How To Get The Best Tan Safely

As a beauty editor and writer of over ten years, I know that writing a blog post about “how to get the best tan” is a bit…err…controversial. While I should be encouraging you to avoid too much sun exposure all together, I do know that many folks, myself included, like to have a nice glow in the summer months.

Below, I’ll be going over how to prep your skin before a tan, how long it takes, how to get a tan the best way possible, and how to safely enjoy the sun, too. 

How To Get The Best Tan

There are so many factors that can influence how someone achieves a tan. These can include skin prep, tanning methods, timing, and sun protection. I also think it really depends on your genetics, too—one person might be able to tan way easier than another. You can focus on trying to achieve a nice glow, but it’s important to minimize as much unnecessary sun damage as possible. 

How To Prepare Your Skin Before Tanning

Exfoliate thoroughly

This is the single most important step in any pre-tanning routine. Exfoliating removes the layer of dead skin cells on the surface of your skin, creating a smooth, even canvas for your tan to develop on. Without it, your tan is going to look uneven and fade in a patchy, blotchy way. Use a body scrub or exfoliating mitt all over, paying extra attention to dry areas like your knees, elbows, ankles, and wrists, and do this the day before you plan to tan.

Shave or wax beforehand

Make sure you shave or wax before you head out in the sun rather than after. Waxing and shaving on already sun-kissed or sun-sensitized skin can cause a lot of irritation and redness. Aim to shave at least 24 hours before tanning and wax at least 48 hours beforehand to give your skin enough time to calm down first.

Moisturize your skin

Well-hydrated skin tans more evenly and holds onto color for longer, so applying a lightweight body moisturizer the night before you tan is a really simple step that makes a noticeable difference. Dry, dehydrated skin tends to tan unevenly and shed faster, which means your tan won’t last nearly as long as it would on properly moisturized skin.

Always apply SPF

I know this might sound counterintuitive in a post about getting the best tan, but wearing sunscreen is non-negotiable. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen before heading out protects your skin from burning, which actually works against getting a good tan since burned skin peels and takes your color with it. A good tan is a gradual tan, and SPF lets you build color safely over time without damaging your skin in the process.

Time your tanning sessions strategically

The sun’s rays are strongest between 10am and 2pm, which means UV exposure during those hours carries the highest risk of burning rather than actually tanning. Tanning in the early morning or late afternoon gives you a more gradual, even result with a much lower risk of burning, and limiting your tan time in the sun to shorter, more frequent sessions is always a safer and more effective approach than baking for hours at a time.

Stay hydrated

This one gets overlooked all the time, but drinking plenty of water before and during your time in the sun makes a real difference in how your skin looks and feels, and how well your tan develops. Dehydrated skin is more prone to burning, peeling, and uneven color, so keep a big water bottle with you whenever you’re tanning and sip consistently throughout the day.

How Long Does It Take To Get A Tan?

This is really going to depend on what type of tan you are going for. If you’re trying to tan under the sun, it could take weeks before you start to see any color—and this will really depend on your genetics and how well you “tan” vs. “burn.” If you go for a spray tan, you can see results within about eight hours after your spray tanning sesh. And then there are so many different tanning products on the market that offer a faux tan. Some of them are gradual and can take days to see results, and others are instant and can take just a few hours to notice color. 

How To Get A Tan The Best Way Possible

There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to getting a tan, and the best method really depends on your skin type, your skin goals, and how much time and effort you’re willing to put in. Here’s a breakdown of the three main tanning options so you can figure out which one is the right fit for you.

Natural tanning in the sun

There’s nothing quite like that warm, golden glow you get from actually being out in the sun. It’s free, it feels incredible, and a natural tan tends to look the most seamless and dimensional compared to other methods. The downside is that unprotected sun exposure is the leading cause of premature aging and skin cancer, so being smart about SPF and limiting your time during peak UV hours is a non-negotiable. It’s best for people who spend a lot of time outdoors and want a natural, gradual tan as a byproduct of their lifestyle.

Getting spray tans

A spray tan is a professional treatment where a technician airbrushes a fine mist of DHA solution all over your body, resulting in an even, all-over tan that develops over a few hours with zero UV exposure involved. It’s quick, customizable, and a great, safer alternative to sun tanning. Though it can be pricey, it requires maintenance every one to two weeks, and a bad technician can leave you looking orange and streaky. Best for people who want a fast, even, full-body tan before a special event or vacation. If you’re wondering, “how long does a spray tan last?” check out my blog post!

Self tanning at home

Self tanning at home has come such a long way, and there are now so many incredible formulas on the market—from mousses and drops to gradual tanning lotions—that can give you a genuinely beautiful, natural-looking tan from your own bathroom. It’s the most affordable option and completely UV-free, though it does take a little practice to nail the application. Unfortunately, mistakes like streaks and uneven patches can happen. It’s best for people who want a convenient, budget-friendly tan they can do on their own schedule.

Here’s my blog post about the difference between a spray tan vs self tanner, if you’re interested in learning more!

How To Tan Safely In The Sun

The most important thing you can do is wear SPF every single time you’re in the sun. A broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher applied generously before you head outside, reapplied every two hours and after swimming. There’s a common misconception that sunscreen prevents you from tanning, but that’s not true. You can absolutely still develop a tan while wearing SPF, it just happens more gradually and safely.

Beyond SPF, timing your sun exposure strategically makes a huge difference. The sun’s UV index are strongest between 10am and 2pm, so opting for morning or late afternoon tanning sessions and taking breaks in the shade throughout the day is always the smarter move. Building your tan gradually over multiple shorter sessions will always give you a more even, longer-lasting result than trying to get as much color as possible in one sitting.