How to Tan Faster and Darker Outside Without Burning

girl tanning in sun

Getting a smooth and deep natural tan is often a time-consuming process. However, given the fast-paced life, not many people have that much time to get a tan.

Everybody wants a quick solution and often wonders how to tan faster and darker outside quickly. There are a few ways that can help you achieve a smooth and dark tan in a short span of time without getting skin burns.

Are you wondering how to get a dark tan quickly without burning your skin? Keep reading to learn easy and effective ways to achieve a smooth tanned look in no time. 

How to Get a Darker Tan in the Sun?

Getting a natural tan in the sun is one of the easiest and the most convenient ways to get a tan. While it is easy to get a tan from direct sunlight, prolonged exposure can also make your skin prone to skin burns. It is imperative to take necessary measures to protect skin while sunbathing.

How to tan without burning? Here are a few essential things you must keep in mind while getting a natural tan in the sun to prevent burning:

Protect Your Skin:

Sun tanning is the traditional and the best way to tan outside. But it is also the most dangerous one, and you need to protect your skin in order to prevent sunburns and severe skin damage.

To protect your skin from UV radiation, you need a base on your skin. Opt for oil or lotion that contains SPF since the oil will ensure you tan quickly while the SPF will protect your skin.

Choose a lotion that contains SPF between 4 and 15. In case you have fair skin, you can go for SPF 15, but if you already have a tan, a lower SPF might also work for you. Apply the sunscreen evenly on your skin before stepping out in the sun and reapply it after every 2 hours.

Your lips can also get damaged with exposure to UV rays, so use a lip balm with SPF 15.  

Choose the Right Time:

While you might want to step out in the hours when the sun is brightest to get tanned faster, it is also the time when you can damage your skin. It is wise to avoid tanning during the hottest hours of the day, between 10 am and 4 pm.

You can make the most of your time before 10 am and after 4 pm to get a tan safely without burning your skin. You can tan after 4pm though the UV rays are usually weaker which makes tanning safer. If you want to tan more quickly the best time to tan outside is between 10am-4pm.

Keep Changing Your Position:

One of the most important outdoor tanning tips is to change your position while lounging in the sun. If you want to get an even tan all over your body, it is vital to turn over frequently to ensure your skin gets exposed to sunlight. Turn over every 30 minutes to achieve an even tan.

You can start on your back, turn over to the left side, on the stomach, and lastly on the right side. Keep moving your arms and legs to get sun exposure as well. 

Use Accessories:

If you are wondering how to get a dark tan in the sun, there are plenty of accessories that you can use to help you. You can get a reflective blankets, towel, or even sunscreen to reflect the sunlight to your skin and help you develop a tan quickly. 

Practice After Care:

After you have finished tanning, you must take care of your skin. Applying aloe vera to your tanned skin can moisturize and nourish. It will help replenish the moisture lost in the sun and also seal the bronze tone in your skin.  

We Recommend: Seven Minerals Organic Aloe Vera

What Are the Other Ways to Get a Quick Dark Tan?

If you are in a hurry and need a dark and smooth tan without the risk of burning your skin, there are plenty of other tanning methods available. These methods can help you achieve an evenly tanned look without any hassles.

For people who don’t want to sit in the sun for hours, these methods work great. They are:

Self-Tanning:

Self-tanners are emerging as a popular alternative for people who often think about how to get darker tan without stepping into the sun. You can easily apply the self-tanner at home to get the desired look. Self-tanners contain DHA, an active ingredient that reacts with the dead cells on the outer layer of your skin to create a dark pigment.

There are numerous formats of self-tanners available today, and you can choose one that suits your skin. You can get lotions, mousse, sprays, creams, gels, and even foams. A glove or mitt can be used to apply the self-tanner evenly on the skin. We recommend our own special tanning mitt here – blackout tanning mitt.

You might not get a permanent tan from self-tanners and apply it again after a week to maintain the tan. Moisturize your skin well to prevent your skin from drying and losing the tan.        

We Recommend: St. Tropez Self Tanning Mouse

Spray Tan:

Spray tans are identical to self-tanners, but you might have to visit a tanning salon for the same. The tanning professionals will apply a spray tan solution containing DHA on your skin to give you a tan.

If you have light skin, you only need one session, but someone with a darker skin tone might need a few sessions to get the glowing tanned skin. Make sure you exfoliate your skin and moisturize it a day before the appointment to get better results.

You must keep the tan for 4-6 hours to ensure it interacts with your skin before taking a shower. Apply a moisturizing lotion or oil right after taking a shower as well to maintain the tan. 

Sun Bed:

For those who want a more natural dark tan but don’t want to stay in direct sunlight for prolonged periods, you can opt for sunbeds. They have UV bulbs that emit radiation similar to the sun and give you a tan quickly.

Someone with a dark skin tone or people who already have a tan will need to spend around 20 minutes in the tanning bed. However, people with a fair skin tone can get the desired results within 10 minutes. It’s also important to note if you have pale or fair skin it may not be possible to tan using this technique as the skin may just simply burn – in that case its better to opt for a spray tan. For more on this check here – spray tan tips for pale skin.

Make sure you apply a hydrating aloe vera lotion on your skin to prevent drying out and adding a glow to the tan. 

Related Questions:

How Do You Get a Dark Tan Within One Day?

Sunbathing is the most common way of getting a natural tan, although it may take more than a day. There are plenty of other ways to help you get a dark and smooth tan within a short span of time.

You can use a self-tanning product at home to get a quick and fuss-free tan. If not, you can schedule an appointment at a tanning salon for a spray tan session. Sitting in a sunbed for 10-15 minutes can also give you a dark and glowing tan.  

How Do You Get the Darkest Tan?

Sitting in the sun during the hours when the sun is brightest can give you a dark tan. You can get exposed to the sunlight between 10 am and 4 pm for the desired effects.

Since the sun is the brightest during these hours, don’t overexpose as it may lead to sunburns and permanent skin damage. You must also use sunscreen to protect your skin from damage.

If you are near a beach and wonder how to get browner, you can also take a dip in the saltwater and then sit in the sun to get a tan. It can help you get a deeper tan. Using olive oil or virgin coconut oil can also help speed up the tanning process. 

How Long Does It Take To Get a Dark Tan Outside?

The time you need to get a dark tan can vary significantly. The effect of UV radiation can depend on your skin type, shade, the intensity of sunlight, and whether you are wearing sunscreen or not.

Most people can get dark and even natural tan in a few hours of sitting in the sunlight. Sometimes, you might not notice the tan right away, as it takes time to develop.

Scroll to Top