Tanning 101
Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30. Always wear a sunscreen with broad spectrum UV protection of at least 30 SPF. An SPF of 30 is strong enough to block UVA and UVB rays, but not so strong that you won’t get tan. Cover your body in at least a full ounce of sunscreen.
Change positions frequently. This will help you avoid burning one part of your body.
Eat foods that contain beta carotene. Foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, and kale can help you tan without burning. More research is needed, but some studies show that beta carotene can help reduce sun sensitivity in people with photosensitive diseases.
Try using oils with naturally occurring SPF like fawn’s tanning oil. While these should not replace your normal sunscreen, certain oils like avocado, coconut, raspberry, and carrot can be used for an extra dose of hydration and SPF protection.
Don’t stay outside for longer than your skin can create melanin. Melanin is the pigment responsible for tanning. Everyone has a melanin cut-off point, which is usually 2 to 3 hours. After this amount of time, your skin will not get darker in a certain day. If you tan past that point, you’ll be putting your skin in harm’s way.
Eat lycopene-rich foods. Examples include tomatoes, guava, and watermelon. Lycopene helps protect the skin naturally against UV rays.
Choose your tanning time wisely. If your goal is to tan quickly, the sun is typically strongest between noon and 3 p.m. Keep in mind, however, that while the sun is at its strongest during this time, it will do the most damage due to the strength of the rays, and is likely to increase the risk of skin cancer due to this exposure. If you have extremely fair skin, it’s best to tan in the morning or after 3 p.m. to avoid burning.
Seek shade. Taking breaks will make it less likely for you to burn, and it will give your skin a break from the intense heat.
Prep before you tan. Preparing your skin before heading outdoors can help your tan last longer. Try exfoliating your skin before tanning. Skin that hasn’t been exfoliated is more likely to flake off. Using an aloe vera gel after tanning may also help your tan last longer.