It's skin type × UV
Fair skin (Fitzpatrick I–II) might safely tan for only 10–15 minutes at moderate UV, while deeper skin (IV–VI) can go longer. As UV rises, safe time drops fast — the same skin that's fine for 20 minutes at UV 4 burns much sooner at UV 8.
Watch your burn time, not the clock
What you really want is your burn time — how long until your skin starts to burn given today's UV and your SPF. Stay comfortably under it, and split time between front and back so you tan evenly.
Let Sunkind size each session
Sunkind calculates your session length from your skin type, the live UV, and your SPF, then runs a silent timer that taps you to flip — so you never have to guess how long is too long.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I tan to get a tan but not burn?
Stay under your burn time, which depends on your skin type and the current UV — often 10–20 minutes per side at moderate UV for lighter skin. Sunkind calculates this for you.
How long should I tan each day?
Short, regular sessions beat one long one. Keep each under your burn time for the day's UV and build gradually over several days.
How do I know my safe tanning time?
Sunkind estimates it from your Fitzpatrick skin type, the live UV index, and the SPF you're wearing, and shows it as a timed session.