How to get a tan without spending hours in the sun
This is a collaborative post.
For some reason, a tan still makes many of us feel healthier, more confident, and a bit more put together, even if we know logically that pale skin is absolutely fine too.
Whether you love a holiday glow, want to feel more confident in summer clothes, or just prefer how your makeup looks with a bit of colour, you’re definitely not alone.
The problem is that trying to get a tan can quickly go wrong. Sunburn, streaky fake tan, orange hands, patchy legs, and damaged skin are all far too common. If you’ve ever ended up looking more “overcooked chicken nugget” than bronzed goddess, honestly, same.
So here’s a realistic guide to getting a tan safely, whether you prefer natural sunshine, gradual tanning products, or fake tan. I’ll also share some simple tips that genuinely help if, like me, you’re pale and seem to burn approximately three seconds after seeing sunlight.
My Thoughts on Tanning
I’ll be honest, I’ve never been someone who naturally develops a gorgeous golden tan after a few hours in the sun. Like many people in the UK, I’ve spent plenty of summers hoping for a healthy glow only to find I either stay pale or end up looking a bit pink instead!
Over the years I’ve learned that there is a big difference between wanting a sun-kissed look and risking damage to your skin. These days, I focus more on looking healthy and feeling confident than chasing the darkest tan possible.
If you’re hoping to achieve a natural-looking tan, there are a few things worth knowing before you spend hours in the sunshine.
Can You Get a Tan Safely?
This is the important bit people often skip.
A suntan is technically a sign that your skin is reacting to UV exposure, so there’s no such thing as a completely “safe” sun tan. Too much sun exposure increases the risk of premature ageing, pigmentation, and skin cancer.
That doesn’t mean you need to hide indoors all summer, but it does mean it’s worth being sensible.
If you’re spending time in the sun:
- Wear SPF every day, even when it’s cloudy
- Reapply sunscreen regularly
- Avoid burning at all costs
- Take breaks in the shade
- Wear a hat and sunglasses when it’s particularly hot
Honestly, burnt skin never turns into a “better tan” anyway. It just leaves you sore, peeling, and regretting your life choices for several days afterwards.
Does Sunscreen Stop You Getting a Tan?
This is one of the most common tanning questions.
Many people assume that sunscreen completely blocks tanning, but that isn’t usually the case. Sunscreen helps protect your skin from harmful UV rays, but no sunscreen blocks 100% of UV radiation.
In reality, many people still develop a tan while wearing sunscreen correctly. The difference is that they are helping to reduce the risk of burning and long-term skin damage at the same time.
Using sunscreen should always be part of any time spent outdoors, whether you’re trying to tan or simply enjoying a sunny day.
The Best Ways to Get a Tan
Here, I look at the best ways to get a tan and which are safer
Sunbeds
You can find sunbeds in most beauty salons, and they’re a common method to get a tan without endlessly basking in the sun. They still have the same health issues as the sun causes, however.
Staying safe when you use sunbeds is important, so two sessions a week is a great way to darken your tan without too much exposure. For faster results, using a tan accelerator will maximise the results of your session.
Remember, though, a sunbed is just as dangerous as the sun for your skin.
Spray Tans
A spray tan can look amazing for holidays, weddings, or special occasions, especially if applied professionally.
The good thing is you get a tan with instant colour without spending hours in the sun. The downside is the maintenance. Patchy elbows, dry knees, and weird fading around your ankles can happen surprisingly fast if you don’t moisturise properly.
Loose dark clothing afterwards is also absolutely essential unless you fancy fake tan stains everywhere.
Spray tanning works by spraying a coat of dihydroxyacetone (DHA) onto your body – a simple carbohydrate found in plants like sugar beets and sugarcane.
Yes, this does mean that sometimes you might also get a slight vegetable smell after a spray tanning session, so make sure to bring some perfume with you after you come out of the salon.
Airbrush tanning
Airbrush tanning uses the same chemical as a spray tan, however, the spray compressor used means you’ll more likely get a more even tan application overall.
Another difference? You can pick out the shade of the airbrush tanning solution, which can be harder than it looks.
Try and be mindful of your body’s natural tanned shade so you don’t look too orange! If you can match the shade, airbrush tanning is a great sunless method.
Self-tanning lotion, a sun tan with water and mousse
While getting someone else to do your tan for you is nice, it’s also possible to achieve similar results at home with self-tanning lotion, water, or mousse.
After you apply your self-tanning lotion, you’ll see results quickly – that’ll also last a couple of days!
Pro tip: Exfoliating your skin 12 hours before applying for a more even tan is just one of the hacks that’ll ensure a streak-free glow.
