Maybe you are extremely fair-skinned like I am. I have blond hair, blue eyes, and I'm really white. While fair skin can be pretty, I have always wanted a slightly darker skin tone. For the longest time, I assumed that I couldn't tan. I rarely went outside; mainly because I don't have time to be outside or lie out in the sun; and the climate here is rather chilly for sun-bathing. Another reason I hesitated to tan is that I have heard plenty of warnings about skin cancer.

YES, you can get skin cancer. However, I visited the skin cancer website (http://www.skincancer.org) and learned that most skin cancer is caused from too much sun exposure/tanning as a child and teen (which I had avoided) and from sunburn, not sun exposure itself. The key to "safe tanning" is to be careful on your exposure and to regularly do skin checks--every month preferably. If you notice weird changes, see your doctor.

*However, note this: You can also get lung cancer from the polluted air we breathe, and there are reports that peanut butter has cancer-causing ingredients. Cell phones cause brain damage. Who knows what your computer is doing to you?*

Tanning may not be possible for your skin type. Fair-skinned people can tan but only very slowly. Very, very fair-skinned people, usually those with very light strawberry-blond or platinum hair and blue eyes, and especially those who burn easily, should avoid all attempts to tan. However, if you have darker blond hair and can be out in the sun for over an hour without getting badly burned, you may be able to tan. 

The first step is to build a base tan by use of a tanning bed. Once you have a base tan, you will be able to tan more easily in the sun.

If you have fair skin, the safest way to tan is to tan slowly. The girl at my tanning salon (TNT Tanning Salon) suggested that I begin in Level 3 beds; these beds are less likely to burn your skin. Level 1 beds create a reddish tan; Level 3 beds create a more golden tan. I began at the lowest amount of time: 3 minutes. Start at the lowest time to test your skin's reaction. In the beginning, you will need to go tanning at least 2 times a week but no more than three. Skip at least a day between tanning sessions; sunburns are not noticeable until 24 hours later. Do not tan when you have a burn. And if you burn in 3 minutes, then tanning is not right for you. 

Slowly increase your time. By the next week, try 4 and 5 minute sessions. By the end of the month or middle of the next month, you should be at the full time of 10 minutes. After you have reached your desired color, tan only once a week to maintain the tan. Wear sunblock when you go outdoors if you continue to use tanning beds. Even if you switch to tanning out in the sun, always wear some SPF. 

• Drink plenty of water.
• Use moisturizing tanning lotions while in the bed. Ask your tanning salon specialist for the best kind to use. There are bronzers, tinglers, coolers, etc. Let the specialist know your skin concerns and what you want from a tan.
• Exfoliate before your tanning session.
• Shower and moisturize a few hours after your tanning session.
• DO NOT USE MINERAL-OIL-BASED BODY LOTIONS. These lotions fade your tan.
• Wear at least an SPF 15 lip balm on your lips.
• Make sure to wear the safety goggles provided. Your eyes are not as strong as your skin in UV protection. You could go blind if you choose not to wear the goggles.

You may decide to embrace your fair skin. If you aren't willing to risk skin cancer, then do not attempt to tan. If you still want a tan, then try sunless tanning lotions. Banana Boat has a great one which gives a very natural-looking tan. And, of course, if you feel comfortable using tanning beds, please do so carefully. The worst thing you can do to your skin is to tan too often and not to moisturize regularly. After 2 months, I managed to get a very nice base tan; I regularly check my skin and have not found anything worrisome. Please note that the older you are when you begin tanning, the less risk you have to get skin cancer. Teenagers and especially children should be protected from UV rays. Check the Skin Cancer Foundation website I had given you earlier for more information.