Nothing looks better than a perfect, even tan during summer swimsuit season. What most people don’t know, however, is that most people have to work for months to make that tan happen.
Tanning is relatively easy; you put in the time and use the right products and get good results. The perfect tan is more elusive. An even tan without lines, splotches, or burns takes skill and dedication.
In addition to weather challenges, people eventually realize that different people don’t always tan the same way. Getting the perfect tan must take skin tone and other factors into account.
We’ve put together this list to help you get a perfect tan and maintain it all year. Here are some ways to improve your tanning results and get to your ideal shade faster.
Maximize Your Time in the Sun
One mistake people make when tanning is not understanding when the sun gives out the strongest UV rays. So, for example, if you tan in the early morning, it can be bright outside, but you won’t tan as much.
In many cases, the best tanning window stretches from late morning to mid-afternoon. The sun is the strongest, and it will tan you faster. If you hit those spots when the UV rays are most powerful, you won’t have to spend as much time outside.
Use Tanning Technology
Did you know that some fantastic apps help you get the perfect tan?
Right now, you can download apps that track how much time you’re tanning to prevent burns and keep your skin safe. You can select your skin tone, how long you are tanning, and what type of sun tan lotion you use. Then, it considers all of these factors and tells you how long you should stay outside per session.
Lots of people fall asleep when they’re tanning, so you can also download an app that will send you reminders and wake you up when it’s time to apply lotion or oil. It helps eliminate distractions at the beach and protects your skin.
UV map tracking apps also track weather conditions to tell you about the UV index. Based on your skin health score, it will warn you if the UV index is too high and how long you should stay out in the sun.
Picking the Right Lotion & Oil
People with the best tans have consistent skin care regimens they follow. If you’re always changing brands and SPF levels, it’s harder to know how long you should stay outside and what your tan will look like the next day.
If you’re committed to getting the perfect tan, you should invest in high-quality products that will protect your skin and maximize your time under the sun. Most people tend to use a mix of both lotions and oils when they’re tanning. They alternate between the two to get a nice, even tan.
Moisturize Regularly
It’s important to moisturize regularly when you’re not tanning to prevent peeling or flaky skin. We’ve all seen those people who tan too much and fail to moisturize. They have scaly skin that only gets worse with age.
To combat this, you need to be using a premium moisturizer daily. If possible, apply lotion to your skin multiple times a day, especially when you’re outside tanning a lot. Get it on every part of your body, not just your face and arms. Ask someone to help with your back to ensure you get every spot.
Make putting lotion on part of your morning routine and apply the lotion again before you go to bed. It will become a regular habit, and your skin will look better now and down the road as you age.
Research Peptides
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that facilitate certain processes in the body. For example, Melanotan 2 (MT-2) https://www.peptidesciences.com/melanotan-2-10mg is a synthetic analog of the alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. It was initially developed in the 1980s as a sunless tanning option.
More research discovered that MT-2 works so well because it binds to what are called MC-1R receptors in the body to stimulate skin and hair darkening.
Supplementing with Tanning Salons
What happens if you want a perfect tan but live somewhere it snows in the winter? For most people, the only option is to use a tanning salon. You can either use tanning beds or get a spray tan at salons.
The beds are the best long-term option, but spray tans are great for when you need to look tanned for something like a wedding or graduation.
Some people love the look of using tanning beds, and others prefer natural tans. Look online for salons near you and read reviews to find the best places to go. Many salons have new member prices, or you can save money on recurring membership.
Getting the perfect tan takes work, but using the right products and knowing when to be outside will help you get there faster. Then, stick with it all year to get the perfect tan when you need it. Typically, you should start tanning early in the season to get a comprehensive tan that will last for months.