Tanning and hot summer days go together. However, do you tan more in hotter weather?
This blog will go into further depth regarding why we tan and if the temperature affects tanning.
The temperature does not affect your ability to tan. Even though the weather is chilly, if the sun is shining, its rays will reach and permeate your skin, causing it to tan.
Keep reading to learn more!
What is The Tanning Process?
To determine if hotter weather impacts our capacity to tan, we must first examine the tanning process and the reasons why our skin changes color in the first place.
Sun exposure, namely to UVB and UVA radiation, causes tanning.
UV rays are classified into three types:
- UVA
- UVB
- UVC
The UVA Radiation
You only hear about UVA radiation when it comes to tanning and burning. They are responsible for the majority of the radiation that reaches Earth.
UVA radiation may induce tanning and sunburn, as well as premature aging and skin problems such as skin cancer.
When exposed to UV radiation, skin cells create melanin, which oxidizes and causes a darkening of the skin.
Tan skin is desired because melanin is produced by our body to shield cells from radiation damage.
It is important to remember that it is also a sign of skin damage.
UVA photons are used in tanning beds and lamps since they do not induce a burn as rapidly as UVB rays.
The UVB Radiation
The ozone layer has a greater impact on UVB radiation. This is the layer of protection the Earth has from the sun’s radiation in its atmosphere.
The Earth does not have a uniform ozone layer covered with the same thickness everywhere by nature.
Human and natural environmental factors have changed the ozone layer’s thickness.
Although UVB photons are shorter than UVA rays, they produce sunburn quicker.
This depends on where you are on the earth and when and how thick the ozone layer is above you.
The UVC Radiation
In terms of ease of exposure, UVC rays are the least hazardous. It is essential that tanning beds never give out UVC rays.
Their wavelength is the shortest of the three UV ranges. Most ultraviolet C photons are absorbed by the ozone layer before they can reach Earth.
However, if they ever reached Earth, they would pose the greatest threat.
Do You Tan More in Hotter Weather?
If it is hotter outdoors, you will not necessarily tan faster.
The outer temperature is only a reflection of active wind currents and the quantity of cloud cover; it is always changing, but UV radiation’s capacity to penetrate clouds stays constant.
Your tan and the rate you tan are entirely governed by the quantity of UV light that reaches your skin.
However, you might expect to tan and burn faster if you are completely exposed to UVA and UVB without sufficient protection.
As previously indicated, the outside ambient temperature does not affect the tanning process.
The temperature, in fact, merely impacts how comfortable you will be when lying down.
Also, as you would expect, lying out in the sun is probably significantly more pleasurable than lying out in any other weather situation.
Stick to whatever temperature you choose and take your time tanning. When going outside, always apply sunscreen or a tanner with an SPF of at least 30.
Unprotected skin may be very vulnerable to sun rays, resulting in sunburn and skin cancer.
What is the Best Weather To Tan In?
The large number of individuals who get sunburned in cold weather provides more evidence against outside temperature influencing how a person may tan.
Sunburn is possible even in cold conditions, as people who have lived in icy areas can confirm. If you’re brave enough, you can even get a tan.
The snow in this situation reflects and intensifies UV energy. In addition, cloud cover has no bearing on tanning.
Cloud cover cannot filter ultraviolet rays from the sun, allowing you to tan even on a cloudy day.
The temperature will neither stimulate nor discourage a tan, whether it is summer’s height or winter’s depths.
Tans are often generated when the skin is exposed to UV rays, which cause skin cells to produce melanin.
Melanin is a defense mechanism to aid the body in fighting skin damage.
Melanocytes are activated when UVA reaches deeper layers of the skin and causes skin damage; melanin is produced to help protect the cells from further harm.
How to Tan Correctly in Hotter Weather Without Burning
How hot does it have to be to tan? As previously stated, the outside temperature does not affect how much or how soon you tan.
The only thing to consider is how comfortable you are exposed to the elements.
And it’s OK if it changes!
The temperature outdoors may practically vary with the breeze. A pleasant 80° F might feel wonderful until a brisk wind sweeps through.
Similarly, a windless day might be uncomfortable.
Check the weather prediction the week before or on the day you want to tan and prepare appropriately!
If you’re tanning in cooler weather, keep an eye on your skin for indications of burning.
Even if you don’t feel any heat from the day, the same amount of damage will occur. Continue to inspect your skin for redness and apply sunscreen as you would when it’s hot.
However, the tanning process varies from person to person.
The steps below show a formula for tanning in hot weather correctly while avoiding a burn.
Sunscreen
Don’t believe the notion that sunscreen will prevent you from tanning. It will not if you apply the proper SPF.
That is the bottle’s serial number. The product was called so that it mistakenly misled consumers into thinking it was a “screen” that blocked out the sun.
It’ll also be marketed as sunscreen. The reality is that you cannot prevent the sun from shining.
You can, however, minimize the quantity of UVA and UVB exposure your skin receives.
SPF 30 is the ideal level. Anything more is an advertising ploy that will not function any better than SPF 30.
Apply Your Sunscreen
Apply sunscreen in layers as you lie down for the intervals specified in the following step.
Even though it’s waterproof, put it on after being in the water. Every 90 minutes, reapply after intense perspiration.
Sit out for 20 Minutes at a Time in Bursts
Use sunscreen beneath an umbrella if you aren’t going inside between sunbathing. If you are easily sunburned, limit your time outside to 10 minutes at a time.
Change It Up
Change your posture every 10 minutes to prevent becoming a half lobster if you burn on one side but not the other.
Tanning on one side will also seem strange and produce a line on the body that looks like a seam.
Prone to Photosensitive Disease
If you have a photosensitive condition, you should consider your diet before sunbathing.
Carrots and sweet potatoes, for example, contain beta carotene and are supposed to help protect you against burning.
Fewer Is More
Melanin is responsible for the tanned appearance. Your body quits producing it after around three hours.
Once that time frame has passed, it begins to produce less melanin and poses a greater risk to the dermis.
Tanning Preparation
Exfoliate and moisturize your skin before each sunbathing session.
A nice thick, pure, unscented moisturizer will protect the skin and promote even tanning.
FAQs About Do You Tan More In Hotter Weather
Do you have more questions about whether you tan more in hotter weather?
Here are some questions concerning tanning in hotter weather.
Do You Tan on Cloudy Days?
Yes, it is possible to tan through clouds. According to studies, at least 90% of UV rays pass through clouds, putting your skin at risk of UV radiation-related diseases.
Even on foggy, cloudy or misty days, UV light may cause sunburn and burning.
Can You Tan in 60-degree Weather?
Yes, temperature and wind have nothing to do with tanning and burning.
You will acquire a burn if exposed to UV rays over an extended period.
The sun is more direct, and our skin is more exposed; therefore, we burn more frequently.
What is the Ideal Temperature for Tanning?
There is no minimum temperature for tanning since UV rays are unaffected by cold or hot weather.
Any bright day with temperatures over 40 degrees Fahrenheit raises the UV index, making tanning more likely.
Final Verdict
Do you tan more in hotter weather?
The sun is the source of your skin’s UV radiation to get tanned. Keeping this in mind, tanning naturally requires exposure to sunlight.
It can tan through clouds, and the effects may be much more significant due to the rays reflecting and intensifying off water droplets in the clouds.
Dermatologists advocate applying an SPF30 face cream all year to protect your skin from sun damage, even in the winter, implying that full sun is not required to tan.
Thanks for reading!
