If you've ever seen a bodybuilding event or images of bodybuilding competitors right before, during, or after a competition, you will know that they don't resemble the average person at all?in a positive way.

They appear golden in the shade, more muscular, diced, and possibly dehydrated. The alchemy of a natural, fake tan or a special diet or chicken breast recipe, is what turns bodybuilders golden from the inside often.

Before going on stage, most bodybuilders, if not all of them, spray tan. Some do tan their body, leaving their faces untouched. Here, we'll look at everything about tanning; why do builders tan? Most common types of tanning. Read on!
Why Do Bodybuilders Tan?​
To accentuate their incredibly slim and robust physiques, bodybuilders engage in both natural and fake tanning procedures.

The final result depends greatly on having a beautiful tan. When performed incorrectly, it might have terrible effects when being evaluated in a competition.

Here are some reasons why bodybuilders tan:
Muscle Separation and Definition​

For a bodybuilding competition, you need more than just muscle bulk. If solely on physical size, bodybuilders would start to resemble ugly meat slabs.

Height, shape, symmetry, poise, separation, and definition are necessary for a bodybuilder. The art of bodybuilding is one of illusion and beauty. You appear more prominent, stronger, and sharper with a proportionate body, and a beautiful tan can intensify this illusion.

The difference between a bodybuilder before and after applying some coats of artificial tan is startling. As soon as the first layer of tanning is applied, muscle separation, definition, and shape are improved. Additionally, tan build up in cracks like the spaces between your abs, creating the appearance of your muscles exploding.
It Helps With Creating The Illusion Of A Slimmer body​

To ensure that their muscles are noticeable even when not flexed, bodybuilders can spend years cutting their body fat and increasing their weights while working out.

The darker color of a spray tan focuses attention inward to the obliques and transverse muscles of the abdomen, helping bodybuilders appear even slimmer?also, bodybuilders who can seem to have a leaner physique
It Helps With Covering Up Stretch Marks​

Any form of workout, such as the use of dumbbells, results in the growth of muscles. Stretch marks underneath the skin's surface may develop as a result of this over time.

You may have realized that many athletes and bodybuilders have stretch marks around their triceps, biceps, and upper region due to prolonged weight training in preparation for contests and championships.

By equating the skin tone, a sunless tan helps conceal these marks and other flaws. Under competition lighting, a balanced complexion looks great and ensures that all attention is on the muscular definition and not on any scars or blemishes.
Brings More Confidence​

Having a darker skin tone can sometimes give professional bodybuilders more confidence; a good stage presence is crucial in helping them stand out at all times on stage.

It takes a lot of confidence to flex your body in front of the audience while wearing almost nothing, and for some people, a recent spray tan can help them stand bold before the audience.

Bodybuilders are judged explicitly on their stage presence; they must compete with as much confidence as possible.
Evens Skin Tones​

Even bodybuilders with dark skin tones naturally apply oils and tans. This enables them to maintain the advantages of the appearance of their physique.
Hides Blemishes​

Any skin flaws or abnormalities can be concealed with a fake or natural tan. Stretch marks are a commonplace occurrence when lifting heavy weights. For instance, a spray tan will cover these up so that the judges will be more concerned with the definition of the muscles than with any flaws.

Although flaws like these blemishes are entirely expected, many bodybuilders will cover them up with fake tan for the duration of the competition to ensure the focus is constantly on their toned physique instead of other difficulties that may not always be entirely beyond their control.

There are various types of tan for bodybuilders, and they will be listed below:
Natural Tan​
Relying only on fake tans is one of the biggest mistakes new bodybuilders make when tanning. These can be used right before the event. This can cause problems if you sweat, rub your skin while posing, or wear clothing.

This is because it makes the tan streak, run, or partly fade. To avoid this, get a natural tan that is as dark as possible before applying a fake tan. Short bursts (as often as 10-15 minutes) of constant sunlight exposure over a few weeks will result in a natural tan.
Self Tan​
Using lotions and other self-application treatments is another popular tanning technique. These goods come in various brands and have multiple textures, hues, and finishes.

