How to Get a Dark Tan in the Sun
If you want to get a dark tan, to cover patchy pigmentation or unleash your inner Victoria Beckham, you will need a sunbathing plan and the right products. But before basking in the rays for a darker hue, consider the risks: According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), "evidence suggests that tanning increases your risk of developing skin cancer." A few basic tanning tips, however, will reduce the risks of skin damage and get you closer to getting a dark tan in the sun. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Moisturizer
- Lip balm with SPF 15 or higher
Instructions
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Adopt a weekly tanning routine. Obtain a dark and even tan with a gradual tanning schedule. During months where the sunlight is abundant, sunbathe every three to four days to tan your body evenly. Prevent the possibility of burnt skin by limiting your tanning time to two hours per day.
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Exfoliate and prepare your skin for a warm glow. Using a small brush or loofah, scrub your skin gently to remove dead cells. Pay extra attention to areas that are prone to hyper-pigmentation, such as knees and elbows. Exfoliation before sunbathing prevents the appearance of a splotchy and unevenly tan.
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Watch the clock for the best tanning hours. When exposing skin to sun during tanning, the body produces additional melanin as extra skin protection. Because the sun's rays are the strongest between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., apply extra protection (sunscreen or sunblock) to prevent sun damage. If you are getting a dark tan during these peak hours, reapply sunscreen every 30 minutes to protect your skin.
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Select the appropriate sunscreen for your skin. To get a dark tan in the sun, choose a sunscreen with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 30. SPF represents how well a product shields the skin from cancer-causing UVB light. The best sunscreens for dark tans will combine a moisturizer to hydrate the skin, be swim- and sweat-resistant, and give strong ultraviolet (UV) protection. Allow the sunscreen to absorb into the skin a minimum of 30 minutes before sunbathing.
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Protect your face and lips from the sun. Apply a lip balm with SPF protection to protect your lips against UVA and UVB rays. Avoid sunscreen products that leave an oily residue to prevent breakouts on the face. Sunbathers with lighter complexions should increase their SPF protection to at least 50 plus.
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Tips & Warnings
Between sunbathing days, maintain your tan with moisturizers to prevent peeling and encourage skin hydration. If you hair is color-treated, shield it from the sun using a large hat (with a 3- to 4-inch brim) or a moisturizing conditioner with SPF.
Do not use baby oil to get a dark tan. Mineral oil or other essential oil products cannot protect your skin from damaging UVA/UVB rays.
