why does it take so long for your legs to tan?

Answer 1

Depends on how much melanin you have in your skin, everyone is different

Answer 2

Even though some people will lie out in the sun to tan their legs, the upper part of the body will always get more sun. If you think about the angle of the sun hitting your arms and shoulders during the day when you are active, it is almost straight on. Your skin must protect itself from this, so it gets brown. During these times, the light on your legs is either at a sttep angle (not so intense), or it only hits at a good angle when your leg is extended towards the sun (only happens for a short time).

So, your upper body gets a great deal more rays than your lower body.

This is why it is also easier to tan the upper leg than the lower leg. Plus, sometimes you scrape the skin off when shaving - that might add to the problem, but that is a stretch.
:)

Answer 3

It is different for different people My Back, Arms and Legs tan the Quickest it's my belly that takes ages. Well moisturised skin tans better

Answer 4

I'd agree with it being that they're not at the right angle to tan (like your shoulders are). I get that - it's really annoying, especially when I get tanned feet and knees but celery-pale legs! Even with the fake stuff... Looked as if I'd been walking through tomato soup... LOL!

And yes, I'm in UK too! (Least it's sunnier than Norway... ;) )

Answer 5

i can get a full tan in less than two hours just running around or swimming outside. im mexican but im light complected compared to other mexicans. i live right by the border and its so0o0oo0o hot here!!! not really. the highest its been is like 110. thats not bad. averagte here is like 98-100 degrees. thats the perfect weather here. suprisingly it snowed here two years ago. it hadnt snowed in over 100 years!!! advice: go somewhere hot to get the perfect tan.

Answer 6

because i've decided that although the skin on legs looks like the other skin really it's like rhino hind and mixed with the good old British climate they never ever tan well!!!!

Answer 7

well think about it....your legs and your arms have a thicker skin and are usually exposed more then your tummy, chest, etc all year round ....so the paler areas are going to tan faster....also, your chest and nose tend to burn the fastest because your nose is the farthest point on your face and your chest has the thinnest skin!

Answer 8

I'm guessing it's because there is a thicker layer of fat on your legs, than on your arms for example (I'm talking generally, not insultingly) and it takes the rays longer to penetrate.
Just a guess though, so it might be wrong.

Answer 9

cos its taking long

Answer 10

I am waiting for the answer to this too
I hate that