Random questions about natural tanning?

i know exactly how you feel. i have really pale skin so to me a tan is like winning the lottery, but it possible. i tried tanning oil once and it was horrible and didnt do anything. i find that if you go in the water its easier to get a tan, or get wet then lie in the sun. when i tan, i definately get a burn first then it eases in to a tan so i know exactly what you mean. normally it'll take about half an hour to an hour to get a tan. but i must say dont obssess about it all summer and you should, if you can, get a low SPF sun lotion that protects from the UV rays, they're the most important thing to protect from. i never did and sat out for hours when i was about 10 and i lost pigments in my skin and im 16 now and i still have white blotches on my tummy that will never go away so i always recommend some sort of protection. best of luck! :)