How Can I Tan Instead of Burn?

A suntan both darkens your complexion and provides your skin with a natural glow: But aggressively seeking a tan can quickly result in sunburn. Not only can the practice cause cancer, but it also strips your skin of its youthful appearance, by promoting blemishes and wrinkle development. If you still wish to tan, but want to avoid the harmful effects of the sun, it is crucial to properly prepare yourself to stay safe.

Things You'll Need

• Suntan lotion

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Assess the current state of your complexion. If you are very pale, it is even more important to reduce your exposure to the sun. Additionally, your ethnic heritage can effect your sensitivity to sunlight. Those with roots in South America, Africa and around the Mediterranean Sea, are much more tolerant to sunlight than those who grew up further from the Equator.

• 2

  Apply suntan lotion liberally. Though suntan lotion protects you from harmful ultraviolet rays, it does not inhibit your ability to tan. In fact, it works to prevent a debilitating sunburn that will keep you indoors for up to a week. Check the instructions on your lotion to see how long it is effective; so you know when you need to reapply.

• 3

  Pace yourself. It is crucial to not dive into tanning too quickly. If your body is unaccustomed to sunlight, it will quickly burn and inhibit your progress. Depending on your complexion, start with limited exposure each day and slowly increase your time in the sun, until you have achieved your desired results.

• 4

  Rotate your body every ten minutes. Changing the area of your body exposed to sunlight often helps promote an even suntan and prevents one side from becoming overexposed -- and ultimately, sunburned. It also gives your skin some necessary time to rest, so that the sunlight does not overtax its tolerance.

• 5

  Stay consistent. Ensure that you are getting out into the sun each day to improve your tan. As long as you follow the necessary precautions, your skin will respond well to the rays. Maintaining a tanning schedule helps prevent your skin from becoming pale again, which ultimately could cause it to sunburn the next time you are outdoors.