How to Get a Tan Quick & Easy Outdoors

There are few things as attractive as a natural golden tan. Self tanners tend to leave stains and streaks and the color hardly appears natural. Tanning salons are another option, but tend to be costly and time consuming. Instead of spending the money and time to get a membership at a tanning salon, you can tan easily outdoors with the same results. Take advantage of the warm weather and get some sun while enjoying the healthy glow that it gives.

Things You'll Need

• Exfoliating scrub, sugar or salt
• Water
• Moisturizing lotion
• Sunscreen

Instructions

Golden Glow

1. Exfoliate your skin in the shower. Exfoliating removes the dead skin cells on the surface of your skin, allowing the fresh skin underneath to absorb the sunlight quicker. You can buy a nice skin scrub or you can simply use some sugar or salt to buff away old skin.

2. Find a suitable location for tanning. The peak hours of sunshine for getting a tan are usually between noon and 3 p.m., so you will need to scout out a spot that is in direct sunlight during these hours. The beach is an obvious option, but don't rule out your own yard as a great place to sunbathe.

3. Use a quality sunscreen and apply it evenly. Your sunscreen should have a minimum SPF of 15, but you might choose one with a higher SPF if you burn easily.

4. Tan for 20-45 minutes. Tanning for less than 20 minutes will not allow you to develop much color. Tanning for longer than 45 minutes may cause burning or damage to your skin.

5. Apply a moisturizing lotion after you shower. This will keep your skin from drying out and help your tan last longer, as well as making it easier to tan next time.

6. Repeat the tanning process 4-5 times or until you start seeing a nice tan develop.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't forget to use sunscreen and don't stay out in the sun so long that you become dehyrdated or burn.

References

• Finding a Place to Sunbathe
• Getting a Good Tan