How to Home Tan

Co-authored by Barbie Ritzman

Last Updated: October 28, 2022 References

You can give yourself a gorgeous tan at home without spending too much money or letting the sun's rays damage your skin. Pick up a bottle of tanning cream and read the instructions below to learn how make your skin look naturally sun-kissed. If you prefer to do it the old fashioned way, scroll down for instructions on backyard tanning, too.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Getting the Perfect Home Tan

1
Pick out some tanning spray or lotion. Drugstores have tons of different options for home tanning, and most of them won't break the bank. Select a type of home tanning spray of lotion that works for your skin tone and texture. You probably only need one bottle for your body, but if you want to ensure full coverage, you may want to buy a backup.
- Choose a tanning color just a few shades darker than your normal skin tone. If you go from snow white to burnt orange in a day, the transition won't necessarily be positive. The goal is to look a few shades darker, as though you just spent a week in a warm, beachy locale.
- Consider whether to get a spray can or lotion dispenser. If your skin is on the dry side, you might want to choose a lotion for the added moisture. Some people find it easier to evenly distribute the tanning solution through a spray nozzle - it's totally up to your personal preference.
2
Exfoliate your skin. You don't want to apply the tanning solution to dry, flaky skin; you'll end up looking splotchy next time you exfoliate. Exfoliating thoroughly before you apply the solution is key.^{[1]
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Research source} While you need to exfoliate the entire body. You want to focus on areas like your knees, ankles, elbows, and other places that tend to be dry. The last thing you want is to have a blotchy tan from a product adhering to some dry areas.
- Start by dry brushing your body to remove all the dead skin flakes and help your circulation a bit. Both the brush and your body should be dry. Brush your arms and legs in short strokes toward your heart. Don't forget your torso, back, and any other areas you plan on tanning.
- Take a lukewarm shower and use an exfoliating body cleanser. Scrub areas like your knees and elbows, and any other spots that tend to get dry or scaly, especially well.
- Make sure to exfoliate at least 8 hours before tanning, to allow your skin's pH balance to neutralize, which is ideal for the color to develop.
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3
Moisturize your body. The next step is to prevent your body from getting dry all over again by applying a good moisturizer. Use baby oil, lotion, or your preferred moisturizing method to seal in moisture from your neck to your toes after your shower. Wait a few minutes for your skin to absorb the moisturizer before you proceed with tanning.
4
Put on tanning gloves. If you bought a home tanning kit, it might have come with a pair of latex or plastic gloves to protect your hands from getting tanning solution all over them when you apply it. If you didn't get a kit, it's important to find a pair of gloves to protect your hands - otherwise, they'll turn bright brownish orange after several coats of tanning solution.
5
Apply the tanning solution. Stand in your bathroom and either spray your body with tanning solution or use your hands to smooth on some tanning lotion. Work methodically so you make sure you don't miss any spots. You might want to stand over an old towel so you don't end up tanning your bathroom floor.^{[2]
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- Start with one leg and apply the tanning solution from the toes up to the thighs, then do the other leg. Follow the directions on your bottle of solution, making sure to hold the spray bottle the correct distance from your skin. If you're applying lotion, spread it on smoothly instead of rubbing it in too deeply in one spot.
- Next do your torso, back and neck. You can have a friend work on hard-to-reach spots, or use a "back spatula" (available at drugstores) to apply the solution to your back. It's shaped like a body brush, but with a smooth buffer instead of a brush on the end.
- Apply it to your arms. Finish your hands by removing the gloves and applying the solution carefully with a cotton ball.
- Take special care with your face. You can use a little vaseline around the edges of your hairline to make sure the solution doesn't build up there.^{[3]
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- Spot treat difficult areas. Apply a barrier lotion to some areas of your skin that the product can build up and become saturated—areas like your feet, hands, elbows, etc.
6
Buff your body. Once you're completely covered, go back over your body with a soft cloth and buff it in circular motions. This ensures your entire body will get an even coating of tanning solution.
7
Let it soak in. You'll need to give the solution time to soak into your skin. Take a few hours to stay around the house in long, loose, dark clothing that won't get stained by the tanning solution. After a few hours, it's fine to take a shower, put on light clothes or leave the house.^{[4]
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- The solution needs anywhere from 6-8 hours to develop. Check the manufacturer's recommendation for exact timing. Make sure you remain in your house, as rain and sweat can cause self-tanner to drip—and dry streaked.
- Avoid showering for 10 hours.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Tanning in the Backyard

