The time it takes to tan depends on several factors, including your skin tone, the climate you’re in, whether you’re wearing sunscreen, and how close you are to the equator.

Many people tan because they enjoy it as a hobby, or they like the aesthetics of tanned skin.

Tanning is the process by which the skin becomes darker due to exposure to UV rays from sunlight or a tanning bed. Exposure to UV rays triggers cells called melanocytes to produce melanin, which makes the skin darker.

However, prolonged exposure to UV rays may pose several risks, some of which may require medical attention. If you decide to spend time tanning in the sun, you can reduce some of the risks by learning to tan quickly.

Keep reading to learn more about how long it takes to get a tan and how to reduce the risks.

Healthcare professionals sometimes use the Fitzpatrick scale to assess a person’s risk of sunburn and UV-related complications. The scale classifies risk into six categories based on the “fairness,” or tone, of your skin.

This scale may also help determine how likely and when you are to tan before sunburn begins.

In general, people with very light skin tones are at a higher risk of sunburn than people with darker skin tones. This also means that people with tanned skin may be exposed to the sun for longer periods before experiencing sunburn.

The chart below shows how long people with different skin tones can stay exposed to the sun without wearing any protection before experiencing sunburn. It also shows how likely your skin is to tan before it burns.

Skin class Exposure time
1• Burn: 10 minutes
• Tan: No tan
2• Burn: 20 minutes
• Tan: Moderate tan
3• Burn: 30 minutes
• Tan: Easy to tan
4• Burn: 50 minutes
• Tan: Likely to have a “dark” tan
5 + 6• Burn: Longer than 60 minutes
• Tan: Skin won’t tan, or become “darker,” than it is

Aside from your skin tone, several factors can influence how long it takes for you to tan. Some are related to certain lifestyle habits, while others are tied to the climate in which you’re in.

Here are six factors that influence tanning:

  • Altitude: The sun’s rays are stronger at higher altitudes, which can make tanning and burning happen more quickly.
  • Environment: Being around sand, water, or snow may influence how much you tan due to the amount of UV rays being reflected off the surface. For instance, the maximum amount for snow is 80%, sand 25%, water 20%, and grass 10%.
  • Outdoor sports: Regularly playing outdoor sports, especially water-based sports, is associated with higher tanning and sunburn rates. This includes more than 30 minutes of sun exposure on weekdays and 3 hours per weekend day.
  • Time of day: The angle of the sun and time of day also matter. For instance, the sun’s UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and the closer you are to the equator, the more likely you are to tan or burn.
  • Total exposure time: The more direct sun exposure you have without a break in the shade, the more likely you are to burn or tan.
  • Sun protection: A sunscreen’s SPF can influence how much you tan. The higher the SPF, the longer it takes until you burn and, therefore, tan.

A note on indoor tanning machines

Indoor tanning machines, such as beds, sun lamps, and booths, are not safer than the sun.

Indoor tanning machines expose the body to high levels of UVA rays that are linked to skin cancer. In fact, they may increase the risk of developing some types of skin cancer by up to 58%.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and other healthcare organizations also categorize tanning beds as carcinogenic.

You can achieve the look of a tan by getting a spray tan or using a bronzing lotion that includes DHA.

Learn more: Safe and effective self-tanning options

Learning how to safely tan faster may reduce the time you need to spend in the sun or a tanning bed, which could reduce your exposure to harmful rays.

Keep in mind that getting a “base tan” does not reduce your risk of sunburn or other skin damage. Also, sunless tanning pills are not safe, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

Here are some tips that may help you tan faster:

  • Exfoliate before tanning so your tan doesn’t flake off.
  • Use at least 1 ounce of SFP 30, which is low enough that you still should tan, but should not burn quickly.
  • Change positions frequently so you don’t burn one part of your body.
  • Eat foods that contain beta-carotene, such as carrots, which can slightly naturally darken the skin.
  • Tan between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest. But this time of day is also the most dangerous and damaging for your skin, so be sure to apply sunscreen at least every 2 hours during this period.
»More on this:How to tan faster

Tanning has risks, especially if you don’t wear sunscreen. Even when wearing SPF, UV rays can still be damaging. Some risks associated with tanning may include:

Yes, this may be enough time to tan, but it’s important to wear sunscreen. If you have a very light skin tone and don’t wear sunscreen, you may burn in fewer than 10 minutes.

You may tan faster in the water because water reflects up to 20% of UV rays.

Most people can tan after being in the sun for 1 to 2 hours, but this will depend on factors like skin tone, time of day, altitude, and geographic region.

Burns and tans may take a while to set in, so if you don’t see color immediately, it doesn’t mean you’re not getting any color or should use a lower SPF sunscreen.

Any type of tanning has risks, including skin cancer. If you decide to tan outdoors, doing so for a shorter time period may reduce the risk of damage. Remember to wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and drink plenty of water.

Tanning beds are also classified as carcinogenic and deliver a very high dose of UVA rays, so consider limiting your time in them.