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You are here: Home / Self Tanner / Tanning Tips / How Long Does It Take to Tan on A Cloudy Day?

How Long Does It Take to Tan on A Cloudy Day?

February 2, 2021 by Sheena Leave a Comment

Do you want to get a tan but are afraid of the sun’s harmful effects? Don’t worry; you can still get a tan on a cloudy day. But how long will it take? So, if you can manage to get under the sun for approximately 5-10 minutes on each side, that can give you a good tan.

Can you get tan when it’s cloudy?

Yes, of course. Many people think tanning on a cloudy day is not possible since they can’t see the sun. However, researchers gave an alternative opinion about it.

They believe more than 90% of UV rays can still come down to earth on cloudy weather.

Only fewer percentages of UV rays fail to penetrate through the clouds. In fact, exposing your skin to UV rays for a long time may increase the probability of skin cancer.

That’s why make sure to cover your body part where you want to get tan and apply an SPF 30 sunscreen to protect your beautiful skin.

Tips to Accomplish A Glowing Brownish Tan on A Cloudy Day

Go For a Perfect Time To Tan

Everything has the right time, and you should follow it. The best time to do tan is before 9 a.m. or after 4 p.m. Early morning or late afternoon hours are the right time because weaker sun rays can’t do much harm to your skin.

Most UV rays are absorbed by the atmosphere during these times, and only a lower portion of UV rays reaches the earth. Tanning is preferable for white-skinned people than black skin.

Tanning in the late morning or early afternoon may lead to red patches because it is peak hour when the sun is strongest.

Select A Location with Minimal Cloud Coverage

Though you will get rays, no matter where you select the spot. But if you want more sunlight, then find a location where the cloud is less visible, and it can reach your skin.

Also, keeping your skin exposed to the sun for a prolonged time may increase the risk of skin problems.

That’s why find a suitable spot for a quick tan.

Make Sure To Apply A Tanning Lotion Or Oil

It is essential to apply a tanning oil or lotion on your different body parts where you want to tan. Tanning oil is preferable if your skin is dry.

Using a tanning lotion will help you to achieve glowing brown skin. Also, don’t forget to apply sunscreen separately if your suntan product doesn’t have SPF properties.

However, research shows that tanning oil or lotion has only less than 15 SPF.

That’s why it is best to apply sunscreen with a minimum of 30 SPF before using your tanning oil or lotion. Though sunscreen may retard the tanning session, it will optimally protect your skin.

Make Yourself Comfortable On A Towel Or Lounge Chair

You can either lay down on a soft towel or a deck chair. Find a suitable one that makes you comfortable. Stretch out your whole body and unfurl your legs and arms during the tanning session.

It will help to get tan every spot. Start with your back or stomach based on your preference and rotate your body to get evenly tan.

Then shift to previous body parts again where you have already gotten tan, and it will help you get a perfect tan.

Spend 5-10 minutes on every side and get the sunlight on the other sides. The more time you spend on sunlight, the darker skin you will achieve.

If you have white or light skin, spend a minimum of 20 minutes on all sides body parts. Spend a minimum of 30-40 minutes if your skin brown or dark.

It is advisable not to stay more than 30 minutes for white skin and 1 hour for dark or brown skin.

Care For Your Skin After The Tanning Session

After doing your tanning session, it’s time to give yourself a proper bath to remove all the dust, residue, and lotions from your skin surface.

Rest for a while before going for a shower and avoid rubbing the skin intensely. Because it will remove the upper layer from the skin surface.

It is better to take a cold shower because it will retain the moisturization for an extended period. Plus, you can apply a decent moisturizer after the bath session.

Besides, keep yourself hydrated by drinking 2.4-liter to 2.8-liter water daily. What’s more, if you notice any red spots or sunburn, apply some aloe vera gel to quickly heal the spot.

What factors affect tanning on a cloudy day?

Several factors affect how long it takes to tan on a cloudy day, including:

  • Cloud cover density: The denser the clouds, the less UV radiation reaches the earth’s surface, which means it will take longer to tan.
  • Time of day: The sun’s position in the sky affects the intensity of UV radiation. Tanning between 10 am and 4 pm is not recommended as the sun is at its strongest during these hours.
  • Altitude and latitude: Altitude and latitude affect how much UV radiation reaches the earth’s surface. The closer you are to the equator, the more intense the UV radiation is.

Pros and Cons of tanning on a cloudy day

Pros:

  1. Reduced risk of sunburns
  2. Tanning on a cloudy day can give you a natural-looking tan.

Cons:

  1. It takes longer to tan on a cloudy day.
  2. The risk of overexposure to UV radiation still exists even on cloudy days.

Comparison between tanning on a sunny day vs. cloudy day

Tanning on a sunny day:

Pros:

  1. It takes less time to tan on a sunny day.
  2. The intensity of UV radiation is higher, resulting in a deeper tan.

Cons:

  1. The risk of sunburns is higher.
  2. Overexposure to UV radiation can lead to skin cancer.

Tanning on a cloudy day:

Pros:

  1. Reduced risk of sunburns
  2. A more natural-looking tan

Cons:

  1. It takes longer to tan on a cloudy day.
  2. Overexposure to UV radiation still exists even on cloudy days.

Conclusion

Tanning on a cloudy day is possible but requires more time and patience than tanning on a sunny day. Cloud density, time of day, and latitude affect how long it takes to tan on a cloudy day. However, it’s crucial to remember that overexposure to UV radiation can still happen on cloudy days. Hence, taking necessary precautions is essential to avoid sunburns and skin damage.

FAQs

Can you get a tan on a cloudy day without sunscreen?

No, even on a cloudy day, UV radiation reaches the earth’s surface and can cause sunburns.

How often should I apply sunscreen while tanning on a cloudy day?

You should apply sunscreen with a high SPF every two hours to avoid sunburns and skin damage.

Can tanning on a cloudy day lead to skin cancer?

Yes, overexposure to UV radiation can lead to skin cancer regardless of whether it’s sunny or cloudy outside. Hence, taking necessary precautions is crucial.

What are some safe alternatives to tanning on a cloudy day?

Some safe alternatives to tanning on a cloudy day include using self-tanners or getting a spray tan. These methods give you a beautiful tan without exposing your skin to harmful UV radiation.

Table of Contents

  • Can you get tan when it’s cloudy?
  • Tips to Accomplish A Glowing Brownish Tan on A Cloudy Day
    • Go For a Perfect Time To Tan
    • Select A Location with Minimal Cloud Coverage
    • Make Sure To Apply A Tanning Lotion Or Oil
    • Make Yourself Comfortable On A Towel Or Lounge Chair
    • Care For Your Skin After The Tanning Session
  • What factors affect tanning on a cloudy day?
  • Pros and Cons of tanning on a cloudy day
  • Comparison between tanning on a sunny day vs. cloudy day
    • Tanning on a sunny day:
    • Tanning on a cloudy day:
  • Conclusion
  • FAQs
    • Can you get a tan on a cloudy day without sunscreen?
    • How often should I apply sunscreen while tanning on a cloudy day?
    • Can tanning on a cloudy day lead to skin cancer?
    • What are some safe alternatives to tanning on a cloudy day?

Filed Under: Tanning Tips

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