Best Time To Tan Outside: A Helpful Guide For A Beginner

Tanning outside is a popular activity for many people, especially during the summer months. Spending time in the sun can provide a warm and relaxing experience, while also giving the body a healthy dose of Vitamin D. However, it’s important to remember that prolonged exposure to UV radiation can have harmful effects on your skin. To avoid sunburns, skin damage, or even skin cancer, it’s crucial to choose the best time to tan outside. This article will provide you with everything you need to know about maximizing your sun exposure safely.

Who Should Tan Outdoors?

Tanning outdoors is an option for anyone who wants to gain a golden glow or boost their Vitamin D intake. However, some groups of people should be particularly cautious when tanning:

• People with fair skin are more prone to sunburns and should take extra precautions, such as using a higher SPF sunscreen.
• Individuals with a history of skin cancer or other skin conditions should always consult with their doctor before spending time in the sun.
• Pregnant women should be careful when tanning, as hormones can make the skin more sensitive to UV radiation.

What Is the Best Time to Tan Outside?

The ideal time to tan outside is during the hours when the sun is less intense. This varies according to where you live, but generally, the best time to get a tan is early in the morning or late afternoon when the sun’s rays are less strong.

• Early morning (7 am to 9 am): During this time, the sun is not too hot, and the UV index is low, making it a perfect time to get some color without risking sunburn.
• Late afternoon (4 pm to 6 pm): Similar to early morning, the sun’s intensity is much lower, allowing you to enjoy the sun without worrying too much about skin damage.

You should tan before 9 am and after 4 pm with the least healthy risks.

When Should You Avoid Tanning Outdoors?

While getting a tan can be enjoyable, it’s crucial to protect your skin and avoid tanning during the following periods:

• Between 10 am and 4 pm: This is when the sun’s rays are strongest, leading to a higher risk of skin damage, sunburns, or even skin cancer.
• Cloudy days: Even if it’s cloudy, your skin can still be exposed to UV radiation. Therefore, you should always wear sunscreen or avoid sunbathing on such days.

How to Tan Outside Safely?

Tanning outside can be done safely by following these precautions:

• Wear protective clothing: Choose clothes that cover most of your body, such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, or hats.
• Use sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 before going outdoors.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated, especially during hot weather.
• Take breaks: Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight by taking breaks in shaded areas or indoors.
• Avoid tanning beds: Tanning beds emit UV radiation that can be more intense than the sun, leading to an increased risk of skin cancer.

The sun’s UV radiations affect your tanning results instead of the temperature.

Pros and Cons of Tanning Outside

Pros:

• Increased Vitamin D production
• Boosted mood due to sun exposure
• A healthy glow

Cons:

• Increased risk of sunburns, skin damage, or skin cancer
• Premature aging caused by UV radiation
• Uneven tanning or patchy skin caused by overexposure to sunlight

How Does Tanning Outside Compare to Other Forms of Tanning?

Tanning outside is the most natural and cost-effective way to get a tan. However, compared to other forms of tanning, it has its advantages and disadvantages:

• Self-tanners offer a safer and easier way to get a tan without exposing your skin to UV radiation. However, the results may not be as natural-looking as anatural tan, and the application process can be messy.
• Spray tans provide a quick and easy way to get a temporary tan without spending time in the sun. However, the results may not last as long as a natural tan, and the chemicals used in spray tans can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people.
• Tanning salons offer a controlled environment for tanning, but indoor tanning machines emit UV radiation that can be more intense than natural sunlight, leading to an increased risk of skin cancer.

FAQs

Can I get a tan during cloudy weather?

Yes, even on cloudy days, your skin can be exposed to UV radiation. Therefore, it’s crucial to wear sunscreen or avoid sunbathing during such times.

How long does it take to get a tan outdoors?

The time it takes to get a tan outdoors depends on several factors, such as your skin type, the time of day, and the intensity of the sun’s rays. Generally, it can take anywhere from 20 minutes to two hours to get a tan outdoors.

Does sunscreen prevent tanning?

Sunscreen does not prevent tanning; it only reduces your skin’s exposure to UV radiation, minimizing the risk of sunburns or skin damage.

Can I still get Vitamin D if I use sunscreen?

Yes, wearing sunscreen does not completely block your body’s ability to produce Vitamin D. However, it may reduce the amount of Vitamin D your body produces.

Can tanning permanently damage my skin?

Yes, prolonged exposure to UV radiation can cause permanent damage to your skin, leading to premature aging or even skin cancer. Therefore, it’s crucial to tan safely and avoid overexposure to sunlight.

Can You Still Get A Tan At 5 pm Outside?

Fortunately, the answer is yes.

If you are a hectic mother or simply work day and night, the only moment you can tan is after 5 p.m. Even though it will not provide you that golden color as rapidly as early tanning, you may still make things happen.

Tanning after 5 pm is not a bad idea.

Also, going out after 5 p.m. is an intelligent plan for people who are new to sunbathing and wish to build up their tan gradually. As opposed to if you go full-on on day one, doing so will assist you in obtaining healthy and beautiful skin.

Furthermore, after 5 p.m., the UV index is lower; thus, the chance of having a sunburn is limited. Then, it is a little safer.

Is It Better To Tan Outside In The Morning Or In The Afternoon?

Even though you may tan in the morning or the afternoon, it is preferable to tan in the morning, which is particularly important for people with fair, sensitive, and pale skin.

You can tan relatively safely by sunbathing early in the morning once the sun’s radiations are lower and your body is prepared to repair DNA damage.

According to a study published in Science Daily, mice subjected to UV radiation in the morning had a higher risk of developing cancer.

Researchers clarified that humans and mice come with “circadian clocks” running contrary to each other, meaning that humans are best shielded from the sun’s dangerous rays in the morning, whereas mice are most vulnerable, and conversely.

Is It True That You Tan Faster In Hotter Weather?

The quick answer is no. The air temperature has no bearing on how the sun’s rays affect your skin.

In contrast, tanning in scorching temperatures is highly harmful and can result in malignant cells. Alternatively, you may burn or tan right during the winter.

Therefore, even if the temperature is ten degrees below zero outside, apply sunscreen if you want to get a tan.

You can still tan in the winter.

If you are a newcomer to the outdoor tanning, this video may help you to some extent:

Final Thoughts

By now, we have already given you a lot of information about the best time to tan outside.

Tanning involves several disadvantages, the most serious of which is skin cancer. For this reason, you should take additional precautions to reduce the danger as much as possible.