You know that situation when you have a big event coming up and want to showcase that glow, but there’s just one problem: time. A slow, detailed tanning routine sounds great in theory, but when you’re on a deadline, you want results you can actually see quickly.
And when you start thinking about how to get tan fast, that’s where mistakes happen. You may spend more time tanning or try to use all kinds of products. But this usually has a counterproductive effect.
That’s why we put together a guide to help you understand what you can do if you want to get tan faster.
Key Takeaways
Getting a tan fast is possible, but it’s all about knowing the right approach.
- Tanning methods have different timelines. Tanning beds can give you noticeable color in a few sessions, while outdoor tanning depends heavily on sun exposure, skin tone, and UV index.
- Preparation matters. Exfoliating and keeping your skin hydrated help your tan develop more evenly and last longer.
- The right lotion makes a difference. Always use the lotion designed for your tanning method.
- Spray tans are the fastest solution. If you need an instant glow for an upcoming event, a professional spray tan is definitely the way to go.
How Long Does it Take to Get Tan?
There is a difference between using a tanning bed and spending time under the sun. Let’s break it down so you know what to expect from both methods.
Tanning Bed
For beginners, most tanning salons will recommend short sessions of around 5-10 minutes to let your skin build tolerance without burning. From there, you can gradually increase your time depending on your skin type and how well you tan.
Most people see noticeable color after 3-4 sessions, and with 6-10 visits (usually spread over two to three weeks), you can achieve a significantly darker shade.
Outdoor Tanning
On average, you might start to see color after 1-2 hours of direct sun exposure. But this doesn’t mean you should stay in the sun for that long on your first try. A better approach is to spread it across multiple sessions that last 10 to 15 minutes each.
However, the required time and results depend heavily on your skin tone, the UV index, and the time of day.
If you’re in a rush to get a tan, you may be tempted to go out when the sun is strongest. But that’s not a good idea. It’s generally recommended to avoid sunbathing between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the UV index is at its peak, since it can lead to sunburn or, even worse, other skin damage.
What Can You Do to Tan Faster?
When you’re short on time but still want that tan, there are a few things that can help. Keep in mind that the best and most natural results usually come from slow and steady sessions. But if you’re set on fast-tracking the glow, here’s what you can do.
Tip #1: Do the Good Preparation
Start by exfoliating your skin a day before your tanning session. Removing dead skin cells means your tan develops on a fresh canvas and lasts longer.
You should also keep your skin hydrated. Moisturized skin tans better than dry and flaky skin that tends to burn or fade unevenly.
Tip #2: Use Tanning Lotion
A good tanning lotion can help you get a tan faster and make the results look better. Keep in mind that there are indoor and outdoor tanning lotions.
Whatever you do, don’t use an outdoor lotion in a tanning bed, or an indoor lotion outside, unless the product specifically says it can be used in both settings. Fortunately, all of our tanning lotions available at any of our locations are specially formulated for both indoor and outdoor use, giving you flexibility and great results wherever you tan.
Tip #3: Start Earlier and Follow the Recommended Timeline
It’s tempting to think you can rush your way into a perfect tan, but the truth is, going too fast often leads to burns or streaky results. The smarter approach is to start early if you know an event is coming up and give yourself enough sessions to build a natural glow.
So, do you need to give up on the idea of getting a tan in a short period of time? Not exactly. We have a solution.
How to Get Tan Fast – Our Recommendation
If you need to tan quickly for an event that’s just a few days away, indoor or outdoor tanning won’t be the best option.
Our top recommendation is to go with a spray tan. Unlike tanning beds or outdoor sun sessions that require multiple visits and hours of exposure, spray tanning gives you an instant glow in a single session.
With a professional and organic spray tan, the color develops within a few hours, and you can choose the exact shade that fits your look. Whether you want a subtle sun-kissed tone or a deeper bronze.
If you find yourself needing a quick glow regularly, a membership might make sense—check out our spray tan membership guide for the Portland Vancouver metro area.
There are a lot of misconceptions about spray tanning, like the idea that it won’t look natural or that it will turn out orange or uneven. Luckily, these don’t have to be true when you know what you’re doing.
For that reason, here are some useful resources you should check out:
- What is an organic spray tan, and is it a solution to the orange look often associated with this method?
- How long does a spray tan last, so you can know what to expect and adjust your timeline?
- How to prepare for a spray tan session and how to take care of it afterward.
FAQ
Do you tan faster in water or lying out?
Surprisingly, you can tan both ways. Water reflects UV rays, which means you’re still tanning while swimming or floating. But because you’re submerged, the rays aren’t as direct as when you’re lying out.
Does coconut oil make you tan faster?
Coconut oil can make your skin look shiny, which might intensify how the sun hits your skin. But it doesn’t provide proper UV protection, and using it as a tanning aid can put you at risk of burning. If you want to tan effectively, stick to lotions designed specifically for tanning.
Are outdoor and indoor tanning lotions the same?
No, and it’s important to know the difference. Indoor lotions are made for tanning beds and enhance UV absorption without damaging the acrylic surface. Outdoor lotions often include SPF for sun protection. Always go with the lotion designed for your tanning method.
Does salt water make you tan faster?
Not really, salt water doesn’t make you tan faster. People may think this is true because when you’re at the beach, the sun is usually stronger, which is what actually gives you a faster and deeper tan.
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