This Is The Best Time To Get A Tan In The Sun

Having tan skin can remind us of summer BBQ's, beach vacations, and lazy afternoons by the pool. Your sun-kissed skin may bring back a warm nostalgia and look great, but according to Healthline, there are no health benefits to getting a tan. No benefits, but there are risks — including sunburn, dehydration, and premature aging. Of course the risks can be minimized by staying hydrated and wearing proper protection. So keep this in mind when getting what a lot of us consider to be the best accessory to summer. 

If you're wondering when is the best time of day to get a tan is, it's fully dependent on what your goals are. As it turns out, the phrase "get it while it's hot" doesn't apply to getting a tan safely. As stated by GQ, the best time of the day to get a tan is actually when the sun starts to set. Dermatologist Heather Rogers, of MD in Seattle agrees, noting, "In general, as the sun drops in the sky, its rays are less direct, thus less radiation reaches your part of the earth." She warns, however, "This does not mean there is no radiation, though." Less radiation makes for a safer tan, especially for those with fair or sensitive skin.

If a "safe tan" is your biggest priority, but your busiest time of the day happens to be when the sun is setting, don't stress. Not only does the early bird catch the worm, but apparently, the early bird can also catch the safest rays as well. Light Therapy Device shares that the American Cancer Society recommends tanning before 10am. You'll get safer (less direct) UV rays, and, as a bonus, it will almost guaranteed to be less crowded by the pool.

If a safe tan isn't your goal, and you are looking to soak in the highest amount of rays in the shortest amount of time, then free up your afternoon. Healthline shares that the best time to tan quickly is when the sun is at its peak hours between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. But do be careful to use a good amount of sunscreen (and reapply when necessary). And protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses or a wide brimmed hat.

So, high and fast or slow and safe. Luckily for us, there are many times through out the day we can achieve our desired sun-kissed glow.