Tanning in the late months of spring, leading into summer, has seen a spike in popularity. “I’ll be sitting in class and thinking about how ‘I’d much rather be tanning right now,’” Taylor McDonald said.
Although we Washingtonians know how to live it up in the sleet, rain, and snow, what about those warmer months? Here’s your how-to guide to have it made in the shade, or the sun, that’s up to you.
Lying out in the sun for hours on end while relaxing can be extremely time-consuming, so streamlining the process can be essential for those with a busy schedule. The goal is to get out in the sun when the UV index is at its peak for the day. The UV index (ultraviolet) is the sunburn-producing radiation that we are aiming to catch. The UV is on average from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during daylight hours, so aim for those hours. We also need to discuss products. SPF is going to be essential in making sure a tan is all we will be getting (and not skin cancer). “I usually just wait until the UV is above 6 and sit outside, I don’t really use products or anything because I get really dark really fast. I only really use SPF when the UV is 8 or above,” Adriana Gurrero said.
The recommended amount of SPF for tanning is between SPF 15-30, and SPF 50-70 for those with extra fair skin. Sun Bum has a very easy-to-use spray SPF that you can find at any local Target or Ulta. On top of that, apply your second tanning product. Whether you choose a thicker formula, like a cream, or opt for a thinner one, such as an oil.
Other tanning hacks can increase the speed of your tan. Getting a spray bottle with cold water and spraying yourself with it every few minutes can do wonders to keep you cool. Also, make sure to time the number of minutes you spend tanning both your front and back, ensuring an even tan. A few TikToks have surfaced showing people spicing up tanning by getting an inflatable tanning pool and filling it with water to keep cool in the hotter months.
Now you have all that you could ever need to get out there and spend time in the sun (safely). Take advantage of nature’s natural serotonin booster after a long and hard school year.