After returning from a sunny vacation, travelers may be met with compliments such as "Wow, nice tan. You look great!" A smooth, even tan makes everyone glow with confidence and it can be achieved relatively easily. But making the golden glow last can be more difficult, especially for those folks who work indoors under artificial fluorescent light. Not to worry -- as long as you have access to sunshine and a bottle of lotion handy, you can achieve a tan which will outlast the season and the workplace.
Choose a very sunny weekend, preferably at the beginning of summer, to begin your tanning regimen. The results you achieve on the first day will encourage you to keep tanning regularly.
Apply a thin layer of low SPF sunblock. Start tanning after 3 o'clock in the afternoon, as the UV rays you absorb will not be as damaging to your skin.
Break your sun exposure into hour-long blocks. If you have not been out in the sun for awhile, reduce these blocks to half-hour blocks. Take 15 to 20 minute breaks in between, using this time to apply moisturizer and drink water.
Wait at least four hours before taking a cool bath or shower to rinse the sunscreen and lotion off. Gently pat yourself dry. Don't wipe as it can be abrasive to recently tanned skin. Apply a few coats of moisturizer to your body.
Repeat the above steps every time you tan. It's preferable to complete two time blocks every 3 to 4 days, or every weekend. This schedule gives you enough time in the sun to achieve a long lasting tan without exhausting your skin.