How To Get A Dark Tan In One Day - Four Methods

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For some of us, waiting weeks to develop a tan just doesn’t cut it. We want a tan, and we want it now! Tanned skin helps to hide blemishes and gives an even tone, and a golden glow looks gorgeous.

When you don’t have weeks to spend developing a tan, how can you get it done in one day?

You can use a self-tanner at home, get a spray tan, or spend time in a tanning bed. Sunbathing is an option, but only with sunscreen. Self-tanning at home is an easy and quick way to achieve a deep tan, and it is also the safest method.

There are numerous options available for those seeking a quick tan, allowing you to select the method that suits you best.

Whatever you choose, remember to protect your skin and moisturize regularly to allow it to glow.

Continue reading for a step-by-step guide on achieving a dark tan in one day using these four methods.

Table of Contents

• How to Get a Dark Tan in One Day
  • Method 1 – Sun Tanning
    • Protect Your Skin
    • Change Positions
    • Make The Most Of The Sun
    • Use Accessories
    • Reapply Lotion
    • After Care
  • Method 2 – Self-Tanning
    • Choose Your Product
    • Use Gloves
    • Get An Even Spread
    • Maintenance
  • Method 3 – Spray Tan
    • Choose Your Shade
    • Exfoliate Your Skin
    • Visit A Professional
  • Method 4 – Sun Bed
    • Wear Goggles
    • Use A Tanning Accelerator
    • Set Your Time
    • After Care
• Related Questions
  • How long should you tan to get a dark tan?
  • How long can a tan last?
• Related Articles

How to Get a Dark Tan in One Day

You know your skin best, and this will help you decide which of the methods below will help you achieve a dark tan in one day without damaging your skin or leaving you with odd-looking, patchy streaks.

Method 1 – Sun Tanning

Sun tanning is the most traditional method of giving your skin a dark tone, but it is also one of the most dangerous methods.

You need to ensure that you properly protect your skin while still allowing it to benefit from the sun’s rays for the best results possible.

Protect Your Skin

You will need to apply a base lotion or oil that has a low SPF to your skin.

The lotion or oil will help you tan quickly, but the low SPF will provide some protection for your skin.

• Choose a lotion or oil with an SPF between 4 and 15, which will also depend on the level of your base tan. If you already have a tan, you can opt for a lower SPF; however, if you have fair skin, an SPF 15 is recommended.
• Choose a spray or oil to get a more even tan. This spread easily over the skin, giving an even finish with no patches.
• Don’t forget to wear lip balm with SPF15. Without protection, your lips will be left chapped and sore.

This is my favorite sun-tanning oil, with SPF 4, for natural tanning.

Change Positions

Just like a rotisserie chicken, you will need to turn it over frequently. This will help you get an even tan all over. Turn over ¼ of the way every 30 minutes.

Start on your back, then turn over to your left side, followed by your stomach, and finally your right side. Make sure your arms and legs get even exposure to the sun as well, to avoid tan lines.

Make The Most Of The Sun

While tanning out during the hottest hours of the day is not advised, you should make the most of the sun between 10 am and 4 pm.

This should only be done if you have proper protection and plan to spend only one day in the sun.

Use Accessories

You can choose to use accessories such as a reflective sheet or towel to focus the sun’s rays onto your skin.

Lay a reflective towel or place sunscreen at a 45-degree angle at your waist to direct the sunlight onto your body.

Reapply Lotion

If you get wet, you will need to reapply the suntan lotion. Remember to reapply it every 2 hours for optimal protection.

After Care

Once you have finished tanning, you should apply an aloe-based moisturizer to your skin.

This will help keep your skin moisturized and replenish any moisture lost in the sun, and seal in the bronze tone of your skin.

Method 2 – Self-Tanning

Self-tanners are an absolute gift to those who want an instant tan at home, without having to set foot in the sun.

You need to understand how self-tanners work before determining whether they are suitable for you.

The active ingredient in self-tanners is DHA, which reacts with the dead skin cells on the skin to create a darker pigment.

Choose Your Product

There are numerous types of self-tanners to choose from, including lotions, foams, creams, gels, sprays, and oils.

