How to Keep Your Tan Looking Flawless During and After Workouts

How to Keep Your Tan Looking Flawless During and After Workouts

Look Your Best While Smashing Your Workout

At Tropic Tan, we understand that your time at the gym is about more than just fitness—it's also about feeling confident and looking your best.  A fresh tan can give you that confidence boost and motivation to nail that workout! But achieving that perfect, sun-kissed glow can be a bit of a challenge, especially during New Zealand's colder months.
Don’t sweat it! We’ve got you covered with our top secrets to maintaining a flawless tan, whether you're lifting weights or cooling down post-workout. Let's make sure your gym tan is as strong as your workout routine!

Is It Safe to Work Out After Fake Tanning? A Complete List of Do’s and Don’ts

There’s nothing better than a fresh fake tan. The instant mood boost you get from that radiant, bronzed glow is second to none. But your vibe can turn upside down pretty quickly if your tan becomes patchy from sweat and friction. So, how do you keep your tan looking flawless while staying on top of your fitness game? Let's break it down:

DON’T:

  • Exercise Directly After Self-Tanning: Working out right after applying your fake tan is a big no-no. Sweat can cause your tan to strip and run, leaving you with an uneven, patchy look. Give your tan time to set before hitting the gym.

  • Exercise While the Color Guide is Still Developing: Even if you waited a couple of hours, if you haven’t showered off the color guide, your tan is still developing. Exercise too soon, and you risk your tan running, leaving you with an uneven finish. Trust the process and wait until you’ve showered before you exercise.

  • Wear Tight, Constricting Clothing After Tanning: Besides the challenge of squeezing into your gym gear while your tan is still fresh, tight clothes can leave blank spots and stripes on your skin. Wait at least 6-8 hours after applying your self-tan before showering and putting on those leggings. You’ll thank us later.

DO:

  • Exercise After Showering Off the Color Guide: Once you’ve rinsed off your tan with lukewarm water, you’re good to go. Your tan may still be developing, but the color guide won’t run, and your gym clothes will be safe.

  • Apply Talcum Powder to Sweaty Areas: Before lacing up your sneakers, apply a light dusting of talcum powder to areas prone to sweat and friction, like under your arms and behind your knees. This will help protect your tan from breaking down during your workout.

  • Apply a Light Layer of Self-Tan: If you’re a fitness fanatic who loves to break a sweat, consider applying a lighter layer of self-tan. This allows you to build up your color gradually without worrying about it wearing off too quickly. Our Tropic Tan Gradual Self-Tan is perfect for this, giving you control over your tan’s intensity.


Enhance Your Gym Glow

1. Start with a Solid Base

Before you hit the weights or the treadmill, it’s essential to start with a well-prepped base. Exfoliate your skin using our Tropic Tan Exfoliating Mitt to remove dead skin cells and create a smooth canvas. This ensures your tan goes on evenly and lasts longer, even through intense sweat sessions.

2. Hydrate Your Skin

Dry skin is a no-go when it comes to achieving a flawless tan. Make sure to moisturise daily, focusing on areas prone to dryness, like elbows, knees, and ankles. Our self-tanning mousse is infused with the Hydration Trio Hyaluronic Acid, PENTAVITIN® and Aloe Vera to provide deep hydration, so your skin stays supple and your tan stays flawless.

3. Apply Your Tan Like a Pro

For a streak-free tan, use our Luxe Velvet Tanning Mitt to apply an even layer of Tropic Tan Tanning Mousse. Apply in long sweeping motions, starting with your legs and working your way up. Remember to go light on areas like your hands and feet to avoid any telltale signs of tanning.

4. Let It Set

After applying your tan, give it time to develop before hitting the gym. Ideally, apply your tan the night before so it has plenty of time to set. 

5. Post-Workout Care

After your workout, rinse off any sweat with lukewarm water and gently pat your skin dry. Avoid using harsh soaps or exfoliants that can strip your tan. If you want to extend the life of your tan, apply mousituriser daily or use a gradual tanning lotion to maintain your glow.

6. Flaunt It with Confidence

Now that you’ve mastered the gym tan basics and know how to care for your tan post-workout, it’s time to show off your hard work. Whether you’re lifting weights, running laps, or stretching it out in yoga class, a beautiful tan will make you feel unstoppable. And when you feel good, you perform even better.


Ready to glow up your gym routine? Explore our full range of self-tanning products and get that perfect gym tan look all year round.

Shop this post