Do You Tan Better In or Out of Water? 

Some people tan like it’s their part-time job. Others rotate like rotisserie chickens trying to dodge tan lines and sunburn. 

And then there’s the big question we all ask eventually — do you actually tan better in the water or out of it? Because sure, floating around in the pool feels like the move, but lying poolside on a lounger hits different.

At FUNBOY, we’ve spent more time chasing that perfect glow than we’d like to admit (research, obviously), and we’re here to break it down. If you’re trying to figure out where the real bronzing magic happens — above the surface or mid-float — keep reading. 

How Does Tanning Even Work?

When you hang out in the sun, your skin is hit with ultraviolet (UV) rays — mostly UVA and UVB. These rays trigger your skin to make melanin, the pigment that gives you that golden(ish) tan. Think of melanin as your skin’s way of going, “Okay, we’re getting a little too much sun — let’s turn down the brightness.”

The more UV exposure, the more melanin you produce. That’s how you get darker over time. UVA rays go deeper, giving you a longer-lasting tan, while UVB rays work more on the surface (and are usually the ones that cause sunburn if you push your luck).

But here’s the catch: that sun-kissed look? It’s technically your skin reacting to stress. So, while tanning might look great, your skin’s doing a little damage control behind the scenes. No shame in wanting that glow — just be smart about how you get it.

Does Water Actually Help You Tan?

Kind of — but not in the way most people think. When you’re in the water, your body feels cooler, so you’re way less likely to notice you’re roasting. That refreshing dip? It’s basically sunscreen’s worst enemy. Because while you’re feeling unbothered and floaty, UV rays are still doing their thing — and water doesn’t block them. In fact, it can make them even more intense.

That’s because water reflects sunlight — including UV rays. So you’re not just getting hit from above but also from below, thanks to those sneaky reflections bouncing back off the surface. It’s like getting double exposure without realizing it — especially in super clear water where the sun cuts through easily.

Plus, being wet makes your skin more vulnerable. Water can actually magnify UV rays slightly, especially if droplets sit on your skin, creating tiny lenses that intensify exposure in certain spots (yep, science is wild).

So, Is Tanning in the Water Better?

We get it — you want to come out of the pool looking like you just got back from Ibiza. But here’s the thing: tanning in the water might feel like the dream, but it comes with some sneaky downsides.

Yes, UV rays still reach you while you’re floating around, and in some cases, they hit even harder, thanks to reflection. But that doesn’t mean it’s better. Water makes it harder to notice when your skin’s had enough, and constant movement (plus water washing off your sunscreen) can leave you patchy, burned, or both.

Out-of-water tanning, on the other hand, gives you way more control — you can reapply sunscreen, rotate like a pro, and actually feel when the heat’s getting a little too real. 

Want the best of both worlds? Try something like our Tanning Pool Lounger. They feature a 2-in-1 design that can be used in land or water. No Pool? Grab a garden hose and fill your pool with water. You’ll stay cool without going full submarine and still soak up the sun like a total icon. Bottom line: in-water tanning isn’t worse, but it’s definitely trickier to get right.

How Can You Tan Without Totally Toasting Yourself?

Wondering how to get that sun-kissed look without turning into a crispy cautionary tale? Consider these smart, skin-saving tips your summer cheat sheet.

Start Slow, Build Gradually

You wouldn’t show up to the gym after months off and immediately try to deadlift your body weight. Same logic here. If your skin’s not used to the sun, going all in for hours will backfire fast. 

Instead, tan in short sessions — 15 to 30 minutes per side — especially during your first few days. Give your skin a chance to warm up (literally), and you’ll get a more even, longer-lasting glow without the painful “oops” phase.

SPF Is Non-Negotiable

Repeat after us: sunscreen does not block your tan. It blocks damage. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and apply it generously — think a shot-glass worth for your body — and don’t forget spots like the tops of your feet, behind your knees, or your ears. 

Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. Spray is fine, but only if you rub it in. Spritz and walk away? Might as well wish your skin luck.

