Ideal Time to Tan

• While the sun is usually out for several hours throughout the day, not all hours are equally good for tanning. The sun's rays are at their most powerful between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Laying out during this six-hour block will expose your skin to a higher level of UV rays increasing your tanning potential.
  
  

Tanning During Other Times

• While not the ideal time, laying out during hours other than 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. can still be effective. If you are outdoors any time between sunrise and sunset your skin will still be exposed to the UV rays, which darken the skin. If you plan to tan before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. be aware that it may take longer for your skin to achieve the same coloration that occurs when laying out during the sun's ideal hours.
  
  

Cloudy Days

• Just because there are clouds in the sky does not mean that tanning is out of the question. UV rays are invisible to the naked eye and are still present even when you may not be able to see the sun's visible rays. Tanning while it is cloudy may prolong the time it takes to achieve a dark color.
  
  

Timing Your Tanning

• When it comes to tanning, timing is everything; too little or too much sun can be counterproductive to the tanning process. For best results, alternate between being exposed to the sun and sitting in the shade for 30-minute intervals during peak sun hours. Alternating your exposure time will help prevent burning or irritating the skin, allowing you to achieve a healthy glow instead of dry damaged skin.
  
  

Protecting Your Skin

• Contrary to popular belief, sunscreen does not prevent your skin from tanning. To achieve a beautifully tanned complexion without burning or peeling, apply a sunscreen with an SPF, or sun protection factor, of at least 15 prior to going outside. If you have sensitive skin or are prone to burning, look for a sunscreen with a higher SPF and added moisturizers.