As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Should You Tan before or After Workout?


Working out is essential for a healthy body, no doubts about that. Not only does it keep you fit but it also helps you glow. But, ever wondered what working out could do to your tan?

That is one important question that we are about to answer shortly.

Getting an even tan is a struggle for some. Well, not anymore! Read on to find out about exercising before and after a tan. Whether it’s an organic or a faux tan, we’ll cover it all.

Let’s get started!

Sun Tanning and Working Out

Let’s start with the most natural form of tanning. It’s none other than the sun tanning itself.

Working Out before Sun Tanning

According to tanning experts, working out before sun tanning is a great idea. Working out results in increased blood circulation and also opens the pores. These open pores then absorb UV rays, giving you a deeper tan.

In short, working out before your sun tan session could give you better results.

However, there is one disadvantage. Intensive exercise can cause your body to get tired. While the sun’s heat will also make your muscles relax. The two combined may possibly dehydrate you from all the sweating. You can take the proper quantity of fluids to get away from dehydration.

Working Out after Sun Tanning

There should not be a problem with exercising after a suntan. In fact, sun tanning itself is an exercise. Most people don’t just lay outside. Most of the outside freaks love to get engaged in some activities like swimming, surfing etc.

The only thing we would recommend is to workout indoors. You’ve already spent a few hours outdoors and nobody wants a sunburnt body!

Pro Tip: If you use tanning oil to get a darker tan, then we advise you to wash away the tanning oil completely before hitting the gym. Oil and sweat won’t go hand in hand and I’m sure that you will feel a hell lot of comfortable.

We would also recommend keeping yourself hydrated at all times.

Spray Tanning & Exercise

I know this is what you were looking for. Most of the tanning enthusiasts are worried about what happens with their spray tan if they go to a gym or any outdoor activities.

Unlike sun tanning, working out has a profound impact on the way your tan develops. You need to schedule your tanning session accordingly.

Let’s see how well exercising goes with the development of your spray tan.

Working out Before Spray Tanning

If you’re planning a spray tan, you must schedule your workout accordingly.

Do not exercise immediately before a spray tan. The heat may cause your pores to enlarge which is a no-no. The smaller the pores, the smoother the tan will be.

Our pre-spray tan tips say that you should be very comfortable before going to the tanning session.

The sweat may also act as a barrier, preventing proper spray absorption. Instead, finish off all your workouts a day before the appointment.

Workout after Spray Tan

Do not hit the gym immediately after, as the spray tan could wash off. This is particularly important because sweating after the tanning session means a splotchy tan.

Washing off spray tan too early is not a good idea. The harder you work out, the quicker the tan leaves your body. If you want the spray tan lasting longer, exercise is a big No!

The best thing about a spray tan is it contours the body. Your body will appear toned in all the right places. Which means, you won’t have to hit the gym after the tan.

Read this article to learn more about what to do after spray tanning.

Tips for Working out After a Spray Tan

If working out is absolutely essential for you, here are some precautions you can take:

  • Wear outfits with loose fitting to prevent the tint from washing off.
  • Go for light exercises that do not cause a lot of sweating.
  • Apply talcum powder in places where you sweat the most.
  • Wait until 2-3 days after your spray tan before exercising.
  • Use self-tanning products for touch-ups if there is a need.

Tanning Bed and Gym

Working out before UV Tanning

The tanning bed is quite similar to a sunbed. It uses lamps that emit UV rays, naturally tanning the body. This means, there should be no problem in exercising before the tan.

An intensive work out will help you sweat, enlarging the pores. This will give you a far deeper and smoother tan. However, as mentioned earlier, this could also go wrong.

The heat of the lamp and the workout may dehydrate your body. The good thing is, you can take care of that. Here is how to:

  • Shower and exfoliate before the appointment.
  • Apply good indoor tanning lotions
  • Drink plenty of water before going under the lamp.
  • The heat and the sweat may cause your skin to dry. Use indoor tanning lotions to hydrate the skin.

Working out after Tanning Bed

The tan bed works pretty much like the sun bed. The UV rays darken your skin naturally, without having to apply any product. This means you don’t have to worry about the product washing off.

Sweating won’t be a problem of concern with this type of tan. You will be free to hit the gym after your tanning bed session. In fact, the increased blood circulation may even help develop it.

Final Thoughts

It is important to establish work out rules for each type of tan. Sweating may help for some types but not for others.

Exercising before and after a spray tan may be a bad idea. Instead, get your body contoured along with the spray tan. The toned look will help you skip the gym for a few days.

Working out after a spray tan will also reduce the longevity of it. However, it will have little to no effect on the other two types.

You may work out before going on the sun or the tanning bed. Exercising and sweating will enlarge the pores and increase blood circulation. The enlarged pores will help give you a flawless and spotless finish.

Similarly, working out after these two types of tan would not be a problem. You wouldn’t have to worry about any residue product that could wash off.

Alternatively, you could choose to do the exercise outdoors. Exercising under the sun could also help you get that golden glow.

Stella Cristin

I'm Stella. I have always been drawn to beauty and health products that make a change in our life. I have been working in various tanning salons in my neighborhood to help people like me to get a beautiful and healthy tan. My passion is to help people learn about safe tanning.

Recent Posts