You will need to conduct some research and understand your skin to determine when it’s best for you.

It is best to choose a non-comedogenic self-tanner to prevent clogged pores.

The quickest way to get a dark tan fast is to use an express self-tanner.

The St. Tropez Express Self-Tanner is my absolute favorite when I want a quick tan.

Use Gloves

You will need to use gloves when applying self-tanner to prevent your hands from turning an unflattering orange.

Once you have applied the gloves to spread the self-tanner evenly over your body, gently rub a small amount of the lotion onto your hands to match the rest of your body.

Get An Even Spread

The hardest part of self-tanning at home is ensuring the product is evenly spread on your skin.

To achieve this, move your hands in a circular motion over your skin to prevent any streaks. Focus on areas that are hard to reach, and ask for help if you need it.

Take it slowly to ensure all areas are covered.

Maintenance

Apply a moisturizing lotion to your skin daily to help maintain your tan and to help prevent your skin from drying out.

Applying a self-tanner can give you a dark tan in one day, but it is not a permanent result.

You will need to reapply the self-tanner in a week or so, but it remains the best option for self-tanning at home without damaging your skin.

Sophia Pruett on YouTube offers an amazing tutorial, taking you step-by-step through her personal self-tanning regimen.

I enjoyed watching it and I think you will too! She also uses many of the same tips that I always share, which is even better!

Method 3 – Spray Tan

A spray tan works similarly to self-tanners, using DHA to darken the skin. You will need to visit a spray tan salon to get this done unless you have the setup at home.

Choose Your Shade

If you have light skin, you will likely need one layer of spray tan to achieve a beautiful glow. However, darker skin may require a few more layers to achieve a glow.

Exfoliate Your Skin

You will need to exfoliate your skin before getting your spray tan. This helps to remove excess dead skin cells, allowing your skin to be more even when the spray tan is applied.

Be sure to use an oil-free exfoliating scrub to prevent residue from building up on your skin.

Visit A Professional

It is a good idea to get a professional to spray tan your skin. This way, you can be sure to get the right shade and even coverage without streaks or blotches.

This tan will develop over a few hours and will need to be touched up every one to two weeks.

Keep your skin moisturized after a spray tan to help it remain radiant and even.

Method 4 – Sun Bed

If you want to tan the more natural way, but don’t necessarily want to go into the sun, you can opt to take some time to tan in a sunbed.

Sunbeds have ultraviolet light bulbs that emit UV radiation like that of the sun. They are not the safest option, but they will give you a tan fast.

Wear Goggles

It is extremely important to wear goggles when using a tanning bed, especially those designed to protect your eyes from UV rays.

You can either buy your own or rent them from the tanning salon.

Use A Tanning Accelerator

You don’t want to spend too much time under the UV rays, so a tanning accelerator will be your best bet to help you make the most of the time of your time in the bed.

Tanning accelerators help your skin tan faster, but also contain ingredients that protect your skin from damage and from drying out.

Check out my review of the best 5 tanning accelerators for pale skin.

Set Your Time

For individuals with fair skin, it is recommended to spend only around 10 minutes in the tanning bed. Those with dark bases can spend up to 20 minutes in bed.

Any longer and you will cause damage to your skin and end up burned

After Care

Once you have finished your tanning session, you should apply moisturizer daily to prevent your skin from drying out.

An aloe vera-based gel or lotion will help to keep your skin nourished and hydrated, preventing it from drying out and allowing your tan to glow.

Related Questions

How long should you tan to get a dark tan?

The answer to this depends on your skin tone. Those with darker skin tones can develop a dark tan within 20 minutes to an hour.

However, someone with fair skin tone may need to spend a few sessions in the sun to develop a darker tan. That being said, both dark tones and fair tones need to wear protection in the sun.

How long can a tan last?

A tan is not permanent, but with good care, you can extend the life span of your tan for a long time.

This requires regular maintenance, and you will need to dedicate some effort to it, such as spending time in the sun once a week, applying self-tanning lotion weekly, or maintaining a routine at your local spray tan salon.

Related Articles

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Exfoliating Before a Spray Tan: Is It a Good Idea?

Can You Tan Through Clothing?