How to Tan Without Burning: A Lower Risk Approach

Updated 21 September 2026

Why burning never gives a better tan

Tanning is triggered by UV doses below the level that burns. Once you reach your burn point, extra time adds damage and peeling, not colour. A burn that peels takes the tanned outer layer of skin with it.

A lower risk routine

1. Know your skin type. Types I and II burn quickly and tan poorly, so gains are small and risks are high. See our skin type guide.
2. Check the UV index first. Our guide to the UV index for tanning explains why higher is not better.
3. Wear sunscreen. You still tan through SPF, just more slowly and with less damage.
4. Set a hard stop. Stay well below your estimated burn time. Leave earlier if your skin feels warm or tight.
5. Turn over and move to shade. Do not bake one side.
6. Leave gaps between days. Colour develops over 24 to 72 hours, so what you see at the end of a session is not the final result.

Warning signs to get out of the sun

• skin feels hot, tight or prickly
• any pinkness, even faint
• headache, dizziness or feeling unusually tired

A sunless option

Self-tanners with DHA give colour without UV. They offer no sun protection, so you still need sunscreen outside.

How UV Safe Tan sets your stopping point

Switch the sun timer to Tan and UV Safe Tan stops at about 70 percent of your estimated burn dose, based on your skin type, SPF and the live UV forecast. It counts down on your Lock Screen and alerts you when time is up, so you are not guessing while your eyes are closed.

UV Safe Tan is coming soon

Live UV index for where you are, a burn timer set by your skin type and SPF, reapply reminders, a tan timer that stops before you burn, and Home Screen widgets. For iPhone and iPad.

Coming soon to theApp Store

More guides