How to Get a Darker Tan. Power Up Your Tanning Game!

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Have you ever felt unsatisfied because of the result of your tanning session? Wish you could get a deeper, glowing tan? You’re not alone. Many people are disappointed with their tan because it just isn’t the bronze color that they wished to achieve.

Although there are limitations to tanning, there are also a few ways to get the most out of your tanning session. If you are wondering how to get a darker tan, we’re here to help.

Below we will discuss how you can get a darker tan according to the type of tanning procedure you go through.

We know you’re as excited as we are so let’s get started. But first, let’s talk about the limitation on the degree of darkness you can get out of a tan.

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How To Get A Darker Tan? Is It Possible?

Do you ever wish you can tan darker? Is it really possible or is there a limit to how dark you can go?

Well, the darkest tan you can get will depend on a variety of factors. If you are exposing your body to UV rays from the sun or from a tanning bed, that will depend on the melanin in your body.

If your body is able to produce a lot of melanin at a rapid rate, then you can expect a darker tan.

If you are tanning using tanning lotions, sunless tanners like Mystic Tan (which we reviewed here), or spray tans, the dark color will usually depend on what kind of solution you use.

There are different levels available for most solutions.

However, even with the darkest level, you still may not be as dark or as light as your friend who’d use the same product.

That’s because it will still depend on your skin tone and how your skin reacts to the tanning formula.

Is There A Limit As To How Dark You Can Tan?

Yes, everyone has their tanning limit. Those with more melanin in their skin will naturally get darker than those with less.

There’s just no way someone with Scandanavian roots can get as dark as someone with Nigerian roots, even if they were to stay in the sun all day every day.

Even sunless tanners eventually hit a wall that can’t get darker.

How To Get a Dark Tan

Although the darkness of your tan will vary and will be limited due to your skin, there are still some things you can do to ensure that you get a darker tan than you usually would.

Here we list some tips depending on the method of tanning you go for.

Get Dark in the Sun

Of all tanning methods, this is the OG. In order to get a darker tan out of this method, you should make sure that your skin is well protected. You can get cancer from sun tanning, and you should use sunscreen, potentially one with a lotion or bronzer .

Although the skin is protected, it will still tan quickly. This should be reapplied to make sure you are still protected.

Depending on your natural skin color and the level of your base tan, you can expose yourself to some sun without sunscreen without damage, and with benefits. But after that short time, you need to cover up or otherwise protect yourself. This is particularly true if you choose tan-through swimwear.

For this method, you should remember to change positions to get that even tan. It is also advised to tan at around 10 am to 4 pm when the sun is fully visible. However, make sure you protect your skin as well as your eyes while tanning.

After sun tanning, proper care for your skin should also be done. Keep your skin moisturized and your body well hydrated.

You’ll need to go out for several sessions in order to get your tan. Regular, methodical exposure will get you further than an extended soak in the sun.

When you have a hard time going darker, you may want to reach for a Tingle Tanning Lotion. These lotions produce a strange tingling sensation and can amplify your tan. See some of our favorites here.

Dakren With a Self-Tanner

Self-tanners like Fake Bake Darker and Bondi Sands Foam are other ways to get a dark tan. And you can do it in the comfort of your own home.

You don’t have to expose yourself to the sun or UV light to achieve the darker color that you’d like. Self-tanners have DHA that works on the dead skin cells and produce a darker pigment.

To achieve a darker tan through this method, it is best to properly select the self-tanner to use. There are many different brands and they come in different forms. Some are lotions, gels, sprays, oils, foams, mousse. You’ll have to try a few to figure out the best formulation for your skin.

The problem is that if you have really fair skin, if you aim for glorious sun-kissed bronze, you may land on Orange Goblin by accident.

Don’t push too far, and be sure to start light and then go darker. You can’t just jump to 100% MAX DARK if you have super fair skin. It just won’t work.

Self-tanners can make you look tan but the results will not last forever. It is best to reapply the self-tanner to darken the shade. You also need to reapply the self-tanner to maintain the color that you want.

Rock a Dark Spray Tan

Another way to get a tan is with the use of a spray tan. These are similar to the self-tanners as they also work by using DHA to produce the tan. It is much safer than UV tanning, and there are few risks.

Spray tanning is usually done at the salon or through a mobile tanning service, although there are also at-home units you can purchase.

In order to get a darker shade with this method, it is best to exfoliate the skin to remove the dead skin cells. That way, your tan will last longer because the skin cells that remain are newer and won’t need to be shed immediately.

Proper selection of the shade you want will also affect the darkness of the tan color. Additionally, if you really want to go darker, a few more layers might be needed.

Like with sunless tanning, if you push too dark, you can land on icky orange. Remember that the tan doesn’t immediately show and will just develop in a few hours. Like other tanning procedures, the tan produce isn’t permanent so touch-ups may be necessary.

Use a Tanning Bed To Darken Your Skin

The tanning bed is another option and is quite similar to sun tanning because it utilizes UV light. Like with sun tanning, you can certainly get cancer from a tanning bed. Use caution.

The best way to get a darker tan with this method is to use anaccelerator . The accelerator will help the skin to tan faster. It also contains protective ingredients that prevent your skin from drying out.

Similar to the other methods, aftercare for tanned skin is important. This is true not only when you’re aiming for a darker tan, but also to help make the tan last longer.

You need to get regular, repeated sessions to get a dark tan. Use accelerators, of course, but a steady plan will get you better results than an extended bake.

Make sure that you are well hydrated and your skin is moisturized. That will also result in better-looking skin because it would give you a glow.

Final Thoughts

Pale skin isn’t your thing. It’s time to get that deep bronze glow!

There are different ways to get a tan but sometimes we may not be satisfied with the tan you develop. The good news is that there are ways to get a darker tan depending on the method you use.

By following the tips above, you can improve the result from your tanning sessions.

Remember that your skin tone itself could limit the darkness of the tan you achieve. If you push too far with the wrong techniques, you can get… an unflattering color, to say the least.

Good luck, stay persistent, and get dark!