The Calissa FAQ Guide to getting the Perfect Summer Tan

The Calissa FAQ Guide to getting the Perfect Summer Tan

Here at Calissa, we’ve written a guide based on some of the most common questions about the best tanning methods, how tanning works, skin types, and some general tanning tips you’ll need for your tanning sessions out in the sun this summer. So whether you’re on sunbeds, parks with friends, or just out in the garden, here’s how to get the perfect bronze tint to your skin.

What is a tan, and how do you get one?

THE SCIENCE: The Sun’s rays contain two types of UV (Ultraviolet) radiation that reach your skin: UVA, and UVB. UVB radiation burns the upper layers of the skin, causing the famous reddish sunburn. UVA radiation is what actually makes people tan, penetrating to the lower layers of the skin. Here, they trigger skin cells called melanocytes into producing melanin, the browning pigment that creates tanning.
Melanin is the body’s way of protecting skin from burning. People with more melanin in their skin can tan more deeply than lighter-skinned people, but just because someone doesn’t burn does not mean they are protected against skin cancer or other problems - UVA damage is the main factor in premature skin ageing, dry skin, and in fact most of the difference you see in skin between generations is due to sun, not age!

How long does it take to tan?

How long it takes you to tan outside will depend on your skin type and the climate in which you’re tanning. The major indicator of whether a person will burn or tan is skin colour, the darker the less likely to burn.
However, you may burn or tan in as little as 10 minutes if you’re not wearing sun protection with SPF (sun protection factor). Most people will tan within a few hours.

A few other factors that influence tanning include:

Altitude, as the sun’s rays are stronger at higher altitudes;
Humidity, as weather that‘s naturally hydrating may make tanning happen faster, and will keep a tan from fading;
Sun Angle and time of day, the closer you are to the equator, the more likely you are to tan or burn, and the sun is strongest from 10am-4pm;
Shade, the more direct sun exposure you have without a break in the shade, the more likely you are to burn or tan;
Sunscreen’s SPF, the higher the SPF, the longer you have until you start to burn. SPF 30 protects your skin 30 times more than if you were not wearing anything.

Are there any ways or tips to tan faster?

Bear in mind - getting a base tan does not reduce your risk of sunburn or other skin damage.

Some ways to tan faster include:

Exfoliate before you tan, to clear dead skin out of the way and making sure your tan doesn’t flake off (Try D R Harris Exfoliating Cream,, which does not contain Aloe Vera - Aloe Vera is a popular ingredient for lightening or removing a tan!);
Use 1 ounce of SPF 30, rather than SPF50, SPF 30 being low enough that you will still tan but protect you from burning;
Change positions frequently so you don’t burn one part of your body;
Eat foods that contain beta carotene, a plant pigment that gives vegetables their bright shades. Beta carotene is a nutrient that's really easy for the body to convert into vitamin A. Foods high in beta carotene could be kale, spinach, sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, or red and yellow peppers;
Don’t stay outside for longer than your skin can create melanin. Everyone has a melanin limit, which is usually 2-3 hours. After this point, your skin will not get darker and you’ll start putting your skin in harm’s way;

How long do tans last?

Usually, a tan achieved through sunbathing outside lasts 7-10 days before the natural exfoliation of the skin’s outer layer will reduce it.
Some tips to keep a tan from fading include:

Use moisturiser, because hydrated skin will slow your body’s exfoliation. Try Institut Esthederm AfterSun Repair Anti-Wrinkle Face Care and;
Avoid hot showers, which dehydrate skin.

Does Sunburn turn into tan?

Whether a sunburn turns into a tan isn't really something you can control at all, unfortunately. Generally, the darker your skin type, the more likely a burn will turn into a tan, up to the point where you might never burn. For reference, the Fitzpatrick Skin Type Scale says that the crossover point of burns becoming tans is around FST 3, which is defined by a skin colour of fair-to-beige, with golden undertones, hair colour of dark blond, light brown, and eye colours of hazel or light brown. If you are platinum blonde, red headed, or have blue, grey or green eyes, it’s much less likely your sunburn will turn into tans.

Can you tan through a window, or clouds?

No, and Yes. Most windows in buildings block out around 97% of UVB rays, and 37% of UVA rays. Car windows block slightly less, but to tan you will likely have to set up in the garden, park, or at the beach. However, over 90% of UV rays can pass through a light cloud and cause sunburn, so it's advised by most skincare agencies to wear sunscreen every day of summer, even if the sky is not perfectly clear. Try UltraSun High Sun Protection for Sensitive Skin SPF 30

How do I apply sunscreen?

Firstly, be sure to apply sunscreen before going outdoors - It takes about 15 minutes for your skin to absorb the sunscreen. If you are already outside, try to apply the lotion within 20 minutes of being outside.
Most adults need about 1 ounce, or a shot glass’ worth, to fully protect their whole body. Rub the sunscreen thoroughly into your skin. Remember your neck, face, ears, tops of your feet, and legs. For hard-to-reach areas like your back, get help from a friend. To protect your lips, apply a lip balm with a protection of at least SPF 15. Try Ultrasun UltraLip Lip Protection SPF 30.
Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, and after going in water.

Are Tan pills safe?

The problem with tanning is that it requires the sun, so a lot of beauty enthusiasts look for innovations in sunless tanning, looking to find that secret recipe that could work all year long.
However, Tanning pills that claim to speed up the body’s production of melanin or darken the skin should be avoided. Technically, they may work, but as they work inside out rather than outside-in, you may end up more orange than bronze. Their ingredients may also lead to side effects, like liver or eye damage.

Is Fake Tan safe?

The common opinion amongst dermatologists is that Fake Tans and spray tans are safe, especially compared to tan pills or or going out without sun cream. It can also work well with sensitive skin, and so the biggest risk is really that you apply the fake tan poorly, leaving an orange glow instead. To avoid that, use an applicator mitt. This also stops muddy hands, which might give the game away.
It’s also recommended to apply a gentle exfoliator or body scrub before you apply the fake tan, because it will create a smooth base that stops too much absorption. Moisturising afterwards will extend the life of your faux glow, but remember if you put self-tanning lotion on, it is not a substitute for sunscreen. Try Australian Bodycare Tea Tree Oil 200ml.

How to remove Fake tan?

Some great ways to remove fake tan include:
Steam, as sweat can dislodge tan. Get some exercise, and then let a steam room soften the tan even more;

Exfoliate, but be careful not to scrub too hard and cause irritation; Try Trilogy Triple-Action Jelly Exfoliator 75ml.

Home Remedies - whitening toothpaste left to penetrate for twenty minutes, 2 tablespoons of baking soda with a little water or coconut oil to form a paste, lemon juice and water into a hand towel, and microwaved for a couple of minutes, each one of these 3 have been said to help;

Fake Tan Remover, which is specialised to help. However, we don’t stock Fake Tan Remover at Calissa unfortunately.

That wraps up our Calissa Guide to getting the perfect summer tan. Whether you're on Holiday, planning daytrips, or just going out for lunch with friends, stay safe and prepared for the weather, because your beauty and health is worth looking after.