How to Get a Good Tan

A good tan can improve a person's overall appearance, complexion, and help a person appear thinner and healthier. Tanning the skin is not a healthy habit, however people choose to tan for one reason or another, and some tanning techniques work better than others. The following guidelines tell how to acquire a good tan without the use of a tanning bed or spray on color. This is the tried and true, traditional way to tan.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Exfoliating wash
• Loofah
• Suntan lotion (with aloe and macadamia nut oil)
• Moisturizing lotion or body butter
• Sunscreen

1. 

   Exfoliate your skin using a loofah and exfoliating wash. This will help remove dead skin, leaving the skin underneath more likely to retain a tan.

2. Apply suntan lotion with a low SPF, such as 8 or 10. The suntan lotion should have a moisturizer in it, such as macadamia nut oil, as well as aloe vera. Aloe helps prevent burns, and keeps the skin moist.

3. Lay out in an area that receives a lot of sun light, and where you will be able to comfortably tan your body. Being on a beach or next to a pool will result in a faster tan because of the effect of the reflection of the sun off of the water. Be aware of this, and plan to spend less time tanning if you will be near (or on) water.

4. Rotate your body and position to cover all areas that you want to tan, and reapply the suntan lotion. Tan for no more than 15 or 20 minutes the first time, and no more than 30 minutes each day thereafter.

5. Wash your body with a moisturizing body soap. Regular soap can dry the skin, making the tan fade faster.

6. Apply a moisturizer, preferably something with aloe. A body butter is also a good idea. You will want to keep the skin moist in order to retain the tan for as long as possible.

7. Repeat this entire process, minus the exfoliating, until you have reached your tanning goal.

Tips & Warnings

• When you are not working on your tan, avoid tan lines by wearing sun block (a high SPF is best), and by covering your skin with lightly colored clothing to reflect the sun rays.

• Never use baby oil when tanning because it can result in serious sun burns and damage to the skin.