The best time to tan is early morning or late afternoon when the UV index is low. Tanning during these times will result in a slower but safer tan. The sun's rays are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm, when the sun is at its peak in the sky. During these times, your skin is more susceptible to burning.
To further protect your skin, it's important to consider the UV index. The UV index ranges from 1 to 11+, with higher numbers indicating stronger UV rays.
- UV index between 3-5: You could burn in about 45 minutes.
- UV index 6-7: You could burn in about 30 minutes.
- UV index 8-11: You could burn in about 15-25 minutes.
It is generally recommended to limit sun exposure during peak hours and tan for 20 minutes every 3 hours.
Remember to always wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, drink plenty of water, and roll over frequently to avoid getting burnt.