Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Preparing and Protecting Your Skin
• Method 2 of 3: Tan Smart
• Method 3 of 3: Precautions

Don't let a cloudy sky get in the way of your tanning desire. Because the sun's rays penetrate the clouds, tanning on cloudy days is no different than tanning on sunny days. Exfoliating and moisturizing your skin prepares it for tanning. Start sunbathing in the morning before the sun is bad for your skin. Keep in mind that tanning is essentially skin damage, so don't sunbathe too often and be sure to use sunscreen.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Preparing and Protecting Your Skin

1. 1 Get rid of dead skin cells 1-2 days before tanning. Use a gel scrub (available from most pharmacies) one or two days before tanning to remove dead skin cells.The importance of exfoliation is that it removes dead skin cells that can block the sun's rays, regardless of the weather outside. This can lead to uneven tanning.
   • Avoid rubbing too hard to loosen your existing tan.
   • If you prefer a more natural scrub, mix ground almonds or coffee with regular shower gel.
2. 2 Moisturize your skin the night before tanning. Since tanning is essentially skin damage, your skin should be as healthy as possible before tanning. Apply your regular moisturizer all over your body the day before your tan. Pay special attention to problem areas such as knees and shoulders.
   • For maximum effect, buy a tanning lotion specifically formulated to moisturize your skin in the sun. If you think that it is of no use in cloudy weather, do not forget that the sun's rays pass through the clouds. While you are outdoors, you are not protected from the sun even on cloudy days.
3. 3 Drink plenty of water. Drink more water than usual the day before tanning. The more hydrated your skin is, the better. Thanks to this, the skin will not dry out during tanning.
4. 4 Before tanning, apply a layer of sunscreen on your skin. Don't neglect sunscreen, even on cloudy days. With sunscreen, you not only get a light tan, but also protect your skin from harmful sun rays. For proper sun protection, use enough cream to cover your entire body.
5. 5 Choose a safe sunscreen. Use a sunscreen that protects your skin from UV-A and UV-B rays. An SPF 30 sunscreen should provide you with adequate protection. Creams with an SPF higher than 30 do not provide significantly more sun protection than sunscreen with an SPF 30.

Method 2 of 3: Tan Smart

1. 1 Sunbathe in the morning. Whatever the weather, it's best to sunbathe early in the morning. It is recommended to sunbathe before 10 am as the sun is more harmful after this time.
2. 2 Choose an open space. Find a place with the least amount of clouds. If it's cloudy outside, look for small visible glimpses of the sun. In addition, the suitable location should not be obstructed by trees or shadows from buildings.
3. 3 Do not sunbathe still. Do not lie in one place while tanning, as this can lead to uneven tanning. Change your position periodically so that all parts of your body are tanned evenly. For example, if you are lying on your back, roll over onto your side. After a few minutes, roll over onto the other side and then onto your back.
4. 4 Aim for an even tan. Sunbathe for 20-30 minutes on each side for an even tan. In doing so, beware of possible redness on the skin. If you notice redness, roll over to the other side or take a break. The skin should tan, not burn.
5. 5 Take breaks every 20-30 minutes. Don't stay in the sun for a long time. Skin damage from prolonged sun exposure increases the risk of skin cancer. Every 20-30 minutes, go indoors or stand in the shade for a few minutes so that your skin can rest.
   • Follow this rule even in cloudy weather. The sun's rays are strong enough to pass through the clouds with ease.
6. 6 Take a shower and moisturize your skin. When you're done sunbathing, go inside and take a quick shower. Wash off any lotions and oils from your skin that may clog pores with prolonged contact. Moisturize your skin after showering as it is likely sun-dried.
   • It doesn't matter which shower you take - hot or cold.

Method 3 of 3: Precautions

1. 1 Protect your eyes with sunglasses. Even on cloudy days, the eyes need protection from the sun. If you plan on spending time outside during the daytime, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun's harmful rays.
2. 2 Apply sunscreen to your skin throughout the day. Read the instructions on the package of the cream to find out how often you need to apply it. Sunscreen should be reapplied throughout the day to help protect your skin from the sun.
   • But if you sweat or decide to go swimming, the sunscreen will wash off and you will have to reapply it.
3. 3 Do not sunbathe between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. Peak sun activity occurs between 10 am and 4 pm. During this period of the day, the sun's rays are most harmful to the skin. Do not sunbathe during this time to avoid skin cancer. The sun is very harmful during these hours, despite the weather.
4. 4 Check the expiration date of your sunscreen. According to a common misconception, sunscreen never goes bad, when in fact it is the same cosmetic product as others, and therefore it has a shelf life. Be sure to check the expiration date of your sunscreen. If it has expired, purchase a new package.