1
Put on the smallest bathing suit you have. The skimpier it is, the more area you will be able to get tan.
- If your back yard is private, consider tanning in the nude. Nothing's sexier than no tan lines!
2
Bring your entertainment. Get a towel, some music, a magazine, sunglasses, a hat, a glass or bottle of water, and a friend. The more you have to keep yourself occupied, the longer you will want to stay out there. It is very important to keep yourself hydrated, since you will be sweating out your body liquid.
3
Slather yourself with SPF-15 tanning oil. This will promote a safe and healthy tan, and let you stay out longer without burning.
- Don't use tanning lotion below SPF-15. Prolonged tanning without some protection from UV rays is very bad, and is a major cause of skin cancer.
- Apply the oil about 20 minutes before you go out into the sun, and repeat every hour or so—or if you go into the water. This h olds true even if your sunscreen is waterproof.^{[5]
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  Trustworthy Source
  American Academy of Dermatology
  Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
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4
Use a well-cushioned lounge chair for maximum comfort. Lying on the ground is extremely uncomfortable and not very relaxing either.
- Find a chair that lets your skin breath, and wicks away moisture (sweat) for the most comfort.
- Bring a towel outside with you to cover parts of your body you don't want to tan.
5
Pick the right time of day. To prevent burns (which will not help you tan evenly), avoid tanning during the peak hours—from 10 am to 4 pm.^{[6]
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Research source} The less you wear, the more you want to pay attention to this rule. The last thing you want is a burned bum!
- Lay out for 2-4 hours, reapplying your tanning oil hourly. If you get hot, run through your sprinklers or jump in the pool.^{[7]
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- Remember that the longer you're outside, the greater chance the sun will damage your skin. Be smart and go inside if it feels like you're getting burned.
6
Repeat regularly. You won't have that golden glow in one day, but if you spend a little time in the sun every day, you will have a great tan in about a week.
7
Maintain your tan. Once you're burnished like a fine bronze goddess (or god), keep your skin hydrated to maximize the time that tantalizing tan will stick around.
- An aloe-based moisturizer will not only keep your tan in place, it'll also keep your skin moist and soft.

Community Q&A

Question

How long should I lie out in the sun if I don't have tanning lotion or spray?

Community Answer

It depends on how long it normally takes for your skin to burn, as everyone is different. Wear sunscreen to extend the time you can spend in the sun.
Question

What if I want to be tan in the winter time without using fake tanning products?

Community Answer

There is really no way in the winter to get a natural tan, but if you apply tanning oil to your face or any showing skin, it could help you build a minor tan.
Question

How can I get a pretty tan without lotion

Community Answer

Maybe use a spray! You could also go out in the sunshine.

Warnings

Be aware that sensitive areas of your skin, such as your face, ears, or any areas that are almost never exposed to the sun (i.e. areas normally covered by undergarments or bathing suits) are much more sensitive. If you know these areas are going to be exposed, make sure to protect them with an SPF greater that what you used on the rest of your body. You could also cover your face and ears is a wide brimmed hat if you find yourself without sunscreen.

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Helpful 55 Not Helpful 10
There's no such thing as a 100% safe tan when it comes from the sun or a tanning bed. By tanning in the sun, you are increasing your risk for skin cancer.

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Helpful 65 Not Helpful 13
Repeated heavy sun tanning—even if you never get skin cancer—will age you prematurely, and leave you looking more like an old leather jacket than a movie star.

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Helpful 45 Not Helpful 14
To achieve the best self-tan possible, you need to ensure that you are prepping correctly ahead of time. Doing so will help to eliminate some of those major self-tanning disasters.

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