How to Get Tanned & Not Burnt

A sunburn is usually the result of spending too much time in the sun trying to get a good tan. A tan takes time and is best achieved by repeated sun exposures, leaving two to three days in between each to let your skin heal. If you try to get a tan in one day, you are far more likely to get a sunburn. By paying attention to the U.V. index and applying sunscreen you can control how much sun you get each day and gradually build a tan, rather than burning yourself.

Things You'll Need

• Sunscreen
• Sun-protective clothing

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Instructions

• 1

  Check the UV -- or ultraviolet -- index, for the location and day you plan to be out in the sun. Most weather services will give you this information. The UV index goes from 1 to 10, however 11 and higher have been added to account for thinning ozone. A 10 indicates extreme risk, while a 1 is minimal. An hour spent out in the sun on a day with a UV index rating of 10 is roughly equivalent to two hours with a UV index rating of 5.

• 2

  Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going out in to the sun. Take into account both your skin type and the UV index rating when choosing the appropriate SPF. In most cases SPF 15+ is sufficient. If you have fair skin, or if the UV rating is "high" -- above 5 -- then consider a higher SPF rating. Make sure to get a sunscreen that protects from both UVA and UVB radiation.

• 3

  Reapply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes after you begin sunbathing, and every 20 minutes thereafter. This will provide your skin with the optimal amount of protection from the sun.