Tanning burns calories, but it is a slow process. In this article, I will focus on tanning directly under the sun. The spray tan method make you look thinner but it doesn’t burn calories.
A scientific report by the University of Alberta in Canada suggests that winter weight gain is due to a lack of sunlight. Therefore, it was concluded that sunlight in the summer is a source of burning calories.
Does Tanning Actually Burn Calories?
Yes, tanning burns calories. But this doesn’t mean you should start sunbathing or hit the tanning beds for long hours. Sunlight exposure for a long time is dangerous, and moderation is highly recommended.
What Sun Exposure Do To Your Body?
Here, I have discussed some of the changes that happen when you tan under the sun.
Burn Fat Cells
It is a proven fact that the sun’s blue light wavelengths kill the white fat cells beneath our skin by reducing the size of the lipid droplets. This increases energy levels and lightens up the mood. But there are much better ways to burn body fat that are less dangerous.
Sweating
When you have prolonged sun exposure, you sweat a lot. The sweat doesn’t help you burn fat much, but it actually regulates temperature and cools down your body. But sweating too much can lead to dehydration. So, keep your hydration essentials near you while tanning.
How To Make Tanning Under Sun Productive?
If you are serious about burning calories while tanning, it’s better to add some physical activities to your routine. Our body needs to burn calories to convert our fats into the required energy. This is called Basal Metabolic Rate.
BMR doesn’t increase when you only sit under the sun. If you do some exercise, your body will burn extra calories.
Another thing is to opt for a good-quality sunscreen before going out in the sun. Look for a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Ensure that you apply it at least 45 to 60 minutes early.
Risks of Tanning Under Direct Sunlight
Direct exposure to sunlight is dangerous for your overall health. It doesn’t make you lose weight; instead, the harmful UV rays can cause much more damage.
Exposure of your skin to UV rays might lead to sunburn. It increases the risk of skin cancer and premature aging. To maintain the health of your body and achieve weight loss goals, try other safe calorie-burn methods.