How to Get a Good Tan in the Sun

A Golden Tan

Tanning has gotten a bad reputation. The coveted sun-kissed glow not only gives people a golden hue, but also provides access to essential nutrients such as vitamin D and an invigorating feeling of being refreshed. The problem with tanning is that some people overdo it to the point where tanning becomes a daily ritual and no precaution is taken to protect the skin against burns and serious damage from the sun. Though people should be careful of sun, moderate exposure and tanning techniques can provide you with a stunning golden glow that is safe and protects you from the sun's harmful rays.

Things You'll Need

• Sunscreen with a moisturizer that has aloe and vitamin E
• Light colored swimsuit or clothing
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Exfoliating scrub or body brush
• Moisturizing lotion
• Towel

Instructions

1. Plan your tanning schedule. Healthy tanning is done over a period of time, so the skin can get used to the sun and gradually change its pigment. Generally, a golden hue can be achieved after 3 to 5 days of following a tanning plan.

2. 

   Exfoliate dead skin. The skin should be clean and free of dead skin before you tan. In the shower, use an exfoliating scrub or a body brush, making to scrub in a circular motion. Exfoliating also prevents patches from the sun, which it may pick up if the skin is not completely clean.

3. 

   Lather up the sunscreen. Pat the skin dry with a towel and apply sunscreen that contains moisturizer with aloe and vitamin E. This type of sunscreen keeps the skin hydrated and works to enhance a developing tan. Apply the sunscreen evenly, making sure to cover every area that will be exposed to the sun. For the first day that you tan, start off with a higher sunscreen such as a 30 SPF or higher and move gradually to a lower sunscreen such as an SPF 15 as your skin becomes used to the sun. This generally happens after the third day. Darker skinned people can use an even lower SPF, such as a 4 or 8.

4. 

   Wear light colors. Wear clothing or a swimsuit that is light colored. Light items reflect off the light of the sun, which will keep you cool. You don't want to be uncomfortable when you are tanning. Also, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and a hat to protect your head.

5. Find an area where you are tanning that receives a lot of light. The sun is at its peak between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 pm. People who tan during this time should be careful of the sun and constantly reapply sunscreen every 30 minutes, as well as watching their skin to make sure that it does not get burned. Also, be sure to turn your body over every 5 minutes, so all areas can receive an equal amount of sunlight.

6. Don't stay out in the sun too long. Prolonged exposure has dangerous effects, so it is best to tan between 15 to 30 minutes during the course of your tanning schedule. For the first tanning session, stay in the sun for a short period of time (15 minutes), gradually building up time in the sun as days go by.

7. Apply a light moisturizer after tanning. Creams that contain aloe and cocoa butter are preferred since they cool down the skin and keep it hydrated after time in the sun.

8. Repeat the tanning process the next day. It should take 3 to 5 days to get your golden hue.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to wear sunscreen, even if it is overcast. The sun is still very strong and can damage the skin even if it is not sunny outside. Drink a lot of water when in the sun to feel refreshed and hydrated.

• If you get burned, take a cool bath at home. After the bath, apply a cold compress to soothe the burns and help them heal. You can also apply aloe or moisturizer to help the skin. This should be applied until the burn heals and reapplied every 15 minutes. A tanning plan should not be followed consecutively for more than 10 days. Staying in the sun for a prolonged period of time can cause damage and make you more susceptible to getting burnt. Be sure to always wear sunscreen and reapply often.

Resources

• Tanning Advisor