Self-tanning creams may require numerous applications. It's typical to ask for assistance in applying it too confined spaces. This technique involves a lot of skill to prevent leaving streaky areas or slight discoloration on your elbows and knees, making it the most challenging.
Spray Tan​

Spray tanning is becoming more popular as the preferred technique for providing a pre-competition tan. So many champions have their tanners, which are always handy. Before a performance, having their tanners always helps them spray tan.


Two to three layers of spray tan are applied, with the first foundation coat having the surplus washed off afterward. Before the performance, the body is given one more touch-up to emphasize it.

Tanning Supplements​

Using supplements to boost skin pigment is another method of tanning in bodybuilding. Although several of these supplements are commonly available, there is questionable evidence to support their usage.

Such products are designed to cause melanin to brown the skin entirely over. The benefit of this approach is that it prevents issues with sprinting or jogging. It also produces a general tan, even in places that are typically difficult to tan.
The Most Common Tanning Process​

It takes several steps to achieve a tan for a bodybuilding competition, but it's an essential phase in your preparation as a bodybuilder. Your performance in a match may not come out so well if you put off getting a tan. The tanning procedure for a bodybuilding competition looks like this:
Exfoliate​

Scrubbing the skin comes after all body hair has been removed. This removes all dirt, debris, and other impurities from the skin's top layer. If this dirt are not eliminated before application, a tan may appear in patchy areas.

A mix of washing or body wash products can be used to exfoliate the skin. To increase friction while cleaning, several of these products contain particles or other components that give them a rougher texture.
Shave​

The fact that the majority of bodybuilders are compulsive shavers is not surprising. When you ask a group of bodybuilders what they would all go to battle for, they will yell back body hair. To reduce your risk of developing acne, pimples, or rashes, you should begin shaving your body at least 30 days before a concert.
Tanning​

When the skin is free of hair, clean, and fresh, it's time to use your preferred tanning technique. The many tanning techniques are covered above.

Following the processes above, a self-tanning product, such as a cream, or a spray tan, can be used to apply a tanning product. It typically calls for several layers and stages of tanning treatments.

Before a performance, timing and planning are crucial. Final touches are typically applied on the day of the competition after the base layers of tan have been used and have had time to solidify.
Why Do Bodybuilders Use Such a Dark Tan?​
Bodybuilders use dark tans because they absorb light, which gives the darker competitors an advantage. To mimic the color tone of black athletes, many white bodybuilders would opt for the deepest tan possible. By doing this, the playing field is leveled for all competitors.


Do I Need to Get a Spray Tan For Competing in a Show?​

The majority of bodybuilding federations do not require the application of fake tans. However, the majority of bodybuilders utilize a fake tan, so if you choose to go without a tan, be ready to be the only one on stage without a tan.
How Long Does a Spray Tan Last?​

Many companies assert that spray tans fade evenly and streak-free over ten days. However, following a show or a next picture shoot, most professional bodybuilders wash off the tan.
Things To Consider While Applying a Tan?​

These are the things to keep in mind before going in for a tan:
Stage Lights​

Bodybuilding events are held on well-lit stages. A variety of spotlights and downlights are lighting up the contenders. These strong lights will detract from the impressiveness of a participant with fair skin if they don't have a dark tan and oil to highlight the relief of their muscular contours.

These lamps can also be pretty warm. Therefore, it's crucial to use proper tanning techniques to prevent streaking from muscle tension.
Your Posing Suit​

If you're a contestant in Classic Physique, this section is simple. The color of your tan should be chosen after considering the color of your bikinis, shorts, and posing trunks. Avoid wearing a posing suit that makes your skin tone look too dark. It is
Conclusion​
Bodybuilding competition judgment is unpredictable. A good tan can be quite helpful in situations where the competition is fierce, and the judges focus on an athlete's flaws rather than their strengths. Before stepping on the stage, ensure you have a good tan from a professional tanner and steal the moment.

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