Can You Tan Or Burn After 4pm?
It is evident that certain times of the day are hotter than others, and it is during these hotter periods that your skin is more likely to burn or tan more easily.
You might think this means you should bask in the sun when it is at its hottest during the day, but this could lead to a burn instead of a tan.
Can you actually tan or burn after 4 pm?
You can tan after 4 pm, but your skin can also burn when exposed to the sun after this time. A general recommendation is to tan before 10 am and after 4 pm to gently build up a tan.
If you are not an early riser, then tanning after 4 pm might be the best option for you.
The sun’s rays are weaker at this time of day, but they are still strong enough to help you build up a tan, and they are still strong enough to lead to sunburn if your skin is left unprotected.
Read on to find out more about tanning after 4 pm, and what is the best option for your skin!
Can You Tan In The Evening?
You can definitely tan in the evening, and many consider it the best time to tan.
Sitting out in the sun at midday, when it is at its hottest, especially if you have fair skin, will likely lead to sunburn.
The midday sun is most harmful to the skin, so it is best to avoid it.
For this reason, it is best to tan before 10 am and after 4 pm. In the evening, the sun is weaker than it was a few hours ago at midday, but it still emits enough UV rays to tan your skin.
The sun after 4 pm is less harmful to your skin, and the weaker rays are best suited for developing a tan without causing excessive burning.
Although the sun is weaker at this time, it is still advisable to use some form of sun protection while tanning or when outdoors.
So, if you are thinking of tanning, consider stepping out into the sun only after 4 pm. You will definitely be able to build up a tan, and it is a little bit safer to do so!
How Well Do You Tan After 4 PM vs. Earlier in the Day?
Some people believe that tanning when the sun is at its hottest during the day is best, as you receive maximum UV rays on your skin, and therefore think this is when you can tan the darkest.
It is definitely true that you would tan quicker at midday than you would in the evening, but it is also true that you are far more likely to end up with sunburn instead of a tan.
If you are just starting to build your tan or have fair skin, you should seriously consider avoiding the midday sun. In this case, tanning after 4 pm is definitely the better option.
If you have already developed a darker tan and have a naturally darker skin tone, you might be able to get away with tanning at midday, but you would still be doing more damage to your skin.
Even darker skin tones would still be able to build a tan after 4 pm, but perhaps just a little slower.
In any case, we would always recommend tanning in the evening, where possible. If you can’t, it is best to try to tan in the morning before the sun becomes too hot.
You will be doing your skin a favor in the long run!
Why You Should Tan After 4 pm
THere are some compelling reasons why you should consider tanning only after 4 pm (we think it should be everyone’s first option).
Here are some of the main reasons why you should tan in the evenings:
Easier On Pale Skin
Those with fair and pale skin will likely experience sunburn when tanning during the day, so tanning in the evening when the sun is weaker is a no-brainer.
Pale skin will still be able to tan quickly after 4 pm, as well, so there are many benefits and few negatives.
Gentler On Sensitive Skin
Some people experience skin sensitivity when exposed to the sun, and this sensitivity is often more pronounced when the sun is at its strongest.
If your skin becomes sensitive in the sun, tanning when the sun is weaker can help alleviate the sensitivity you feel.
You should experience less skin irritation, and the UV rays will be less harmful.
If your skin remains sensitive, it is best to avoid tanning in the sun altogether.
Building Base Tan
A base tan is crucial for building a darker, golden tan over time. A base tan is a slow, gradual tanning of the skin, from which you can build a darker tan.
You do not want to tan too dark or too quickly when building a base tan, and spending a few minutes in the weaker sun is the best way to achieve this.
So, if you need to build up a base tan, then spending time in the sun after 4 pm will give you the best base tan possible, with less damage done to your skin.
Less Heat
Sitting in the sun at midday can be hot, sticky, and so uncomfortable. The benefit of tanning in the evening is that it is usually much cooler.
While the sun will still be on your skin, its rays will not be as strong, allowing you to enjoy your tanning time instead of spending it sweating.
Some people really struggle with spending time in the heat, and you also don’t want to get hot and sweaty halfway through the day, especially if you cannot wash off until later on.
Time Restrictions
A logistical reason why tanning in the evening is better is that you would probably only be done with work or school then, and it would be when you have some free time to soak up the sun.
Can You Still Burn After 4 pm?
Don’t think that just because the sun is weaker after 4 pm, you will not burn. If you can tan after 4 pm, you can burn after 4 pm!
For this reason, you will still need to apply sun protection when heading out into the sun in the evening, even if you are tanning.
Many of us fall into the trap of thinking that because the sun is weaker and is about to set, it will not damage our skin, and we are fine to carry on as normal. For your skin’s sake, stop thinking this!
Even brief exposure to the sun in the evening, especially if it occurs frequently, can cause damage to your skin and contribute to premature skin aging.