Timing Is Everything

The sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. — AKA prime burn time. Yes, you’ll tan faster during these hours, but it comes with way more risk for sun damage, irritation, and the kind of peeling that kills the whole look. For a safer, longer-lasting tan, aim for early morning or late afternoon when UV exposure is lower but still effective. 

Want to stay cool while you tan smarter? Our Mesh Water Hammocks let you float, relax, and catch rays without overheating — all while keeping your drink within reach. What’s not to love? 

Hydrate Like It’s Your Job

Dry skin doesn’t tan well. It flakes, peels, and basically sabotages everything you just worked for. 

Drink water throughout the day (yes, even if you “don’t feel thirsty”), and moisturize before and after sun exposure. Think of it like giving your skin a backup plan. Hydrated skin not only looks healthier but actually holds onto a tan longer. So yes, chug that water bottle and lather up.

Rotate and Reposition

If you lie in one spot for too long, you’re not getting a tan — you’re getting a heat map. Rotate every 15 to 20 minutes, adjust your arms and legs, and try not to fall asleep like a sunbathing statue. 

If you’re using our Leisure Island, it makes repositioning a breeze (plus, built-in cooling = genius). This keeps your tan even and prevents one shoulder from getting way more attention than the other.

Know When To Tap Out

If your skin starts to feel tight, red, or super warm — that’s not “progress.” That’s a warning. Overdoing it won’t get you tanner; it’ll just fast-track you to peeling city. Once you’ve reached your limit (or your sunscreen timer goes off), take a break. 

Head into the shade, rehydrate, throw on a cover-up, or float around in the pool. You’re not quitting — you’re protecting your glow investment.

What Should You Do If You Get a Sunburn?

So you stayed out a little too long, forgot to reapply, or trusted that “waterproof” SPF a bit too hard. It happens. Now your skin’s hot, red, and screaming for help — literally. 

Here’s how to deal.

• Get out of the sunASAP.This seems obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people just “power through” the sting. Find shade, head inside, or toss on a big tee and wide-brim hat if you’re stuck outdoors.
• Cool things down. A cool (not ice-cold) shower or compress can take the edge off the burn. Avoid hot water — you’re not cooking pasta. If you're near a tub, add oatmeal or baking soda for bonus relief.
• Moisturize like it’s your full-time job. Aloe vera is the classic go-to, but look for products with soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or cucumber extract. Skip anything with fragrance or alcohol — they’ll make it worse.
• Hydrate inside and out. Drink more water than you think you need. Sunburn pulls moisture from your skin and your body. Think of it as damage control from the inside out.
• Let your skin breathe. Skip tight clothes, itchy fabrics, or any exfoliation (yes, even if it’s “peeling weird”). Your skin’s healing — be nice to it.

And next time? Rather than trusting your “I’ll totally remember to reapply” confidence (especially after a frozen margarita or two), just set an alarm on your phone and call it self-care. 

Instead of baking in direct sun, park our Sunbed Lounger under an umbrella for that breezy, half-shaded, half-living-your-best-life kind of setup. And maybe have a friend give you the heads-up if your skin starts looking a little “tomato-core” before you feel it.

Trust us — glowing is cute. Burning, not so much.

The Bottom Line

So, do you tan better in or out of water? Technically both — but neither’s worth it if you’re skipping SPF and roasting like a marshmallow. Floating around feels like a vibe, but those sneaky UV rays don’t quit just because you’re mid-dip. The real win? Tanning smarter, wherever you are. 

At FUNBOY, we’re here for the glow, the float, and the SPF reapplication breaks. From water hammocks to shady setups and everything in between, we’ve got what you need to tan smarter, not harder — and keep the good skin days coming.

Sources:

Melanin: What Is It, Types & Benefits | Cleveland Clinic

Impact of Water Exposure and Temperature Changes on Skin Barrier Function | PMC

Tanning (for Teens) | Nemours KidsHealth

Does Sunscreen Prevent Tanning? Dermatologists Explain | Byrdie