Tanning is a common way to get a sun-kissed hue, whether done outside or in a tanning bed. However, a lot of people are curious about if tanning is a multipurpose choice for people who want to color their skin while staying in shape. This article compares tanning beds to sunlight, examines the effects of tanning on the skin, and investigates “Does Tanning Burn Calories?”
Table of Contents
Understanding Tanning
It is a process in which our skin absorbs ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources such as a tanning booth. These UV rays cause the skin cells to produce melanin when they penetrate our skin, this is a pigment in the skin. This pigment melanin shields the skin from radiation and at the same time, it leads to darkening of the skin as a result of UV ray exposure.
Sunlight has two types of UV rays: UVA and UVB. Both of these rays can cause the skin to become darkened, however, it is also associated with skin damage. Tanning beds also produce UV radiation but generally contain more UVA hence producing a quick tan.
Does Tanning Burn Calories?
Contrary to what most people believe, tanning alone does not help burn a lot of calories. When we are sunbathing using the sun or tanning beds, we are not engaging in any exercise. To provide a perspective, while your body constantly protects you from UV rays by manufacturing melanin, this does not need much energy.
Any fat loss that one is likely to achieve during tanning is negligible and cannot be considered a substitute for exercise such as walking, jogging, or swimming. Many calories are used to sustain activities other than tanning the skin.
Body Temperature and Calorie Burning
A few individuals think that the heat from the sun or tanning beds burns calories because of the increased body heat. However, it is a fact that warm environments can also cause a slight rise in the heart rate but this is not for a very long time.
Indeed, standing in front of a heater in the form of a sauna does help you lose some water and thus weight, but weight loss through sweating is not the same as burning calories. As you have to expend a little more effort to regulate your body temperature in the sun, it’s not equal to burning a significant amount of calories.
Tanning Beds vs. Sunlight
| Aspect | Tanning Beds | Sunlight |
| UV Type | High concentration of UVA rays, fewer UVB rays. | A mix of UVA and UVB rays, naturally occurring. |
| Calorie Burning | Minimal, as it involves lying still with no physical movement. | Minimal, similar to tanning beds. |
| Skin Damage Risk | Higher risk due to concentrated UVA exposure at close range. | Risk of damage from prolonged exposure, but the UVA/UVB mix may be less intense. |
| Convenience | Available year-round and not weather-dependent. | Depends on the weather, season, and time of day. |
| Health Risks | Increases risk of skin cancer, early aging, and eye damage. | Also increases risks, but natural light may carry slightly less risk if used cautiously. |
This table contrasts the effects of tanning beds and sunlight to show the similarities and key differences in UV exposure and health impact. Let me know if there are other details you’d like to add!
Physical Activity vs. Tanning
Physical Activity:
Activities like running or cycling are considered exercises because embody movements that work our muscles as they burn calories. This type of physical activity also increases the person’s pulse rate and the rate at which he/she uses oxygen, thus controlling obesity, and enhancing fitness levels.
Tanning:
It requires a person to sit or lie down and hardly flex their muscles at all. Even though it affords an opportunity to do nothing at all, tanning does not require the type of energy activities that can burn calories or affect fitness. Therefore, although sunbathing helps in the relaxation process it does not assist in the fight against obesity or promotion of fitness exercises.
Effect of Tanning on Skin
Temporary Skin Color Change:
Tanning makes the skin shade appear darker than it really is through exposure to sunlight or synthetic lamps and these changes only last for a while as the skin replaces itself.
Skin Damage from Prolonged UV Exposure:
These are due to skin damage resulting from extended impact with UV which eventually degrades collagen and elastin responsible for firm skin and elasticity.
Photo-Aging and Leather-Like Skin Texture:
Repeated exposure of the skin to UV radiation results in photo-aging of the skin which gives the skin the texture of leather and looks therefore prematurely old.
Increased Risk of Skin Cancer:
Tanning increases the chances of developing skin cancer; particularly melanoma which is most aggressive and can spread to the other parts of the body.
Increased Risk of Skin Cancer:
Tanning bed users are exposed to high levels of UV than outdoors which increases skin cancer risk with normal users being more at risk of skin damage and aging than occasional ones.
Health Risks of Tanning
The dangers of tanning do not just end with the skin. Ultraviolet light exposure from tanning is dangerous and causes sunburn which is a condition whereby the skin turns red, and swollen and may even develop blisters.
Long-term deterioration of the skin’s DNA from exposure to UV rays results in accidental mutation that leads to cancer. Tanning additionally weakens the skin’s immune system, and it can be more vulnerable to infections and many other skin diseases.
Safer Ways to Get a Glow
◈ Sunbeds emit cancerous UV light; for an artificial tan, use lotions containing dihydroxyacetone (DHA).
◈ Self-tanning sprays enhance an even distribution of the spray and are sold in a variety of colors for the completion of skin tanning.
◈ I shop for bronzing powders to provide the skin with a good tan that has been associated with UV tanning systems.
◈ Tanning wipes are a handy method of easy and quick tanning, especially for those who are on the move.
◈ Some of the best makeup formulas that are easy on the skin are tinted moisturizers or body lotions that give a natural-looking tan.
◈ If possible, one should get a tan from a licensed technician so that one can have an even spray tan.
◈ When applied to the skin, use gradual tanners that react with the skin to produce a darker complexion each time they are used.
◈ Cosmetic work like the use of highlight and contour to apply make-up, in a way that will simulate the look of a tan.
Conclusion
Finally, the management of this facility should understand that outdoor tanning can hardly be considered a Calorie reducer because tanning requires no or minimal level of physical exercise. Although there is a suspicion that the body temperature rises slightly higher than before, it does not increase enough to burn any meaningful calories. Both tanning beds and sunlight have equivalent effects in shedding calories but tanning beds are thought to have an increased risk of prolonged skin harm.
Exercise is still considered the best way to lose calories and get fit, and tanning damages the skin in the long run through premiere aging and cancerous growths. For people who want the appearance of a tan rather than the Raynauds related risks associated with tanning, there are now safer options such as self-tanners.
More Interesting: Does Sunscreen Lighten Skin?
FAQS
How many calories do you lose while tanning?
Tanning reduces the use of the few calories in a range of 30-50 calories per hour owing to the thermoregulatory rather than tanning procedure.
Does tanning have any benefits?
Yes, tanning does increase vitamin D through sun exposure and mood, but it is linked with skin cancer and skin aging.
Is tanning good for the skin?
No, tanning actually harms the skin it devalues skin cells, ages the skin, and increases the likelihood of skin cancer.
How long in the sun to tan?
I have found that it generally takes at least one to two hours in the sun to get a light tan depending on skin type, UV, and sunscreen.
