Table of Contents
You want to get a quick tan and are probably wondering how to achieve this without any risk. We'll show you the most effective methods and practical strategies to get a fast tan without endangering your skin.
Getting a Tan Quickly in the Sun – The Best Methods
Achieving a beautiful, brown skin tone is actually quicker than you think with the right preparation. With smart tricks and reliable sun protection, you'll soon achieve impressive results. This is how you get an even and natural tan in just a few days.

When and for how long to sunbathe for a quick tan?
Timing is crucial – so start on the first day with just 15 minutes. Increase the duration by about 10 minutes daily. Many want to know: How do you get a tan extremely quickly without risking a sunburn? With this gentle build-up, you achieve a long-lasting tan.
The best times for your sunbath are in the morning before 11 AM and in the afternoon from 4 PM. During these phases, the UV rays are weaker but still effective. You should avoid the intense midday sun, as the radiation is particularly aggressive then.
Oil and Tanning Accelerators for Faster Tanning
After applying sunscreen, you can use a quick tanning oil, for example, classic coconut oil. Such oils reflect sun rays more strongly and accelerate the tanning process. This makes you visibly tanner faster.
Special creams with natural extracts or beta-carotene can also support the tanning process. Ideally, you apply them directly before sunbathing. In combination with the appropriate protection, this creates a healthy and beautiful tan.
- Apply cream regularly: Reapply your sunscreen every two hours, especially after swimming.
- Drink plenty of water: Your skin needs moisture from within, especially during sunbathing.
- Take breaks in the shade: Even in the shade, you still receive about 30% of the UV radiation. The tanning progresses gently, while the risk of sunburn decreases.
- Avoid hot showers: Water that is too hot can irritate freshly tanned skin and cause the color to fade more quickly.
The UV index shows you the current intensity of the sun's rays. From level 3, sufficient SPF is mandatory. Since even cloud cover only slightly shields UV rays, daily protection is essential.
Utilize the Environment – Water, Sand, and Altitude
You will tan significantly faster by the water or on the beach, as water and light sand effectively reflect the sun's rays. However, remember that sunscreen washes off faster in water, and you should reapply it more frequently.
At higher altitudes, UV radiation increases – the intensity noticeably rises by 300 meters in altitude. So, when hiking in the mountains, you can also tan more easily. Especially in snow, a high SPF and regular reapplication are indispensable.
Magic Tan® 3X Set (Year's Supply)
- ✓ Vegan, for sensitive skin
- ✓ Mix-it-into-your-cream principle, dose intensity yourself
- ✓ From Switzerland · 360 applications · Year's supply
Getting a Tan Quickly on Legs and Face – Skincare Tips
Naturally, legs and face often tan at different rates. However, with the right preparation, you can achieve a beautiful, even tan all over your body. The routine directly before sunbathing ultimately determines a patchy or perfect tan.

Preparing Skin for Even Tanning on Legs
If you want to get a quick tan on your legs, you should start with a thorough exfoliation two to three days beforehand. This measure removes old skin cells and improves the skin's receptiveness to sunlight. Well-prepared skin achieves a deeper and more even tan.
- Thorough exfoliation: Gently remove old skin cells before sunbathing – this significantly improves tanning.
- Extra moisturizing lotion: Apply intensive cream to dry areas like knees and ankles to prevent dark spots when tanning.
- Continue gentle exfoliation: Careful re-exfoliation after the first hours in the sun promotes a beautiful, long-lasting tan and keeps the skin supple.
After exfoliating, a rich, moisturizing body lotion is absolutely recommended. It strengthens the natural skin barrier and ensures that the sun's rays can work more evenly. This is especially important for the often dry legs to avoid unsightly spots.
Tanning the Face Quickly – Care and Sun Protection
The sensitive facial skin needs special attention for a beautiful tan. A mineral sunscreen with zinc or titanium dioxide is ideal. It protects the skin immediately and reliably, without a long absorption time.
For sports activities or swimming, chemical sun filters are often better. A tinted day cream with SPF effectively protects against the sun and immediately gives you a naturally tanned complexion while you tan underneath.
- Mineral sun protection: Works immediately and is perfect for quick face protection.
- Reapply frequently: Apply a new layer of sunscreen every two hours to protect sensitive skin.
- After-sun lotion with Aloe Vera: Apply after sunbathing – moisturizes and helps the tan last longer.
Drinking enough water is essential when sunbathing. At least 1.5 liters daily support skincare from within and contribute to a healthy tan without drying out the skin.
Getting a Tan Very Quickly – Nutrition and Self-Tanner
The recipe for success is to promote a natural tan from within and skillfully combine it with quick results from the outside. With the right nutrition and high-quality self-tanners, you protect your skin and achieve quick tanning effects.

