Is it Better to Tan Before or After Your Workout? The Pros and Cons

How Working Out Affects Your Tan

Getting a tan can be an enjoyable part of many people's workout routines. However, questions may arise around when the best time is to tan - before or after your workout. There are good arguments on both sides, so let's take a deeper look into the potential benefits and drawbacks of tanning before versus after exercising.

Tanning Before Working Out

There are a few reasons why some people prefer to get in some tanning time prior to their workout:

• Warming up the skin - Laying out in the sun for 10-20 minutes before working out allows your skin to absorb key ultraviolet rays, while also warming up your skin and muscle temperature ahead of your exercise.
• Increasing blood flow - As tanning causes vasodilation (expansion of blood vessels), tanning prior to exercise can increase blood flow to help provide more oxygen to working muscles during your subsequent workout.
• Boosting mood - Exposure to sunlight triggers the body to produce vitamin D and release endorphins, helping improve mood and energy levels going into your workout session.

Potential Downsides to Pre-Workout Tanning

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider with tanning before working out:

• Dehydration - UV exposure causes the body to lose fluids as it tries to cool itself, which can leave you slightly dehydrated even before your workout begins if you don't adequately hydrate.
• Overheating - Similarly, starting a workout already hot and sweaty from tanning can more easily lead to overheating and sunburn during your fitness session.
• Fatigue - Some people may also feel prematurely drained by laying out beforehand, impacting their subsequent workout performance and endurance.

Tanning After Your Workout

On the other hand, postponing your tanning until after your workout offers its own set of upsides:

• Pre-cooling skin - Working out first means your skin stays cooler initially, allowing for more comfortable tanning once you've worked up a sweat.
• Lower exhaustion risk - Completing exercise first while your energy levels are still high means you'll be less likely to fall asleep while tanning afterwards when more fatigued.
• Better UV absorption - Research shows absorption of UV rays may be enhanced in skin that has been warmed up after moderate exercise.

Potential Cons of Post-Workout Tanning

Waiting until after your workout to tan also comes with a few considerations:

• Lowered blood flow - As your blood flow starts returning to normal post-exercise, your skin may absorb slightly less UV radiation.
• Time limitations - Lingering too long while tanning after an intense workout can increase risk of dehydration, overheating, and dizziness.
• Tan duration - Some research suggests the positive effects on skin from exercising may start fading within an hour afterwards, limiting potential tanning benefits.

Avoiding Sunburn Based on Workout Timing

One important consideration in determining when to tan around your workouts is what timing presents the lowest sunburn risk.

On the one hand, your skin may be slightly more vulnerable to burning if you've already tanned before exercising in the sun. This exposure prior to working up a sweat can more readily compromise skin's protective barriers and moisture content.

On the other hand, working out intensely first before tanning can also leave you prone to burning if you linger too long trying to tan while already dehydrated and excessively overheated post-exercise. This state leaves skin compromised in its ability to defend itself against UV damage.

Ultimately sunburn likelihood depends greatly on the individual and applying proper protection either way. But for most, tanning after workout may present moderately less sunburn risk with pre-cooled skin that can then absorb UV rays after pores open from exercise-induced sweating.

Other Tanning Tips Around Workouts

Aside from considering workout timing, other tanning best practices include:

• Staying well-hydrated before, during and after tanning and exercising to counter fluid loss from sweating and heat
• Applying sunscreen suited for active lifestyles when burning is a concern
• Seeking shade to cool down if you start feeling dizzy or lightheaded when tanning following intense exercise
• Considering the use of tanning products like lotions to help maximize UV absorption as needed

Choosing an Effective Sunscreen for Tanning Around Workouts

Attempting to maintain a tan around your workout schedule requires mindfully balancing sunlight exposure alongside proper protection.

When selecting a sunscreen to complement both tanning and exercising, key considerations include:

• SPF level - Most dermatologists recommend utilizing a sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher when active in the sun.
• Sweat resistance - Seek water and sweat-resistant formulas that won't easily run into eyes or compromise protection when sweating.
• Breathability - To avoid feeling suffocated and allow heat to escape, look for lotions containing lightweight ingredients.
• Reapplication needs - Frequent reapplication is vital, at least every 40-80 minutes if actively sweating and swimming.

Finding the right sunscreen takes some trial-and-error as the ideal product will vary based on your skin type and tone. But with some cautionary habits factored around your workouts, maintaining a healthy glow is certainly achievable.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.