How to Get a Tan

Being out in the sun allows you change your skin complexion, otherwise known as getting a tan. When your skin absorbs ultraviolet (UV) rays, it produces melatonin, which darkens the skin.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Be safe. While a sunburn is a huge change to your skin's complexion, sunburns aren't attractive and may lead to skin damage and skin cancer down the road. Avoid sitting out in the sun without cover or sunblock for too long.
2. Hang out in the sun. Simply going for a walk, gardening or playing in a park may be all the time you need in the sun to change your skin's complexion.
3. Check out the daily UV index. The higher the number, the more UV rays there are, and faster you'll change your skin complexion. You'll also sunburn faster, so use caution on high UV index days.
4. Look at your skin tone. If you have pale skin you can change the complexion of your skin (and burn, too) within 15 minutes. If you have darker skin, it'll take more time in the sun to change your complexion.
5. Give it several days. While you can change your skin complexion within a few hours in the sun, you'll get a more even tan and prevent damage to your skin if you give it several days.
6. Apply a moisturizer and/or aloe after your time in the sun. This helps prevent your skin from drying out and may protect it from any sun damage.

Tips & Warnings

• Put sunblock on any tattoos to prevent them from fading.
• Avoid using baby oil. You'll just get a nasty sunburn.