Beta-Carotene Nutrition for Quick Internal Tanning
Many people ask themselves: "How do you get a tan very quickly?" A good start is your daily diet, because valuable beta-carotene supports the body's own melanin production. You can achieve an even tan by regularly eating carrots, bell peppers, and leafy greens.
- Carrots and sweet potatoes: Two to three servings daily provide you with about 30 mg of beta-carotene per week.
- Red bell peppers and mangoes: These natural carotenoid sources effectively and gently improve skin color from within.
- Kale and spinach: Both vegetables are rich in antioxidants and offer skin protection while you gradually tan.
| Food | Beta-carotene per serving | Amount per day | Tanning effect |
| Carrot | approx. 10 mg | 1 carrot | Good |
| Sweet potato | approx. 11 mg | 1 medium | Very good |
| Red bell pepper | approx. 3.6 mg | ½ bell pepper | Good |
| Mango | approx. 5 mg | ½ mango | Good |
| Raw spinach | approx. 6 mg | 1 handful | Very good |
After about six weeks, the first effect becomes visible – your skin gets a beautiful golden shimmer. Beta-carotene also acts as an antioxidant and offers light skin protection against harmful effects of the sun. If you combine it with citrus fruits rich in Vitamin C, your body can absorb the carotene significantly better.
Self-Tanner as a Quick Alternative to Sun Tan
For speedy results, modern self-tanners are ideal – they provide an immediate and safe finish. This way, you get tanned much faster, without any risk of sunburn or intense UV radiation. Often, the results are visible after just a few hours and last for several days.
- Premium Self-Tanning Drops: These drops from Switzerland simply mix with your day cream for flexible and natural color.
- Thorough exfoliation beforehand: Removing old skin cells ensures an even result. It's best to wear gloves to avoid discoloration.
- Moisturizing care afterwards: Nourishing lotions not only keep tanned skin supple but also make the tan last longer.
Self-tanners with DHA are a gentle solution to build a soft tan. This way, you completely avoid the risk of sunburn and determine your desired shade yourself. To start, you should test the product on a small skin area as a precaution.
Magic Tan® 3X Set (Year's Supply)
- ✓ Vegan, for sensitive skin
- ✓ Mix-it-into-your-cream principle, dose intensity yourself
- ✓ From Switzerland · 360 applications · Year's supply
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to get a quick tan?
The perfect time to soak up the sun and get a quick tan is before 11 AM or after 4 PM. During these times, the sun's radiation is milder, but still strong enough for a noticeable tan. At midday, however, the risk of a painful sunburn increases significantly, even if you still get a tan with a high sun protection factor.
Can I get a tan in 20 minutes?
You'll hardly get a visible tan in just 20 minutes; real results simply take a bit more time. If you truly want to get a quick tan, it's better to spend short periods in the sun daily and gradually extend the duration. This way, you'll slowly build up a beautiful, long-lasting, and fast tan.
What best supports the tanning process?
The most effective way to support the tanning process is with the right sunscreen; especially fair skin needs a high SPF. Additionally, sufficient water, regular breaks in the shade, and good skincare promote tanning. With this combination, you'll achieve a healthy tan that stays fresh and radiant for a long time.