nothing beats coming back from vacation with that golden, sun-kissed glow. But getting a tan quickly and safely? That’s where most people mess up.
Whether you’re heading to the beach or just sunbathing in your backyard, these tips will help you tan faster, more evenly, and avoid the lobster look. 🦞💀
🧽 The 1 Step You Can’t Miss Before Tanning
If your skin isn’t smooth, your tan won’t be either.
Dead skin cells cause patchy results. So exfoliate gently the day before you tan. This helps remove buildup and ensures your tan goes on evenly — whether it’s from the sun or a self-tanner.
Don’t exfoliate right before sunbathing though — your skin needs time to recover. Always moisturize after.
Top picks:
- Tree Hut Tropic Glow Firming Sugar Scrub
This cult-favorite scrub combines sugar crystals with nourishing oils to exfoliate and hydrate, leaving your skin silky smooth and ready for tanning. - First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub
Formulated with 10% AHA, this dermatologist-recommended scrub tackles rough patches and keratosis pilaris, ensuring an even tan application.
🧤 This Tool Is a Lifesaver for Tanning
An exfoliating mitt can enhance your scrub’s effectiveness.
It helps slough off dead skin cells and ensures a smoother surface for tanning products.
Top picks:
- Bondi Sands Exfoliation Mitt
This dual-sided mitt offers a gentle exfoliation on one side and a more intense scrub on the other, perfect for prepping your skin for a flawless tan. - Dermasuri Deep Exfoliating Mitt
Inspired by traditional hammam rituals, this mitt provides a deep exfoliation, removing dead skin and boosting circulation for radiant skin.
🥕 What Foods Are Secret Tanning Weapons?
Yes — your diet can make a difference!
Foods rich in beta-carotene (like carrots and sweet potatoes) help boost melanin, which is what gives your skin that golden color. Tomatoes and watermelon have lycopene, which can help your skin tan faster and offer natural sun protection.
Start loading up a few days before serious tanning time. You can also supplement.
Top picks
- Bronson Beta-Carotene 25,000 IU Softgels
These high-potency softgels support skin health and melanin production, aiding in achieving a deeper tan. - NOW Foods Lycopene 10 mg Softgels
Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes; these softgels can help protect your skin from UV damage and support a healthy complexion.
🌞 The Fake Tanning Tip to Get You Started
Don’t show up pale on Day 1 😬
A week before tanning, start applying a gradual self-tanner. It evens out skin tone and boosts confidence before the sun even hits.
Top picks
- BaliBody Gradual Face & Body Tan Lotion
This lightweight lotion builds a natural-looking tan over time while hydrating your skin, perfect for daily use. - Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer
A drugstore favorite, this moisturizer gradually develops color while nourishing your skin with antioxidants and Vitamin E.
Remember: Apply SPF even when wearing self-tanner.
🧴 Should You Use SPF While Tanning?
Burns ruin tans — and your skin.
Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with UVA & UVB protection. SPF 30 is usually enough, but go SPF 50+ for fair or sensitive skin. Reapply every 2 hours (especially after swimming or sweating!).
Top picks
- EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
This dermatologist-recommended sunscreen is lightweight, non-comedogenic, and perfect for sensitive skin. - ThinkSport SPF 50+ Sunscreen
A reef-safe, mineral-based sunscreen that’s water-resistant and free from harmful chemicals.
Also: Don’t forget your lips & eyes!
- Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm
This moisturizing lip balm offers broad-spectrum protection and comes in various tropical flavors. - Ray-Ban UV-Protective Sunglasses
Protect your eyes in style with these classic sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection.
🥥 A Simple Tanning Secret to Boost Confidence
Layer oils before SPF for a dewy glow ✨
Coconut, olive, and carrot oils naturally enhance your tan. Apply 20–30 minutes before sun time, then follow with sunscreen.
Top picks
- Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
This multi-purpose oil hydrates and nourishes your skin, enhancing its natural glow. - NOW Solutions Carrot Seed Oil
Rich in beta-carotene and antioxidants, this oil can help promote a healthy-looking tan.
⏳ The Tan Timing Mistake to Avoid
Overdo it and you’ll burn 🔥
Limit your time in direct sunlight, especially between 12 PM–4 PM. Best times to tan? Before 10 AM or after 4 PM. Start with 20–30 minute sessions and build up.
Take breaks often to hydrate and reapply SPF!
🌊 How Saltwater Impacts Your Tan
Saltwater naturally exfoliates and can deepen your tan.
After swimming, let the saltwater dry before rinsing off. Remember to moisturize afterward to avoid dryness.
🔁 The Flip Hack for Even Color
Skin burn and Tan lines? No thanks.
Change positions every 20–30 minutes. Adjust your swimsuit straps to avoid harsh lines.
Bonus: Helps you get that perfect, even Insta-ready glow.
💧 The Hydration Move That Makes Tans Last
Hydration is key to a tan that lasts — and looks good while doing it.
When your skin is dry, it flakes faster. That means your tan fades unevenly and doesn’t last as long. Hydrated skin holds onto color better, gives you a glow, and helps prevent peeling after sun exposure.
So, drink water throughout the day (not just when you’re thirsty!), and apply a nourishing lotion or after-sun gel every evening.
Top picks
- Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Lotion with Aloe & Cocoa Butter
🧴 This tropical-scented lotion soothes sun-kissed skin and prevents post-sun dryness. Aloe calms, while cocoa butter locks in moisture. A beach bag essential. - Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion
🌿 Fragrance-free and ultra-hydrating, this dermatologist-favorite lotion repairs dry skin without feeling greasy. Perfect for sensitive skin types after a day in the sun.
⚡ Bonus Tip: Need a Quick Tan in One Day?
Got an event tomorrow? Or just impatient?
Self-tanning mousses can give you a natural-looking tan within hours. Use a mitt, blend well, and don’t forget tricky areas like elbows, knees, and feet. Choose a fast-developing formula and shower off after the set time for a believable bronze.
Quick-tan favorites
- BaliBody Ultra Dark Self Tanning Mousse
🕶️ Loved by influencers and editors, this lightweight mousse develops into a deep, olive-toned tan in just 1–4 hours. It smells good, dries fast, and doesn’t streak. - St. Tropez Express Bronzing Mousse
💨 Choose your shade based on when you rinse: light in 1 hour, medium in 2, and deep after 3. It’s a go-to for beginners and seasoned tanners alike.
✨ Final Takes
There you go — 10 smart, safe, and dermatologist-approved ways to tan faster and keep your glow longer.
📌 Remember:
- Start with a clean, exfoliated base
- Nourish your skin from the inside out
- Always use sunscreen (yes, even if you’re trying to tan!)
- Hydrate, flip often, and be patient with the sun
💬 Now your turn!
What’s your tanning go-to? Have you tried any of the products above?
👇 Drop your fave tip or question in the comments. Let’s share the glow!
