How to Get a Darker Tan

Co-authored by Barbie Ritzman

Last Updated: October 21, 2022 References

Looking for a darker tan? Many people feel that they look better with a little glow, and there are several different ways to deepen your tan. You should be aware, though, that there are risks associated with some of them. Always take care to protect the skin from damage. If you want a darker tan, though, there are ways to get one.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Preparing Your Skin for Tanning

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Hydrate your skin and moisturize it. Doing both of these things will make your tan last longer, and you will tan better too. You also shouldn’t shower for four hours after using tanning lotion, so your tan won’t fade.
- Working out before you tan is another way that you can tan faster. This is because working out will increase blood circulation, which will allow for better tanning.
- To hydrate your skin, you should drink a lot of water throughout the day. Keeping your skin moisturized with lotion will also prevent it from fading after you’ve already gained the tan.
2
Exfoliate your skin before you tan. This means you remove dead skin cells from the outer layer of your skin, allowing for a better tan, without splotchy areas.^{[1]
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- Exfoliating will also get rid of any patches of rougher skin, improving the overall look of your skin. You can exfoliate with a loofah, an exfoliating mitten, and with exfoliating scrubs.^{[2]
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- Apply the exfoliating scrub in small, circular motions all over to help remove dead skin cells and smooth the skin's surface. This will help to ensure a more even tan and help to make your tan last longer.
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3
Make sure you prevent sunburn. If you tan the wrong way, you’re going to end up with a severe burn, not a dark, good-looking tan. So do it the right way, and protect your skin.
- Your skin will be less susceptible to burning if you’re already tan or have spent a lot of time in the sun. Watch the degree of time you spend out in the sun. Too much sun exposure can make you sick and result in a severe burn, not a darker tan. Any tan not from a lotion or spray must be obtained gradually and with proper sunscreen.
- Don’t use baby oil to tan. It can cause a severe burn. Always use an SPF lotion or spray, preferably factor 15 or over. Contrary to popular belief, this will not stop you from tanning; it will simply help to protect the skin from UV damage, including drying, premature aging and even skin cancer.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Sunless Tanning Methods

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Try a self-tanner as it's one of the tanning methods least associated with risks. These days, many self-tanning products that you buy at stores won’t give you an orange look and instead mimic the look of a natural tan.
- The best part about self tanners is that you won’t damage your skin like you will in a tanning bed or by tanning in the sun. And you won't risk inhaling chemicals as you might in a spray tan. Choose a self tanner in a bottle.^{[3]
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- These come in many forms and different products work better for different people. Experiment on a small patch of skin first to work out what works best for you.
- Use tingle creams. Tingle creams can have a temporary reddening effect on the skin, but help to create maximum natural color in a short time. Bronzing lotions can also help to accelerate the creation of a natural tan, and include self-tanning agents to give a light artificial color while your real tan is building.^{[4]
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- You can buy products that you put in your tanning lotion to create a darker look. There are many of these products on the market.^{[5]
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Apply a tan accelerator to your skin. You can find many tanning products that promise to accelerate a tan you're trying to achieve in the sun or a tanning bed. Look for products that specifically promise a darker tan or label themselves tanning accelerators.
- These products will also perfect the shade of your tan, such as giving the tan a more golden hue.
- Lotions are designed to hydrate your skin. This makes it easier for the skin to absorb UV light. Some tanning accelerators also contain cosmetic bronzers.^{[6]
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Opt for a spray tan instead. Spray tans are becoming less expensive, and many tanning salons offer them for monthly fees, reducing the cost. A spray tan will give you a dark tan without damaging your skin.
- Some tanning salons have people who will actually spray the tan on you. In others, you will stand in a machine that will spray your body with the spray. Do be aware, though, that some researchers have raised safety concerns about spray tan, especially when the spray is inhaled or ingested.^{[7]
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- Spray tans can last between three and seven days. You can ask for different depths of color. If you want a dark tan, ask for the darkest hue possible. If you do spray tan, it's extremely important that you wear appropriate safety filters and protective gear over eyes, lips, mouth and other recommended areas of the body.^{[9]
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Use a tanning bed to tan faster. If you want a dark tan fast, it’s quicker to use a tanning bed to get one than to sit in the sun.^{[10]
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Go to source}That’s because five minutes in a tanning bed is the equivalent to sitting in the sun for two hours.
- You will get a fast tan if you spend a couple minutes in a tanning bed each day. The key to tanning is getting the body to produce melanin, and usually it takes five to seven days to create a tan in people whose skin tone allows them to tan.
- A daily tanning bed session can speed this up (but as with all tanning, it can cause skin damage or skin cancer). Once you have built up a base color, you can increase the darkness with small bursts of sunbathing or sunbed use every few days. Overdoing it and trying to achieve a very dark tan straight away can end up leaving you dry and peeling, which is not a pretty effect!
- It can be dangerous to use a tanning bed because you could be at greater risk for skin cancer as well as premature aging. If you are determined to go this route, do it under the guidance of a tanning industry professional. Don’t exceed their recommended tanning times or you could end up with a burn. The best way to get a tan from a tanning bed is to do it gradually.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Tanning with the Sun

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Use sea water to get a darker tan. Some say that sea salt can help boost your color because it draws the sunlight. So, if you’re at the beach, you might want to take advantage of it.
- Go into the ocean, immerse yourself in the salt water, and then get back out to tan. Do this a few times, and you will see your tan deepen. You could also try using olive oil.^{[11]
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- As with any tanning, be very careful that you don’t burn. Drawing more sunlight to your skin can have damaging effects.
- You could also draw more sun to your skin using a reflector.
2
Use an after-tan lotion to keep the skin moisturized. After tanning, you should always use an after-sun lotion. This will help to cool and calm the skin.
- An after-tan lotion will eliminate any soreness or redness, as well as moisturizing the tan to keep it lasting longer. You can use baby oil after your tan to soften the skin (don’t use it to tan, though, or you could burn).
3
Spend more time outdoors. Exercise or work out outside. Walk or bicycle instead of going by car. (But remember to use sunscreen.)
- Do not stay in the sun if your skin starts to feel sore; burning will not make you darker. Instead, your existing tan will start to peel and end up patchy.
- As always, remember to use SPF if you want that golden tan instead of a bright red burn.

Community Q&A

Question

How can I get my very fair skin to tan?

Community Answer

Go out in the sun a lot, but not all at one time. It is better to spend two hours in the sun over three days then it is to spend it all in one day because this will increase the risk of sunburn. Also, try using a tan accelerator.
Question

Where can I get After Tanning lotion?

Community Answer

Many beauty supply stores and drug stores have them.
Question

Can I use After Sun lotion instead of After Tan?

Community Answer

Yes, After Sun will provide generally the same outcome as an After Tan product.