Gradual Fake Tan
This is probably the easiest and most forgiving option if you want a natural-looking glow without sun damage.
Gradual tanning moisturisers are much less terrifying than old-school fake tan. They build colour slowly, so you’re less likely to wake up looking unexpectedly orange.
I personally think these work best for people who are nervous about fake tan or just want to get a tan to look a bit healthier, rather than dramatically darker.
Top tip: always wash your hands properly afterwards. The orange palms giveaway is real.
Tanning Naturally in the Sun
If you prefer a natural tan, patience is genuinely important.
Trying to tan too quickly usually just ends in sunburn. Building colour gradually with SPF protection is much kinder to your skin and tends to give a more even tan anyway.
Some people naturally tan easily, while others mostly burn. Unfortunately, pale skin often takes longer to develop colour, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
Honestly, fake tan exists for a reason. Do you need to get a tan in the sun, or could you use fake tan of some kind instead?
Simple Tanning Tips That Actually Help
Exfoliate First
Whether you’re fake tanning or sun tanning, dry skin and rough patches make tans look uneven.
Gently exfoliating beforehand helps create a smoother base and stops fake tan clinging strangely to knees, elbows, and ankles.
Moisturise Daily
Hydrated skin keeps a tan looking better for longer. Dry skin tends to go patchy and flaky much faster.
This is especially important if you use fake tan regularly.
Don’t Forget SPF
A lot of people still think sunscreen stops you from tanning completely, but that’s not really true.
You can still develop colour and get a tan while protecting your skin, just more gradually and safely.
Build Colour Slowly
The best tans usually happen slowly. Rushing the process rarely ends well.
This is particularly true if you’re very pale. Accepting that your skin tone may naturally only go slightly golden instead of deep bronze honestly saves a lot of frustration.
Common Fake Tan Mistakes
Almost everyone has had at least one fake tan disaster at some point. Using fake tan as a teenager to get a tan is like a rite of passage!
The classic mistakes usually include:
- Forgetting wrists, ankles, or ears
- Applying too much product
- Not exfoliating first
- Wearing tight clothes immediately afterwards
- Sleeping in fake tan and waking up with suspicious-looking bed sheets
- Missing patches completely and only noticing in daylight
A tanning mitt genuinely helps more than people think, and applying thin layers is usually much better than trying to go super dark immediately.
Alternatives to Sun Tanning
If you want a bronzed look without prolonged sun exposure, there are several alternatives worth considering.
Gradual Tanning Moisturisers
These are ideal if you want a subtle, natural-looking glow that develops slowly over several days.
Instant Wash-Off Tan
Perfect for special occasions when you want colour immediately without waiting for a tan to develop.
Self-Tanning Mousses and Lotions
Modern fake tans have improved significantly and often provide a much more natural finish than older products.
Tinted Body Moisturisers
These can help even out skin tone and add a slight glow without looking obviously fake.
For many people, these options provide the confidence boost of a tan without the risks associated with excessive sun exposure.
My Thoughts
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with pale skin, despite what social media sometimes makes us think. But if having a tan helps you feel more confident or summery, there are definitely ways to do it that are kinder to your skin and much less stressful.
For me personally, gradual fake tan wins every time. It’s lower effort, safer, and far less likely to end with me looking streaky or sunburnt.
Most importantly, though, healthy skin will always look better than damaged skin, no matter what colour it is.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting a Tan
How long does it take to get a tan?
This depends on your skin type, the UV index and how much melanin your skin naturally produces. Some people tan within a few hours, while others may see very little change even after repeated sun exposure.
Why do some people tan easily while others burn?
Genetics play a major role. People with darker skin tones naturally have more melanin, which often allows them to tan more easily and provides some protection against UV damage.
Can you tan through clouds?
Yes. UV rays can penetrate clouds, which means skin damage and tanning can still occur on overcast days.
Can you tan through a window?
Most glass blocks UVB rays, which are responsible for sunburn, but some UVA rays can still pass through. This means prolonged exposure near windows may still contribute to skin ageing.
Does drinking more water help you tan?
Staying hydrated helps keep your skin healthy, but it will not directly make you tan faster or darker.
Do tanning oils help you tan?
Tanning oils may increase sun exposure to the skin, but they do not protect against UV damage unless they contain SPF. Using tanning oils without adequate sun protection can increase the risk of burning.
Is fake tan better than sunbathing?
For most people, fake tan is considered a safer way to achieve a tanned appearance because it does not rely on UV exposure.
Does exfoliating help a fake tan last longer?
Yes. Exfoliating before applying fake tan can help create a smoother surface and often leads to a more even result that fades more naturally.
