How To Use Olive Oil To Get Tanned Skin?

Know how you can get baked into a gorgeous sun-kissed shade with the help of the oil from olives.

Medically Reviewed by Dr. CP Thajudheen, MD
By Jyotsana Rao

Most of us love the sun-kissed look of our skin. And if you wish to tan your skin, you may use olive oil for tanning. The moisturizing minerals in this oil penetrate deep into the skin to give you that smooth and soft look. Moreover, the luster of olive oil attracts the sun’s heat, making it one of the best ways to get a glowing tan.

Scroll down to know how to use olive oil for tanning.

How To Use Olive Oil For Tanning

There are different types of olive oil, and for a great tan, what you need is extra virgin olive oil. Make sure that you have a large bottle and a timer before you start. All you need to do is:

  1. Lay a large-sized towel on a tanning bed or chair.
  2. Set your timer to 30 minutes. Once you know how your skin reacts to the oil, you can make adjustments to the time you spend tanning.
  3. Apply the oil to a small piece of cloth or towel and rub it all over the front of your body, not forgetting your face.
  4. Lay down on your back as soon as you start the timer. Relax and close your eyes.
  5. Once the 30 minutes are over, rub the olive oil with the cloth all over the back of your body. If you wish to, you can rub the oil off your face now.
  6. Set another 30 minutes on your timer and lay face-down on your tanning bed.
  7. When your tanning session is done, wash off the olive oil thoroughly in the shower with soap.

That is all you need to do to get the perfect tanning with olive oil. Half an hour is all you need, as this fantastic oil shortens the tanning period by a large extent when compared to the time it takes with other tanning lotions.

Tips To Remember

Before you get a tan using olive oil, there are a few handy tips that you should keep in mind. They will help you get the effect you desire. These tips include the following:

1. Learn About The Different Types Of Olive Oil

It is important to know about the different varieties of olive oil that are out there. What you want is pure olive oil. The processed types have artificial ingredients that may not suit your skin. As mentioned earlier, extra virgin olive oil is the best as it is the purest.

2. Learn How It Helps Your Skin Tan

As you know, olive oil comes with many benefits for health as well as for skin. Its natural properties make your skin soft and silky smooth. The heat of the sun is attracted by its lustre, and this is something that you do not get with other tanning products. Olive oil can give you a tan that is browner and deeper, and it takes very little time.

3. Learn How To Use It

It is not hard to learn how to use olive oil for tanning. All you need to do is make sure that you apply it evenly all over your body. Set the time for 30 minutes, as it is just the right amount of time you need to get a beautiful tan. You can always adjust it if needed.

4. Learn How To Apply It

The best way to apply olive oil on your skin for a tan is to use a small towel or piece of cloth. Soak the cloth generously into the oil and massage it evenly on the exposed parts of your body. Keep in mind that your skin should be dry before application. Be generous while applying the oil, but do not apply so much that it starts to drip. 

5. Learn How To End Your Tanning Session Properly

When you have tanned your front for 30 minutes, repeat the procedure on your back. Once your entire body is done, it is important that you wash the oil off completely. You can use ordinary soap, but if you want a more luxurious treatment, have a fragrant bubble bath and relax for a while. Gently wash the oil off with a loofah and feel how soft and smooth your skin becomes.

6. Learn To Be Careful

As you know, extensive exposure to the sun can cause a lot of damage. It can result in premature aging and skin cancer. You can also damage your eyes if they are exposed to the sun for too long. This is why you always need to be careful when you are tanning. It is best not to stay in direct sunlight for over an hour on each side. Apart from the dangerous effects just mentioned, you could end up getting sunburnt as your skin absorbs the olive oil.

Getting a tan with a beneficial oil like olive oil is far better than using the suntan lotions that you find in the stores. It is also a much safer alternative to sun-beds and other tanning devices since it is in its natural form. There are no chemicals or other harmful artificial ingredients that could damage your skin. By using olive oil, you also minimize the risk of developing skin conditions and heal skin infections, if any.

Extra virgin olive oil is one of the most effective and natural ways to tan your skin. It attracts the sun’s heat and helps you get a browner and deeper skin tone. The key is to know how to use olive oil for tanning. Apply it on one side of the body evenly using a cloth and let it sit for 30 minutes before applying it on the other side. However, you need to dry your skin thoroughly before starting the tanning procedure. When this oil is applied, do not expose yourself to sunlight longer than the prescribed time (one hour for each side) to avoid damaging your skin. So, practice caution.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can olive oil burn your skin?

It is possible. When olive oil interacts with the skin’s natural oils, it may cause irritation, rashes, or redness.

Can you put olive oil around your private area?

No. It is not advisable to put olive oil around your private area as it may clog pores and lead to breakouts and infection.

What is the SPF of olive oil?

Olive oil has an SPF of around 8 and shouldn’t be used independently as sunscreen. It is not enough to protect your skin; you need at least SPF 15-30 to prevent sun damage.

Sources

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. In vitro sun protection factor determination of herbal oils used in cosmetics
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3140123/
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Jyotsana Rao is an engineering graduate from NIT, Nagpur, who discovered her love for writing during her undergraduate days. She... more

Dr. CP Thajudheen

(MD)
Dr. CP Thajudheen has over 20 years of experience in various lasers, light-based devices, and other advanced equipment. He was... more

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