How to use tanning oil

What should you apply before going outside?

1. 1Choose water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and broad spectrum protection, meaning protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Check that it has not expired.
2. 2Apply sunscreen before going outdoors, allowing about 15 minutes before sun exposure. Follow the product's directions.
3. 3Use enough to cover all exposed skin. Most adults need at least about 1 ounce for skin not covered by clothing, with more needed depending on body size. For the face, use at least 1 teaspoon.
4. 4Rub sunscreen in thoroughly. Cover the neck, ears, tops of the feet and legs as well as the face. Ask someone to help with your back. Use SPF 30 lip balm on the lips.
5. 5Reapply every two hours outdoors and immediately after swimming or sweating. Reapply after towel drying or when sunscreen has rubbed off, even if the bottle says water resistant.

Wear a hat, sunglasses and clothing that covers your skin. Spend time in shade when the sun is strongest; in the UK, that is generally 11am to 3pm from March to October. Do not extend your time in the sun because you are wearing sunscreen.3

Does tanning oil work?

Tanning oil is not effective sun protection. Oils offer either no UV protection or very little, and tanning oils typically have SPF 8, below the recommended SPF 30. There is no reliable time to promise a tan from an unspecified oil. Skin can darken over the 48 hours after UV exposure, but that is a response to damage, not a safe result to aim for.56

What does tanning oil do?

Using tanning oil for sunbathing still exposes your skin to UV rays. The tan develops when your skin produces more melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour, in response to that exposure. A base tan does not prevent sunburn. Repeated UV exposure also contributes to wrinkles, dark spots and skin cancer.4

Can you use coconut oil for tanning?

Do not use coconut oil instead of sunscreen. Homemade coconut oil sunscreens do not offer effective sun protection. Treat coconut oil as separate from your sun protection, not as a way to make sunbathing safe.5

Can you use sunscreen and tanning oil together?

Sunscreen does not make tanning oil assisted sunbathing safe. No sunscreen blocks all UV rays, so you can still tan or burn while wearing it. For application order, follow the directions for the exact products rather than assuming oil belongs above or below sunscreen. Keep sunscreen amounts and reapplication unchanged.37

Who should take extra care?

Take extra care if you burn easily, have many moles, have a family history of skin cancer or have a medical condition affecting your skin. Certain medicines increase sun sensitivity. People of every skin tone need protection; darker skin does not make someone immune to skin cancer.357

When should you stop and get help?

Leave the sun if skin becomes unusually warm, tender or painful. Full sunburn effects can take 6 to 48 hours to appear, so do not wait for obvious redness. Seek medical help for blistering, severe swelling or feeling unwell. Extensive blistering with headache, fever or chills needs urgent medical attention.36

How can you get colour without sun tanning?

Choose a sunless tanning lotion or gel instead. Sunless colour does not require a tanning session, which lets the beach remain a place rather than a beauty appointment. Keep sunless tanner out of your eyes, nose and mouth, and avoid inhaling spray tan mist. The colour does not protect against UV rays, so continue using sunscreen outdoors.47