It is obviously even weaker when the sun is out in winter, but you still need to be wary of burning, so it is best to always be prepared.
Do You Need Sun Protection After 4 pm?
As you can still burn after 4 pm, you would still need to wear sun protection in the evening, unless your plan was to intentionally burn.
Wearing sunscreen is not just for preventing burns; it’s also essential when tanning.
When trying to avoid burning, opt for the highest protection sunscreen available. SPF 50 or SPF 30 are good options, and it’s essential to reapply them regularly.
If you are trying to build a tan in the sun after 4 pm, you should apply an SPF 15 or SPF 20 to your skin.
This might seem like it would prevent your tan, but it actually prevents your skin from burning and helps your tan develop a darker, browner color, rather than being bright red.
You might not remember to carry a bottle of sunscreen with you every time you step outside after 4 pm, and because you can burn in the evening, it’s essential to include an SPF moisturizer or lotion in your skincare routine to ensure some protection.
It is well worth getting into the habit of applying sunscreen to your skin, whether you’re tanning or not, to provide your skin with the extra protection it needs to avoid burning and combat premature aging caused by the sun.
Tips For Tanning After 4 pm
If tanning after 4 pm sounds like something you want to try, take a look at the tips below on how to make the most of your time in the evening sun and develop a gorgeous, even tan.
Exfoliate
A good way to ensure that your skin tans properly in the sun and to prolong your tan is to exfoliate before heading out to tan in the evening.
Exfoliate your skin in the shower the night before or the morning of tanning, especially if you plan to spend time in the sun after 4 pm.
Exfoliating helps remove the build-up of dead skin cells on the top layer of your skin, making way for new cells to be produced.
These skin cells will last longer on your skin before naturally shedding off and taking the tan along with them.
Moisturize
Keep your skin hydrated in the days leading up to your tan. Hydrated skin holds onto a tan much better than dry skin, and your skin will fare better in the sun if it is not dry.
Your skin will also be less likely to peel after exposure to the sun if it is kept hydrated and nourished.
Remember to maintain your moisturizing routine with hydrating lotion after tanning to keep your skin looking radiant.
Use Sunscreen
Regardless of the time of day, you should always use sunscreen when spending time outdoors.
When tanning after 4 pm, you can get away with using an SPF 15 or SPF 30 (we love this sunscreen from Banana Boat).
This is essential in preventing your skin from burning
Start Slowly
Do not spend a long time in the sun the first few times you tan. Even in the evening, you should spend a maximum of 10-15 minutes in the sun tanning.
Gradually tanning for shorter periods and extending your time by a few minutes over time is the best way to tan.
Slow and steady is much better than quick and burnt — your tan will look better, and your skin will be much healthier for it!
Use Tanning Products
Tanning products, such as tanning accelerators or tanning oils, can help to tan your skin quicker while spending less time in the sun.
Tanning products will not only help you tan quicker, but they will also keep your skin nourished while exposed to UV rays.
Your skin can become damaged and dry when exposed to the sun, and these tanning products can help mitigate this effect.
Should I Tan After 4 pm?
If you plan to tan, it is best to do so after 4 pm. However, if you have fair skin or are sensitive to the sun, you might be better off with a spray tan or using a fake tanner.
These do not require you to spend any time in the sun, and if you choose gentle, natural products, they do little to no damage to your skin.
Instead, they can give your skin a glowing radiance and a natural-looking tan.
Using spray tans and tanning products can help prevent premature aging caused by the sun, and they can save you the time you would spend lying out to absorb UV rays.
They do fade after a week or two, but they are safer to use than sitting in the sun developing a tan, and in the long run, your skin will be much healthier for it.
Final Thoughts
You can and will tan or burn after 4 pm, so it is vital to use sunscreen to ensure that your skin is protected, and you aren’t left with a peeling sunburn.
Tanning is best done in the evening, after 4 pm, when the sun’s rays are weaker.
Tanning at midday might be tempting, to make the most of the UV rays that the sun has to offer, but this can be incredibly harmful to your skin, and your chances of ending up with a sunburn are much higher.
Gradually build up a tan in the evenings, spending 10 minutes in the sun every now and then, and enjoy the comfort that the cooler evening brings, instead of feeling hot and sticky in the midday sun, roasting away.
No matter what time of day you plan to tan or spend outdoors, be sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to reduce the damage to your skin and keep it healthy.
Related Questions
Can you get a tan after 5 pm?
You can still tan after 5 pm, although the results may take longer to develop and appear. It is considered safer to tan later in the evening as the sun won’t be as strong.
Can you tan in the winter?
You can tan in the winter, as the temperature of the air does not determine how much you tan.
The sun might be weaker, but it is still there, and you can still tan (and burn) slowly in the colder months.
