We’ve all been there—sitting out in the sun, eyes closed, face towards the sky, trying to achieve that perfect golden tan.
But how long does it take to tan under the sun? The answer to this question is complex and depends on a few factors, most importantly, your skin’s sensitivity.
Read on to better understand the science of tanning, what it takes to get the perfect tan, and why it’s critical to be aware of the potential risks involved.
Contents
How does tanning work?
A tan occurs when skin becomes darker after exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet (UV) rays. When our skin is exposed to UV rays, it produces a pigment called melanin. We rely on melanin to give color to our skin, hair, and eyes. Melanin serves to protect our skin cells from the harmful effects of UV radiation.
When UV rays touch our skin, they go deep into the skin layers, signaling our cells to start producing more melanin. After being distributed to the skin’s surface, melanin forms a protective layer around our skin cells. This layer helps to absorb some of the UV rays and prevents too much damage to our DNA.
The more UV rays we receive, the more melanin our skin produces, and the darker it becomes. This is why people tan after spending time in the sun.
Tanning Methods Compared
Sunbathing: The Classic Approach
If you love spending time outdoors, sunbathing might be the perfect tanning method for you. Not only does it allow you to relax and soak up the sunshine, but it also provides your body with crucial vitamin D. Using sunscreen and limiting your time in direct sunlight are essential if you don’t want sunburned and increase your risk of skin cancer. A traditional way to tan, sunbathing is a healthy way as long as you avoid exposure to harmful UV rays.
Tanning Beds: A Controlled Approach
With the ability to adjust the intensity and duration of the UV rays, tanning beds allow you to achieve a consistent tan in a controlled environment. It’s important to be cautious, however, as overexposure to UV radiation from tanning beds can increase your risk of melanoma as much by 20% since they are carcinogenic.
(https://www.iarc.who.int/media-centre-iarc-news-32/) Always wear protective eyewear and follow the recommended exposure guidelines set by the tanning salon. Though tanning beds are convenient, safety and moderation are key to avoiding potential health risks.
Factors That Influence Tanning Time
These key factors influence the time it takes for you to tan:
- Skin tone and type: Lighter skin tones are more likely to burn initially before tanning, while those with darker skin may require longer exposure to the sun to achieve a noticeable tan.
- The sun’s intensity: The closer you are to the equator, the more intense the sun’s rays are, and the quicker you can tan.
- The sun’s angle: When the sun is directly overhead, its rays are more concentrated, and you can achieve a tan more rapidly. On the other hand, early morning or late afternoon sun will provide less intense radiation, slowing down your tanning process.
- Use of sunscreen and protective clothing: Blocking the sun’s rays will slow down your tanning process.
- Time of day: You are likelier to tan faster during peak hours when the sun is highest in the sky.
- Exposure time: Spending longer periods in the sun will speed up your tanning process.
How long does it take to actually tan?
A person’s skin color is a major indicator of whether they’ll burn or tan, according to the American Academy Of Dermatology.
If you have light skin, you are more likely to burn initially before tanning, while darker skin types may require more sun exposure to achieve a noticeable tan. This is due to the amount of melanin present, which determines your natural skin color and its response to UV radiation. Individuals with fair skin have less melanin, exposing them to more sunburns, while those with darker skin have more melanin, partially protecting them from UV damage.
On average, it can take anywhere from as little as 10 minutes for light skin to a decent tan and up to 20 minutes for darker skin types.
After a pleasant 15-20 minute sunbathing session, it’s wise to shower to even out the effect. Then, you can repeat the process not more than three times for a deeper tan. Remember to take breaks in the shade, wear protective clothing, and use hats and sunglasses for safety.
It’s also important to consult your dermatologist to find out how long you should be in the sun – dark skin types may be able to stay in the sun for longer than lighter skin tones.
Ultimately, it’s important to remember that tanning too quickly or for too long can increase your risk of skin damage and skin cancer, so it’s best to take it slower for the best results.
What is the best time to tan?
The timing of your sessions can significantly impact the results. The best time to tan is generally during the morning or late afternoon when the sun’s rays are not as harsh. This can help you avoid sunburn and achieve a more even tan. Since overexposure to the sun can cause skin damage, it’s important to limit the amount of time you spend tanning.
