How to Get a Tan Fast Without a Tanning Bed or Laying Out

Control the depth of your tan by using a natural looking spray tan.

Tanned skin looks sleek and healthy but getting a tan puts you at risk for serious health problems. Diseases aside, tanning in a booth or laying out in the sun takes a long time, too. If you want a tan quickly, self-tanning is the best option.You can get a temporary tan privately in your own home with little cost and effort. Give yourself a light bronzing or a dark, exotic tan in hours, not weeks.

Things You'll Need

• Exfoliating body scrub
• Washcloth
• Towel
• Ponytail holder or headband
• Subtle tanning lotion
• Tanning spray
• Old sheet

Instructions

1. Shower in warm water.

   Squirt a dime sized amount of exfoliating scrub on a washcloth then scrub your body.

2. Squirt another quarter-sized amount of scrub on the cloth.

   Exfoliate your elbows, knees, and feet next. Rinse away all the exfoliating scrub.

3. Step out of the shower and dry off your body thoroughly with a towel.

   Self-tanner will run and streak if your skin is wet when it is applied.

4. Pull your hair away from your face with a headband or ponytail holder.

   Exfoliate your face with a gentle exfoliating cream. Rinse the cream away and pat dry with a soft towel.

5. Apply a subtle tanning lotion to your face.

   Pay close attention to the application around your hair, neckline and ears. Blend the lotion on the skin lightly.

6. Spray your body with the self-tanning spray starting at the chest, arms and torso.

   Use long sweeping motions and make even sprays. Spray your back, alternating your arms to reach both sides with the mist.

7. Stain your bottom, hips, thighs and legs.

   Mist your feet slightly but don't apply a heavy coat there. Your feet already received some color from your upper body application. Stand still for five minutes to let your self tanning dry. Put on loose clothing or remain nude for the next 30 minutes.

8. Finish up by washing your hands and wiping between your toes with the damp cloth from the shower.

Tips & Warnings

• Spray the tan on before bedtime to allow the color to settle without disturbing it. Sleep on old sheets to avoid transfer to your good linens.

• Avoid getting tanning spray on your eyebrows or heavy facial hair as this may cause staining.

• Don't shower, bathe or swim for six hours after applying the tanning spray.

References

• CBS News: A Gorgeous Tan Without Tanning
• Kids Health: Indoor Tanning