How long to stay in the sun for a tan with fair skin?

Generally, it is not recommended for people with fair skin to tan at all-they tend to burn instead. But, if you have fair skin and would like to darken a little bit, try ten-fifteen minutes laying on your back, then flip over and do the other side. Put sunscreen on sensitive areas (tips of ears, nose and undereyes, shoulders) even if it is as little as SPF 10. But, sun exposure not only causes sunburn, it is a surefire way to get wrinkles, and with excessive exposure, skin cancer. A better choice is to just go to a tanning salon and get a professional spray.