The Safest Ways To Get A Summer Tan Without Burning Your Skin

Whenever summer rolls around, everyone is ready and looking to get their tan on. The sunshine in the sky means that our eyes are on the prize, and that prize is a bronzed glow. While we're always looking to get some color on our face and arms almost immediately when the weather warms up, it can be pretty hard to jump right into things without getting that pesky base-burn that we all know and hate. 

Getting a tan early on in the season is key for everyone, especially when we want to wear our summer wardrobe almost immediately. However, there are a few ways to do so to avoid getting red. Experts offer tons of tips and tricks for those who want to soak up the sun safely (via Glamour). No one wants to show up to the first summer happy hour looking like a lobster, right? Therefore, it's best to be smart when you're trying to tan, rather than going full speed ahead and landing yourself in tons of pain and attached to a bottle of aloe vera. 

The first thing you want to do is apply SPF. While some people believe wearing sunscreen prevents you from getting a good tan, that's totally false. You can still get bronze while also ensuring you're protecting yourself from harmful rays and a bad sunburn. It's also important to reapply that SPF every two hours. Putting it on once in the morning just doesn't cut it, as it'll wear off and sometimes even drip off with sweat. That's why reapplying is crucial for avoiding a burn (via Healthline). 

To prep your skin for tanning, you also want to incorporate an exfoliant into your skincare routine. Exfoliating helps to remove any dead skin, and with no dead skin, your body will tan without shedding and pealing (via Tan Expert). What you eat can also help to increase your tan and lessen your burn. Experts say that beta carotene can help to attract the sun while also avoiding that burn. Sweet potatoes, carrots, and kale all contain the pigment, and it's been studied that eating them can also help people who have photosensitivity issues (via Healthline).

While tanning, be sure to change positions frequently. You don't want to lay too long on one side of your body and end up with an uneven tan. You also don't want to leave any areas of your skin in the sun for too long, causing a burn. The most important thing is to listen to your body. If you feel the burn, time for some serious shade!