Before you even step outside, you need to exfoliate. I know, I know—it sounds like a beauty guru thing, but trust me: dead skin cells are the enemy of a fast tan. Use a gentle scrub or a loofah in the shower, focusing on elbows, knees, and ankles. Why? Because smooth skin reflects sunlight better and absorbs it evenly, so you don’t end up looking like a patchy leopard.
Next, hydrate from the inside out. Drink a big glass of water about an hour before sunbathing. Seriously, your skin is like a sponge—if it’s dehydrated, it’ll burn faster and tan slower. Plus, no one wants that crispy, flaky look. Side note: Skip the citrusy cocktails pre-sun; they can make you more sensitive to UV rays. Save the margaritas for after you’ve tanned, okay?
