Tanning Tips in the Sun: Slay Your Natural Tan This Summer

Last updated: March 4, 2026

We all know the dangers of the sun by now, not to mention the unappealing after effects of sunburn, peeling skin, premature aging and dodgy tan lines.

It’s so important to protect yourself from the sun and not to burn. However many people still want to know how to safely tan their skin.

The only true way to get a safe tan, of course, is to learn how to fake tan or get a spray tan, so this article is not to condone sitting in the sun just to get a tan. There is really no such thing as a truly healthy tan.

However on a sunny vacation, and even where you live, sometimes you just can’t avoid direct sunlight. Here are the products and methods to use to ensure you are tanning safely.

1. Use a tan accelerator

These are products that you start to use before going into the sun. You can also use them while you are actively sunbathing. They can be lotions or creams, or sometimes oils.

They work by stimulating melanin production, which is the pigment in your skin that causes you to see a natural tan develop. Melanin is also the body’s own way of protecting the skin against sun damage.

If you have a fair skin tone you naturally produce less melanin and will find it takes longer for your skin to tan.

By increasing the amount of melanin your body produces you can achieve a slightly tanned appearance earlier on and a quicker, more noticeable base tan once you get some UV exposure.

You can start to use them around two weeks before you go on holiday to both build up your natural tan and your skin’s defence system.

An accelerator is an essential if you want to prepare your skin to tan. Use it on your whole body once or twice a day to ensure you develop an even tan.

2. Use a high SPF sunscreen

If you are new to tanning it might seem counterintuitive to go for a higher SPF (sun protection factor) in order to get a deep skin tan but it is the safest way to tan.

A high SPF doesn’t mean you won’t tan. It just ensures that you don’t burn, and you develop a longer-lasting tan as a result of not damaging the skin.

Burning will result in peeling, making your tan look patchy. It also of course increases your risk of skin cancer and is extremely painful.

It’s recommended to wear at least an SPF number of 30 or upwards for adequate protection from UV damage. You should also make sure it is broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect against both harmful UVA rays and UVB rays.

In addition, over time not wearing sun protection on the face can lead to pigmentation issues and premature ageing. There are some fantastic face SPFs around like the Frezyderm sunscreen.

Again you should pick a high SPF for your face and reapply it regularly, especially after swimming or sweating a lot.

3. Tan at the right time

There are times of day when the sun’s rays are at their strongest. You should therefore avoid being in the sun as much as possible at these times.

The midday sun is very strong so this is a good time to get into the shade. It’s a good idea to wait until after 3pm to sit directly in the sun.

You can also go out early in the morning when the sun is a little weaker to avoid the higher risk of burning.

Related: can you tan when it’s cloudy? 

4. Use an aftersun with a tan extender

You can also buy aftercare products to use after sun exposure to increase your tan. Using a tan maximiser after sun exposure also boosts pigment production for a deeper tan.

These help you to tan safely because they boost melanin production, resulting in you needing less tanning time to get the same level of skin color.

They will also help you keep your healthy glow by moisturising the skin and replenishing it after the drying effects of the sun.

Your tan will only last for the maximum time possible if you use some deeply moisturising lotion afterwards and you have ensured that you have not burnt in the process.

There’s also the option of topping up your tan with sunless products too, of course. Some aftersun products contain a small amount of DHA which will give you darker skin. Remember, using fake tan is the only really safe way to get a tan.

Following these tips and using the right products will help you to get a tan safely.

Ensure that you avoid a tanning bed at all costs and don’t spend too much time in the sun.

We all know too much sun is bad for you. If you are out and about in the sun, however, or like to sit on the beach or by the pool, you can still get a tan while protecting your skin.

Now that you know how to tan safely, don’t forget enjoy the sun while being wary of the sun’s rays. It is not worth harming yourself and gambling with your health in order to get the perfect tan for a few weeks.

Don’t forget that while spending any time in the sun you also need to drink plenty of water and reapply your sunscreen regularly to ensure your risks of skin cancer and bad sunburns is reduced.

Check out this post on how to get a streak-free tan. 

 

 

 

 

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