, and fences. [2]
    • Check the sky to see if any sunlight is penetrating the clouds. Additionally, look for shadows on the ground. If you see a shadow, move to another spot.
    Advertisement
  3. Tanning lotions help promote a bronzed look and may help you tan faster. It’ll also keep your skin moisturized. Look for a lotion that’s labeled for use on your skin tone . Then, massage the tanning lotion into your skin before you tan.
    • Lotion and oil work the same. However, you might prefer an oil if your skin tends to be dry because it's more moisturizing.
    • Read and follow the directions on the label so you know you’re using your product correctly.
    • Some tanning lotions have a low SPF, such as an SPF 8, that can help protect your skin as it tans. These are a great option because they’ll help you get the darker look you want with less skin damage.
    • Using an indoor tanning lotion outdoors may increase your risk of skin cancer because these lotions are designed to enhance UV rays. Keep in mind that there are more UV rays outdoors than in a tanning bed even on a cloudy day.
    • Additionally, don't use baby oil because it can tan your skin too quickly and cause damage.

    Tip: It’s best to wear a broad spectrum SPF 15 sunscreen even while you’re tanning. It will take you longer to get darker skin, but it’ll also protect your skin from damage. If you want a faster tan, look for a sunblock that just protects against UVB rays, since UVA rays are responsible for tanning. [3]

  4. You can start on your stomach or your back, depending on your preference. Elongate your body so that you’re less likely to have uneven patches. Additionally, spread out your arms and legs so they get maximum sun exposure.
    • If you’re bent at an angle or your arms are flat against your body, you’ll have areas of skin that remain pale.
  5. Shift your arms and legs to ensure that each side is getting sun. Additionally, turn onto your sides and back to sun those areas, as well. Make sure your front and back each get the same amount of sun.
    • For instance, tan your front first, then turn onto your left side. Next, tan your back, followed by turning onto your right side.
  6. How long you can lay out will depend on how dark your skin naturally is. Set a timer so that you don’t tan for too long. Then, turn as soon as the timer dings.
    • If you have pale or light skin, stick to 5 minutes per side for a total of 20 minutes tanning.
    • For medium or dark skin, 10 minutes per side should be okay. This means you'll tan for a total of 40 minutes.
    • If you wear sunscreen , you can increase how long you’re outside. With an SPF 15 sunscreen, you can tan for about an hour total. This applies to most skin tones, aside from very pale skin that burns easily. [4]

    Tip: Keep in mind that SPF 15 sunscreen lets you stay in the sun without burning 15 times as long as normal. That means that if you normally burn after 10 minutes in the sun, you could safely stay outside for a total of 150 minutes. [5]

  7. [6] It's best to slowly build up your tan so that your skin is even and doesn't burn. While you're working on your tan, it's safe to go out every day as long as you don't stay out longer than about 20-30 minutes for light skin or 30-60 minutes for medium or dark skin. [7]
    • After you reach your desired shade, you can maintain your glow by tanning 2-3 times per week. Keep your tanning sessions the same length as when you were building your tan.
    8. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Caring for Your Skin after Tanning

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you're feeling sticky, rinse off in a cool or warm shower right after you tan. Use a mild soap or body wash to cleanse away any lotion, sweat, or dirt that’s stuck on your skin. After you rinse off the soap, pat yourself dry with a clean towel.
    • Don’t take hot showers immediately after you tan because they can dry out your skin.
    • It’s best to avoid exfoliating after you tan because it will remove the top layer of skin, making your skin appear lighter.
  2. [8] Squeeze a quarter-sized amount of lotion onto your hand, then slather it over your body. Massage the lotion into your skin to help it absorb. Add more lotion to your palm when necessary.
    • Pick a thicker moisturizer, like a cream. Look for one that has natural oils, shea butter, or cocoa butter for added moisture. Alternatively, try a lotion that's made to be used after sun exposure. However, avoid petroleum jelly because it can lock in heat.
    • Hydrated skin looks healthy and supple.
  3. Drink 10 to 12 cups (2.4 to 2.8 L) of water daily to stay hydrated . Tanning can dry out your skin, but water rehydrates you from the inside. Make sure you’re drinking extra water every day while you’re tanning. This will help keep your skin looking youthful and hydrated. [9]
    • If you’re also very active, you may need more water. If you’re not sure how much water to drink, talk to your doctor for the best advice.
  4. Extend your tan by taking cool showers and moisturizing. Cool showers and moisturizer will keep your skin moist, which reduces flaking and peeling. When you shower, set the water on cool and keep it short. Then, apply an even layer of moisturizer over your entire body. [10]
    • Consider using an illuminating lotion in the morning to boost your glow. These work like regular lotions but leave your skin looking shiny. You can find an illuminating lotion at your favorite beauty supply store or online.
  5. Care for a mild sunburn with a cool towel and aloe vera. If your skin is looking a little red, cool it down with a cool towel or a cool shower. Then, apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel over the sunburn to replenish lost moisture and help it heal faster. Additionally, drink a lot of water to help rehydrate your skin. While your skin is healing, stay out of the sun to prevent further damage. [11]
    • If your sunburn hurts, take over-the-counter NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve). Just check with your doctor first.
    6. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Reducing the Risk of Sun Damage

