How To Tan, Safely: The Only Guide You'll Need
There’s an art to tanning. Too little sun, and you’re just lying outside like a confused lizard. Too much, and suddenly, you’re the human embodiment of a lobster. Somewhere in between? That’s the sweet spot.
At FUNBOY, we know that a great tan isn’t just about soaking up the sun — it’s about doing it right. You want the perfect balance of golden glow, ultimate relaxation, and zero regrets (because peeling skin is not the vibe).
Whether you’re stretched out poolside, floating effortlessly on the water, or perfecting the “tan, sip, repeat” routine, we’ve got the insider tips to help you tan like a pro — without the rookie mistakes.
What Happens If You Don’t Tan Safely?
Before we dive into the how, you might be wondering — why does tanning safelyeven matter? We get it — when the sun is shining, the last thing you want to think about is strategy. But if you’re not careful, what should be a next-level tan can turn into a streaky, splotchy, straight-up uncomfortable situation.
Here’s what we mean:
- Sunburn = Game Over: Instead of a sunkissed sparkle, you’re now as red as a stop sign and twice as regretful. Painful, not cute, and guaranteed to ruin your tan before it even starts.
- Peeling Means Starting Over:Work hard on your tan just to have it flake off in random patches? That’s what happens when your skin gets too dry or overexposed.
- Tan Lines That Refuse to Even Out: One arm darker than the other? A streak down your back that makes no sense? Without proper positioning and rotation, your tan can end up looking more abstract art than sun goddess.
- Fades Too Fast: You finally get that perfect bronze, only for it to vanish in days because your skin wasn’t prepped or hydrated. A little extra effort keeps your glow glowing.
Simply put, tanning safely can mean the difference between a flawless summer sheen and a week of avoiding mirrors. And if you ask us, that’s reason enough to do it right.
Do You Really Need Sunscreen To Tan?
Short answer? Yes. Long answer? Absolutely, unless you enjoy looking like a human tomato and watching your tan disappear faster than your poolside drink.
There’s a common myth that sunscreen blocks your ability to tan. It doesn’t. SPF doesn’t stop the glow — it just slows down the burn, letting your skin develop color gradually instead of frying on contact. Think of it like cooking on low heat instead of cranking the stove to high and hoping for the best.
Here’s why sunscreen is non-negotiable:
- You’ll tan more evenly.No weird blotches or random overexposed patches — just smooth, golden color.
- Your tan will actually last.A slow, buildable tan sticks around way longer than a quick-burned one that peels off in three days.
- You won’t feel like a roasted marshmallow.No stinging, no discomfort — just good vibes and great color.
The trick? Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. And if you really want to tan like a pro, stretch out on our Tanning Pool Lounger — just enough water to keep you cool while ensuring the sun hits evenly. Maximum glow, zero regrets.
How Do You Apply Sunscreen the Right Way?
Sunscreen isn’t just something you slap on and hope for the best — it’s a strategy. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start before you even step outside.Sunscreen takes about 15 minutes to sink in, so applying it when you’re already baking in the sun is too late.
- Go all in.Most people don’t use enough — aim for a shot glass worth of sunscreen for your whole body, and don’t forget spots like the tops of your feet, ears, and the back of your hands.
- Rub it in like you mean it.Spray sunscreens? Great. But if you don’t rub them in, you’re basically just misting yourself for fun.
- Reapply, reapply, reapply.Every two hours at minimum — more if you’re swimming or sweating. And no, “I put some on this morning” doesn’t count.
And if reaching your back feels like a workout? Don’t be afraid to call in reinforcements. A friend, a beach buddy, or that cute single guy walking by — consider it a public service. No one wants a streaky, uneven tan, and let’s be honest, "Can you get my back?" is the ultimate summer icebreaker.
Does the Time of Day Matter?
Not all sunlight is created equal, and if you’re just lying out whenever and hoping for the best, you’re basically rolling the dice on whether you get a tan worth bragging about or a full-body regret session. Timing is everything when it comes to tanning — here’s how to make sure you’re catching rays at the right time.
Tanning During Peak Hours (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
This is when the sun is at full power, meaning you’ll tan faster — but also burn way faster. If you’re going for the deep bronze look and don’t mind the heat, this window can work, but only if you’re playing it smart.
That means layering on sunscreen, taking breaks in the shade, and keeping your skin hydrated. Floating on one of our Water Hammocks while catching rays? Genius move. You stay cool, you stay comfy, and you don’t overheat while working on your glow.
Tanning in the Morning or Late Afternoon
Before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m., the sun is gentler, meaning a slower, more even tan with less risk of burning. It takes longer to build color, but the upside? Your skin stays happier, and your tan lasts longer. Plus, these are prime relaxation hours — less harsh light, fewer sweaty moments, and a much chiller way to soak up the sun.