How long does it take for a tan to show up?
A tan may appear in less than two hours for some people, while others may have to wait longer. After coming indoors, it can take a few hours for your tan to develop, depending on your skin type and the intensity of the sunlight. When out in the sun, avoiding overexposure is essential so your skin doesn’t become red and itchy. The best thing you can do is shower; if your skin doesn’t burn, you are good to go.
How many times does it take to get tanned in a tanning bed?
Everyone’s different, and the number of sessions required depends on your skin type, the type of bulbs in the tanning bed, how long you expose your skin to the UV rays, how long you wait between sessions, and what kind of skincare you do between visits.
Younger people typically tan faster. So, if you’re under 30 years old, you’ll likely need 3-4 sessions, but if you’re a bit older, you may need up to 8 sessions now that the melanin takes longer to activate.
Tips to tan healthy and naturally
- Exfoliate: Before tanning, exfoliate your skin to remove any dead skin cells. This will help the tan develop more evenly and last longer.
- Moisturize: Keeping your skin hydrated is essential for a long-lasting tan. Moisturize your skin regularly, especially after tanning, to prevent dryness and flakiness.
- Use sunscreen: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to protect your skin while tanning.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help improve your skin’s overall health and appearance, including your tan. Proper hydration can help your tan last longer and look more vibrant.
- Eat foods rich in beta-carotene. Dark green leafy vegetables (kale, spinach, arugula, and lettuce) and apricots, mangoes, melons, peaches, pumpkins, carrots, and bell peppers attract tan.
- Tan naturally under the sun and avoid tanning beds because they cause harmful effects on the skin more quickly.
- Between noon and 3 PM is the best time to tan. It’s also the most damaging time of day for your skin. During this time, use caution.
Does sun tanning have any side effects?
Frequent tanning sessions can cause several side effects, including the following:
- Increases the risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma.
- Dehydration
- Sunburn
- Accelerates the aging of skin, leading to wrinkles, age spots, and a loss of skin elasticity
- Suppression of the immune system
FAQs
What skin type tans the fastest?
People with fair or light skin tend to burn rather than tan, while those with medium to olive skin tones can tan more quickly. However, sunscreen and taking breaks from the sun are key to protecting your skin.
How hot does it have to be to tan?
The temperature has no effect on the tanning process. Even a temperature of 20 degrees can cause you to tan. UV radiation is the only factor that affects how a tan develops.
What to do when I’ve reached my tanning limit?
Although this can be frustrating, everyone has a natural tanning limit. As soon as your skin reaches this limit, you will not be able to produce more melanin. The type of skin you have, your genetics, and your sun exposure history can all influence your tanning threshold. When your tan won’t deepen, no matter what you do, it may indicate that you’ve reached this limit and should concentrate on maintaining your current tan.
Can you tan further safely?
Increasing sun exposure gradually, using a high-SPF sunscreen, and taking breaks in the shade can help you avoid sunburn. Keep in mind that your skin has its limits, and pushing too hard to achieve a darker tan can lead to skin damage and increase your risk of skin cancer. When trying to break through a tanning plateau, put your skin’s health first.
Can I tan faster by using tanning oils or lotions?
Absolutely! By attracting and focusing the sun’s rays onto the skin, they can help you tan faster. Keep in mind, though, that these don’t provide sun protection. So, always use sunscreen with a high SPF to prevent sunburn and damage.
How long does it take for a tan to go away?
Do you want to know how long it takes for a tan to go away? Well, it’s quite natural for the tan to fade away. As the skin sheds dead cells, which gradually reduces the tan. This process usually takes 1-4 weeks, depending on the person’s skin type. While tan removal can be sped up artificially with a tan removal cream, it’s generally better to let it happen naturally.
Bottom line
So, how long does it take to tan under the sun? Several factors, including skin type, UV strength, and sunscreen type, can influence the time it takes to tan.
It’s important to gradually build up your exposure to the sun to avoid sunburn and skin damage. Always use a high-SPF sunscreen and regularly reapply it to protect your skin. Remember that tanning too quickly or for extended periods can increase your risk of skin cancer and premature aging.
So, while getting sun-kissed can be a positive outcome, it’s essential to do so safely and responsibly.
