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Written By Chloe Taylor

How Long Does It Take to Tan Through a Window

A lady sitting beside an open window to get tan

Sitting in the shiny, warm sunlight peeking through the window is quite common. People often think that prolonged exposure to sunlight can give a perfect glowing tan.

But if you want to get the maximum sunlight to get tan then, you should follow an active and outdoor lifestyle.

People often wonder if is it possible to get tan through a window. In this article, we will let you know how long it takes to tan through an open window.

Is It Possible to Absorb Vitamin D Through Windows?

Besides tanning the UVA rays also promote the production of vitamin D which is necessary for bone growth.

But sitting beside a window cannot help you to get enough vitamin D as most glass windows block this frequency.

So, if you want to get enough sunlight from the ultraviolet rays then, going out in the sun is the best option.

In summer dark-skinned people will take 20 minutes to absorb the proper amount of vitamin D and a fair person will take only 5 minutes to do the same.

Exposure to the sun depends on which part of the world you are in, your skin type, and the time of the year.

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Can Window Glass Provide Sun Protection?

All the window glasses are not the same so, the degree of protection from harmful UVA rays depends on the type of glass and how many rays are passing through them.

Excessive exposure to hazardous rays can cause wrinkles, skin cancer, and skin aging.

A double-glazed window glass will not let the harmful UVA and UVB rays penetrate inside as it acts like an ozone layer. So you do not get tan sitting beside the double-glazed windows.

Ordinary glass can protect your office and house from UVA and UVB rays for some time. But it cannot provide sun protection for a longer period of time.

How Do Windows Prevent Tanning?

As mentioned earlier the double-glazed glass will only allow some UVA and UVB light in very small quantities. So, it is not very harmful to your skin.

Windows

But ordinary glass can let in ultraviolet rays in a larger quantity which can burn that part of your body that is exposed to the window glass.

Which is the Best Time to Tan Through a Window?

To get that perfect tan through a window one should choose the right time of the day. To get the fastest result you can tan through a window between 10 am to 4 pm. However, during this period the sun’s rays are strongest so, there is a risk of getting burnt.

to tan safely you can choose any time before 10 am and after 4 pm when the sun rays are not so intense. Tanning during this period may take longer time but it will prevent sun damage or burn.

Can You Tan Through a Window and How Long Does It Take?

The overall health of your body is reflected in your skin. So, you need to apply sunscreen even if you are tanning yourself by spending time behind the window glasses.

a woman waiting to get tan through a window

Though it is possible to get tan through an open window, you can get an uneven tan. Tanning your body through window glasses can take a lot of time as well.

This way you can burn some part of your skin that is exposed to the sun for longer.

Dark-skinned people will take more time to get tan through a window glass as they have more melanin pigment. A fair-skinned person will get tan in a short exposure.

But some of the glasses like the double-blazed glass do not allow the ultraviolet rays to penetrate. so, getting tanning through a window sometimes becomes a little tough.

To get a healthy and even tanned look it is better to expose your body entirely out in the sun rather than sitting beside a window.

But excessive exposure to sun rays can also harm your skin and you may notice sunburn and reddish patches.

How Can You Tan Safely Through a Window?

Tanning safely through a window is very important as longer exposure to the UV rays can cause severe skin damage. Follow the tips below to get that perfect glowing tan without skin damage.

Limited Exposure

Overexposure to the sun’s rays can lead to long-term skin damage. So, you should always go for short tanning sessions. Sitting by the window for 30 minutes to get tan is enough and spending more time than needed is useless.

Choose a Perfect Widow

Your window plays an important role in determining the perfect dark tan that you desire. Your window should have low E-glass so, that it can block more UV rays.

Apply Sunscreen

Whether you are going out or staying indoor to tan through a window, exposure to UV rays can harm your skin anyways. So, it is always recommended to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or above before being exposed to UV rays while tanning.

Stay Away From Reflections

You need to be aware of sitting near any reflective surfaces like concrete, water, or snow. Uv rays can bounce off reflective surfaces and thus, your skin gets exposed more.

Protective Clothing is a Must

To prevent your skin from getting directly exposed to the strong UV rays you should always wear protective clothing while getting tan. Wear a hat and long-sleeved pants and shirts for complete protection.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Tanning Through a Window

Unlike different ways of tanning, getting tan through a window also has its own benefits and drawbacks. So, Here are some of them you should consider before tanning through a window.

Why Is It Special?
  • You can easily control the lighting and temperature when tanning indoors.
  • You can stay in the house to get tan and don’t have to go out.
  • Tanning through a window can be done throughout the year even when it is raining or snowing outside.
What Are the Flaws?
  • To prevent patchy and uneven tan you need to sit directly in front of the window.
  • Your skin gets directly exposed to the UV rays even when tanning through a window which may lead to skin damage and burn.
  • Some windows have glass that filters the UV rays. Thus, you may not get that dark tan you are looking for.

So, these are some tips regarding whether is it possible to get tan through a window and how long it takes to tan through a window.

Now that you are aware of the facts of sitting beside a window to get a tan, you can easily choose how you want to tan yourself. But it is always better to go out and take sunbathe to get that healthy, glowing tanned look.

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Author
Chloe Taylor

Hey there, I am Chloe Taylor, your trusted tanning expert. Dive into expert tips, product reviews, and skincare advice to unlock the secrets of a radiant tan. Also, join me in achieving that sun-kissed glow while safeguarding your skin, which can leave you feeling your best.

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