Tanning on Cloudy Days
Think clouds mean you’re off the hook? Think again. Up to 80% of UV rays still reach your skin on overcast days, which means you can still tan (and burn) even if the sun isn’t blinding you.
The mistake people make? Skipping sunscreen because it “doesn’t feel that hot.” Spoiler: The burn sneaks up on you. If you’re tanning on a cloudy day, follow the same rules — SPF, hydration, and rotation are still the name of the game.
What Does Hydration Have To Do With Tanning?
Ever notice how a tan looks way better when your skin is smooth and dewy and not, you know…dry and flaky? That’s because hydrated skin holds onto color better.
When your skin is dry, it’s already in shedding mode, which means your golden-bronze moment will fade faster than your weekend plans. And if you’re out in the sun for hours? You’re losing moisture fast. That’s how you go from a sun-kissed masterpiece to a patchy, uneven mess.
The fix? Water — and lots of it. Drink up before, during, and after tanning because if you’re thirsty, your skin is begging for hydration. And don’t just rely on chugging a bottle of water — slather on a solid moisturizer, too. Pick one that locks in moisture, keeps your skin soft, and helps your sun-drenched radiance stick around longer.
And if you want to take hydration really seriously? Keep cool while you tan. Floating on our Leisure Island lets you soak up the sun without overheating because nothing says “I overdid it” like a dehydrated, dull-looking glow that vanishes in days.
So, How Long Should You Tan for the Best Results?
We talked about when to tan, covered how to do it without turning into a human toast slice, and dished on why hydration is your skin’s best friend — but how long should you actually be out there? Stay too short, and you’ll barely get a hint of color. Overdo it, and you’ll spend the next few days avoiding fitted clothing.
Here’s the sweet spot: Start with 15 to 30 minutes per side, depending on your skin tone and sun sensitivity. If you’re naturally fair, stick to the shorter end and build up gradually.
If you tan easily, you can go a little longer, but don’t push it — your skin keeps tanning even after you step out of the sun. More time baking doesn’t mean better results; it just increases the risk of burning and peeling (aka, hitting reset on all your hard work).
Rotation is key. Flip, adjust, and switch positions every so often to avoid streaky, uneven color — no one wants a sunburned front and a ghostly back. And if you really want to maximize your tan?
A Tanning Pool is a game-changer. They feature a 2-in-1 design for use on land or in water—no beach or pool required. Just grab a garden hose to create your own personal oasis and beat the heat anywhere.
Are There Safer Alternatives to Traditional Tanning?
Lying out in the sun isn’t the only way to get that sun-kissed finish. Maybe you’re short on time, your skin is ultra-sensitive, or you just want a backup plan for those cloudy days. Whatever the case, there are plenty of ways to get a just-back-from-the-beach look — without committing to hours under the sun.
Self-Tanners
A good self-tanner can give you a natural-looking tan in hours — without sun exposure. The trick? Exfoliate first, moisturize dry spots (like elbows and knees), and blend like your life depends on it. If you’re nervous about going full bronze, start with a gradual tanning lotion for a more subtle build.
Tanning Drops
Want a hint of color without a full self-tanning routine? Tanning drops mix into your regular moisturizer and develop over a few hours for an effortless, I-just-spent-the-weekend-outside vibe. Plus, you control the intensity — just add more drops for a deeper tan.
Spray Tans
If you want an all-over, even tan without the work, a spray tan is the way to go. Pros know how to customize the shade, blend everything seamlessly, and give you a flawless finish. Just wear loose clothes after your appointment, avoid sweating, and don’t shower too soon — otherwise, you’ll end up with an accidental tie-dye effect.
Bronzing Oils & Lotions
Need a temporary glow for a night out? Bronzing oils and tinted body lotions give you a sun-kissed sheen instantly — no waiting, no commitment. Just be careful with transfer (aka, don’t sit on your friend’s white couch), and you’re golden.
The Bottom Line
And there you have it — tanning, done the FUNBOY way. We’re all about making sun time effortless, comfortable, and straight-up fun, so whether you’re stretching out in the sand, floating weightlessly on a Water Hammock, or perfecting your golden hour routine, just know that a little strategy goes a long way.
Slather on the SPF, stay hydrated, and get that just-right sunkissed finish without the burn, streaks, or regrets. However you tan, do it smart, stay cool, and make every sun-drenched moment count. Now, all that’s left? Grab your lounger and claim your glow.
Sources:
How does sunscreen work, what is SPF, and can I tan with it on? | Cancer Council
Cloudy with a Chance of Sunburn | McGill | Office for Science and Society
