Most people prize bronze skin, but not everyone wants to use tanning products that can leave marks or cause other undesired effects. It can be very difficult for someone with fair or light skin to get a nice-looking natural tan, but it can be done. The key is to limit your exposure to solar rays to reduce the risk of sun damage.
Put on sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes before you go in the sun. Use sunscreen with SPF (sun protection factor) of around 15. This is to keep your skin from being overexposed while tanning.
Avoid tanning in the bright midday sun. If you do this, you'll be more susceptible to burns.
Set an alarm of some sort for about 15 minutes and put a towel or blanket out in a sunny part of your yard. Lie down face up at first to tan the front of your body. You actually don't need to do this in the yard. If you're going to the beach, you can tan there.
Reset the timer for another 15 minutes after it sounds. It's now time to flip over and get your back tanned as well. This will give you an even, natural tan.
Get out of the sun when the alarm sounds for the second time. Go inside and shower. If you have to continue to be outside, wear a higher-SPF sunblock. This is to not only protect your pale skin but the tan as well. An amazing tan can easily be ruined by overexposure to the sun because it will turn into a sunburn.
Repeat this process daily for a couple weeks. Even the lightest of skins should show a good natural tan after this time. After you've attained the desired results, repeat the steps only for maintenance a couple days a week. This isn't the quickest or fastest way to get a tan, but when you have pale skin, you must take things gradually.
Tip
Keep bottled water with you to stay hydrated.
Getting a natural sun tan will also provide you with vitamin D.
Warning
Be careful while tanning. Staying in the sun for extended periods of time without sunblock can lead to sunburns and may make you susceptible to skin cancer.
While tanning, protect your eyes by keeping them closed or wearing some sort of protection.
References
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