PDF download Download Article
  1. Choose a pair of sunglasses that blocks UV rays. Put them on before tanning and while you’re spending time outdoors. This will protect you from vision loss and eye damage. [12]
    • To prevent tan lines from your sunglasses, as well as signs of aging, wear SPF 30 sunscreen on your face and use a self-tanning cream to darken your face. If you prefer a natural tan on your face. Remove your sunglasses and close your eyes when you're tanning your front side. However, keep in mind that your eyelids only block about 25% of UV rays and you can get skin cancer on your eyelids. [13]
    • As a bonus, you’ll also reduce your risk of wrinkles from squinting.
    • Think of how cute you’ll look sunning yourself with the perfect pair of shades!
  2. [14] Your tan is going to be ruined if you end up with a sunburn. Plus, excessive sun exposure is damaging to your skin. To protect yourself, apply sunscreen about 15 minutes before you go out. Then, reapply it as often as recommended on the bottle, which is typically every 2 hours. [15]

    Did You Know? You need to apply about a shot glass worth of sunscreen over your entire body to ensure you’re fully protected.

  3. and clothing to help protect your skin. Choose a hat with a brim, like a floppy hat or bucket hat. This protects both your scalp and your face. Additionally, wear loose clothing that covers as much skin as possible, like long-sleeves or pants. If it's too hot to wear this, choose lightweight clothing that covers as much of your body as is comfortable. [17]
    • For instance, wear a cover up over your bathing suit, along with a floppy hat.
  4. While sunscreen helps you stay outside longer with less skin damage, it’s still wise to avoid being in the sun all day. Instead, move to the shade to take breaks from the sun. This is especially important while the sun is at its peak from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. [18]
    • For instance, relax under a big umbrella or sit under a tree.
    • Wearing a wide-brimmed hat will also help you protect your face.
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Can you still get tan when it's cloudy?
    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
    Expert Answer
    The sun's rays can still reach you through the clouds so be sure to wear sunscreen and reapply it at least once every 2 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 3 Helpful 6
  • Question
    How often should you reapply sunscreen?
    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
    Expert Answer
    Generally, you need to apply sunscreen every 2 hours when you're outdoors. However, if you're swimming, reapply your sunscreen every hour.
    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 5
  • Question
    How can I tan without dry skin?
    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
    Expert Answer
    Always apply a moisturizer after you tan to restore hydration to your skin. This helps prevent dry skin.
    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 4
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Your tan might not develop for a day or 2 after you sun yourself, so don’t worry if you don’t see any difference at first. [19]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
      • For a more even tan, exfoliate your skin a day or 2 before you tan. However, keep in mind that exfoliating too often can make it take longer for your tan to build up because you’re sloughing off your top layer of skin cells.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Apply moisturizer regularly to prevent your skin from drying out, which can happen when you tan often.
        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

      • Tanning damages your skin, even if you don’t get burnt. This can lead to skin damage, skin cancer, or wrinkles. It’s best to protect your skin with sunscreen. [20]
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      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
      Turn Sunburn Into a Tan
      How to
      Remove a Tan from Your Face
      How to
      Darken Your Skin
      How to
      Apply Bronzer
      How to
      Tan Faster: Natural Sun, Self-Tanner, & More
      How to
      Get Rid of an Annoying Farmer's Tan Fast
      How to
      Increase Melanin Production
      How to
      Get a Tan With Fair Skin
      How to
      Get a Proper Tan
      What Should I Wear after a Spray Tan? How to Keep Your Tan Perfect When You Leave the Salon
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/problem-tanning-myth-base-tan-2017041211528
      2. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/skin-cancer/sun-safety/
      3. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/shade-clothing-sunscreen/how-to-apply-sunscreen
      4. ↑ Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 15 May 2020.
      5. ↑ https://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/sunscreens-explained
      6. ↑ Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 15 May 2020.
      7. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK321117/
      8. ↑ Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 15 May 2020.
      9. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/dehydration-and-heat-stroke
      1. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-moisturize-your-skin
      2. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/aloe-vera-for-sunburn/
      3. ↑ https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/tips-stay-safe-sun-sunscreen-sunglasses
      4. ↑ https://www.skincancer.org/blog/eyelid-skin-cancers/
      5. ↑ Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 15 May 2020.
      6. ↑ https://www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-over-counter-medicines/sunscreen-how-help-protect-your-skin-sun
      7. ↑ Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 15 May 2020.
      8. ↑ https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sun-protective-clothing/
      9. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/skin-cancer/sun-safety/
      10. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/problem-tanning-myth-base-tan-2017041211528
      11. ↑ https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/tanning/risks-tanning

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      While you might think that cloudy conditions would ruin your chance of getting a tan, most of the sun’s rays can actually penetrate cloud cover. To get a tan when it’s cloudy, all you need to do is find a location with little shade where you can lounge for up to an hour. Look for an area that isn’t shaded by trees or nearby buildings and lie down on a towel or lounge chair. Turn your body every 5-10 minutes to ensure that you tan evenly all over. You can still get a sunburn when it’s cloudy out, so protect yourself with a sunscreen that has an SPF of 15. When you’re done, take a cool or lukewarm shower and apply a moisturizer to prevent burning. For more tips, including how to treat a mild sunburn, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 541,504 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Anonymous

        Sep 29, 2017

        "It was all so helpful."
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement