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Maintaining a healthy body is undoubtedly important, and regular exercise not only keeps you fit but also gives you a natural glow from within.
However, have you ever wondered how working out might affect your skin’s golden glow after a fake tan?
Let’s explore whether it’s better to exercise before or after your tanning session, whether sun tanning, using a self tanner, or self-tanning spray to avoid getting an uneven tan.
Sun Tanning & Working Out
Working Out Before Sun Tanning
When considering a sun tanning session on a workout day, it might be a good idea to plan your fitness routine before your tan session.
Increased blood circulation during exercise can enhance the absorption of the tanning solution, giving you a deeper and more even tan.
So working out before sun tanning is beneficial. Exercise increases blood circulation and opens pores, allowing them to absorb UV rays for a deeper tan.
However, intense workouts may lead to fatigue and dehydration, so make sure to drink plenty of water stay hydrated while under the sun’s heat, and make sure to wear broad-spectrum sunscreen to minimize the risk of sunburn.
Working Out after Sun Tanning
On the other hand, if you’ve already caught some sun rays for the day, engaging in a workout session afterward is a great way to maintain a healthy glow.
Opt for light exercises to avoid excessive sweating, which could lead to a patchy tan.
Outdoor activities can further complement your tan, but it’s advisable to engage in indoor workouts to avoid sunburn.
Make sure to remove any tanning oil before hitting the gym, stay away from intensive exercise, and maintain hydration.
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Spray Tanning & Exercise
Working out Before Spray Tanning
Planning a spray tanning session? It’s a great idea to work out before.
As we mentioned before, exercise opens your pores and increases blood circulation, open pores are perfect for an even and flawless tan.
Ensure you’re comfortable and sweat-free before your spray tan appointment.
Workout After Spray Tan
Post-spray tan, opt for light exercises and avoid saunas or hot tubs to prevent sweating.
This will ensure your tan sets in perfectly, giving you that golden glow without any side effects.
Avoid hitting the gym immediately after a spray tan to prevent the tan from washing off. Sweating can lead to a splotchy tan, reducing its longevity.
Make sure to wear loose-fitting outfits, and apply baby powder to minimize tan transfer.
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Tips for Working out After a Spray Tan

Wearing loose, protective clothing during your workout is a good thing to minimize the risk of tan transfer onto your clothes.
Additionally, remember to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, as well as make sure to keep your skin hydrated by using a good moisturizer after your spray tan.
Here are some essential tips to ensure your fitness regimen doesn’t compromise your tan:
- Wear loose-fitting outfits: Opt for loose clothing to prevent the tint from washing off, minimizing friction and ensuring a more even tan. This is particularly important to maintain the longevity of your spray tan.
- Choose light exercises: Engage in light exercises that don’t induce excessive sweating. This helps prevent the tan from becoming splotchy and ensures a more consistent and natural-looking result.
- Apply talcum powder: Before hitting the gym, apply talcum powder to areas prone to sweating the most. This acts as a protective barrier, minimizing the risk of the tan being affected by sweat. Baby powder also works well for this.
- Wait 2-3 days after your spray tan if you can: Give your spray tan ample time to set before engaging in intense workouts. Waiting a couple of days allows the tan to fully develop and adhere to your skin, reducing the risk of it washing off prematurely.
- Consider self-tanning products for touch-ups: If your workout routine is frequent, consider using self-tanning products for touch-ups as needed. This ensures a consistent and fresh tan even if your workout routine demands regular sessions.
Remember, these tips are essential for maintaining the quality of your spray tan, providing you with a flawless and long-lasting golden glow.
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Tanning Bed and Gym
Working out before UV Tanning
Are you considering a tanning bed session before hitting the gym? Exercising before a UV tanning session can increase blood circulation, resulting in a deeper tan.
Just ensure to shower and follow the pre-tanning rituals for best results.
However, be cautious about dehydration; shower and exfoliate before the session, use indoor tanning lotions, and stay hydrated.
Working out after Tanning Bed
Post-tanning bed, opt for light exercises and avoid tight sports bras to prevent any residue product from affecting your tan.
Prioritize moisturizing to keep your skin hydrated and maintain that golden tan. Unlike spray tans, tanning bed sessions allow you to work out freely afterward.
The natural darkening process eliminates concerns about tan products washing off. Increased blood circulation may even enhance your tan.
Tan Before or After Workout: What is Recommended?
Ultimately, whether you choose to tan before or after your workout, the perfect time depends on your skin type, preference, workout routine, and fitness goals.
Whichever route you take, following these tan tips ensures a flawless next tan, enhancing your overall fitness journey with a radiant, sun-kissed glow and giving you your desired results.
Exercising before and after a spray tan may not be ideal, as it can impact the tan’s longevity, and sweaty clothes can cause your tan to bleed.
Instead, we recommend opting for the contoured look provided by spray tans and consider taking a break from the gym for a few days.
For other tanning methods, exercising before can enhance results, but precautions like hydration and proper skin care are important.
Ultimately, whether you choose to exercise before or after your tan depends on personal preferences and the type of tan you opt for.
FAQ About Tanning Before Or After Working Out?
Q: Should I tan before or after working out?
It’s generally recommended to schedule your tanning session before working out as it increases blood circulation and open pores during work outs can enhance the tanning process, whether it be spray tanning, sun tanning, or a tanning bed session.
Q: Does excessive sweating affect the tanning process?
Yes, excessive sweating and sweaty clothes especially immediately after tanning, can lead to a patchy tan reduce the intensity of a fresh tan, and give you an uneven tan.
Q: Does exercise make you more tan?
Yes, exercising before tanning can increase blood circulation and open pores, resulting in a more vibrant and deeper tan.
Q: Should I use tanning accelerators before a workout?
It’s advisable to use tanning accelerators before a workout as they can enhance the tanning process by stimulating melanin production.
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