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How to tan faster: top tips

Woman in large sun hat sitting on the beach tanning
Want some tips on how to tan faster? Discover the golden rules of tanning in this article, which make sure you get a tan, while still protecting your skin.

Summary

1How to stay safe from the sun

Always, always ALWAYS wear protection when tanning, keep hydrated, take a shade break, keep a close eye on your skin.

2Is tanning safe?

Tanning isn’t healthy or safe for your skin. Sun damage is cumulative—even ten minutes of exposure a day over the course of a lifetime is enough to...

3A final few words about tanning quickly…

While we may think it makes us look ‘healthier’, the real truth of the matter is that tanning is actually a sign of skin damage that can lead to...

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Whether you’re jetting off for some much-needed winter sun or soaking up the rays back in good old Blighty, safe tanning is something that even the most enthusiastic of sun-worshippers is taking on board. 

While fair skins and redheads need to be uber careful, there are ways, with a little smart thinking, that we can boost our glow and get a much-needed hit of vitamin D. Just don’t overdo it!
happy smiling woman at the beach in a sun hat with sun cream on her cheeks and nose

How to stay safe from the sun, remember these golden rules

1. Always wear protection when tanning 

You'll want at least factor 30 SPF to protect against UVB and a minimum four-star UVA protection to protect your skin as much as possible.
woman on the beach drinking a bottle of water with sun shining on her

4. Keep hydrated 

Being out in the sun can dehydrate your body and skin, which can lead to peeling and affect how supple your skin is. Drink plenty of water throughout the day (which you should already be doing anyway) and regularly apply a moisturiser in addition to your sunscreen.1
Self-tanning. Woman applying cosmetic product onto tanning mitt indoors, closeup

8. Fake your glow 

It’s much kinder and safer to your skin, and with the range of self-tanning products, such as creams, mousses and mists, out there now and how much they’ve come on, it’s possible to achieve a realistic-looking tan.2
man checking skin in mirror after being in the sun, smiling and glowing skin

11. Keep a close eye on your skin 

Regularly check it for any uncharacteristic changes.

Sun-friendly snacks

On top of the 11 rules we’ve listed above, try these ways to help protect your skin.
red fruits and vegetables, tomatoes, peppers, grapefruit, pomegranite

Lycopen

This antioxidant is your skin’s very own SPF-booster and is found in tomatoes and other red and orange fruit and vegetables.
citrus fruits, berries and green vegetables

Vitamin C

Found in citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruit, lemons and limes, vitamin C, alongside vitamin E, can reduce your risk of sunburn if taken over the long term.
cheese. tomatoes, lettuce, honey, oranges, grains

Beta-carotene

A healthy diet of beta-carotene-rich foods, such as carrots, tomatoes, red peppers, sweet potatoes, mango, melon and apricot, increases your levels of vitamin A.
pouring olive oil on tomato and basil salad

Olive oil

This amazing oil is not just perfect for healthy cooking and salad dressings – research has found that it may work as a topical aftersun too.
glass cup of green tea with loose green tea leaves around cup and saucer

Green tea

Is there anything this wonder cuppa can’t do?
jar collecting the gel from aloe vera with slices of aloe vera balanced on the right

Aloe vera

We all know we are supposed to avoid sunburn at all costs, but sometimes you miss that bit at the side of your cossie or our partner misses a spot on your back (Sacked! Immediately!).
walnut shell cracked open to reveal nut inside

Walnuts

This highly nutritious nut has already been tagged as a good source of omega-3 fats, and now research has shown that walnuts have skin-protecting talents too.

Is tanning safe?

Tanning isn’t healthy or safe for your skin.5 

Sun damage is cumulative—even ten minutes of exposure a day over the course of a lifetime is enough to cause problems and majorly age your skin.6 

When you get a suntan, you may love the healthy glow it gives you. But this glow is caused by an increase in skin pigment, called melanin, which changes the colour of your skin. And when your skin colour changes, it’s a sign of irreparable DNA skin damage. 

As much as people may love the way tanned skin looks, it damages your skin cells and speeds up visible signs of aging, e.g. fine lines and wrinkles. 

More importantly, it can lead to skin cancer – it increases your risk of developing basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.
black little girl with pigtail bunches getting suncream applied while smiling by her mother at the beach in pink swimsuit

A final few words about tanning quickly…

Disclaimer

The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments or remedies. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

 

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