Sharon--You are right, there is more chance of skin cancer if your skin is damaged at a very young age and that is somehitng people should know about with young kids.
When people ask me how to tan I let them know up front, there is more to it than laying in a tanning bed and you are tanned. I do feel the natural sun is more damaging, you cannot control the heat from the sun, if you fall asleep (which in my younger years I did and may end up paying for that in the future, so far, the Lord has watched out for me) you could not only end up with health problems in the future but you will be in a lot of pain for some time after.
Tanning takes common sense, I use common sense and I do not want to be in pain. I also let everyone know that it is incorrect to say you have to burn to tan. I used to say that, it is bull! I tan very well in the tanning bed, I do it safely, if I get skin cancer I would say it would be from my earlier years when I tanned carlessly.
If you daughter ever decides to use a tanning bed then she has you to tell her the proper way to do it. Low minutes to start, etc. At least with a tanning bed the rays can be controlled, and now the newer beds do not put out as much of the damaging rays as the beds used to, like mine. I have a commercial bed that is kind of old, but I would never give it up.
You have a right to your opinion, I just choose to tan, but I use common sense and tan as safely as I can.
Apr 19, 2010 Rating
Just trying to inform by: Sharon -
04/18 "anonymous" - I'm sorry if my comments seemed like bashing to you. I didn't mean them to come across that way. You're wrong when you assumed that I didn't take precautions to tan safely - that was 40 years ago. Not as much was known about the effects and damage of the sun and UV rays back then. I used sun tan lotion and "protected" my skin - don't reacall even ever hearing of sunblock. Also, I tend to follow the advice of the American Academy of Dermatologists who have researched this issue and tell us that "the risk of melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, increases by 75% when use of tanning beds and sun lamps begins before the age of 30. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has even gone as far as to classify indoor tanning devices as "carcinogenic". I don't believe that either of these agencies has anything to gain monetarily by taking these positions.
Like I said, this is a very personal issue for me - maybe even more so because I have a beautiful 18 year old daughter with many friends who see nothing wrong with tanning - either in a salon or outside in the sun. You and Bird may be responsible consumers of tanning salons, but what about those who don't use the equipment properly or the owners of the tanning salons who don't follow recommended FDA guidelines?
I'm working with legislators in the state of PA to prohibit the use of tanning beds by "kids" under the age of 18. So many of my daughter's friends simply are uninformed and don't have a clue about the risks. If an informed adult choses to do this or smoke or engage in any form of potentially harmful behavior, well then, roll the dice... But children need to be protected. If only I knew then what I know now .....
Apr 19, 2010 Rating
Just trying to inform by: Sharon -
04/18 "anonymous" - I'm sorry if my comments seemed like bashing to you. I didn't mean them to come across that way. You're wrong when you assumed that I didn't take precautions to tan safely - that was 40 years ago. Not as much was known about the effects and damage of the sun and UV rays back then. I used sun tan lotion and "protected" my skin - don't reacall even ever hearing of sunblock. Also, I tend to follow the advice of the American Academy of Dermatologists who have researched this issue and tell us that "the risk of melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, increases by 75% when use of tanning beds and sun lamps begins before the age of 30. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has even gone as far as to classify indoor tanning devices as "carcinogenic". I don't believe that either of these agencies has anything to gain monetarily by taking these positions.
Like I said, this is a very personal issue for me - maybe even more so because I have a beautiful 18 year old daughter with many friends who see nothing wrong with tanning - either in a salon or outside in the sun. You and Bird may be responsible consumers of tanning salons, but what about those who don't use the equipment properly or the owners of the tanning salons who don't follow recommended FDA guidelines?
I'm working with legislators in the state of PA to prohibit the use of tanning beds by "kids" under the age of 18. So many of my daughter's friends simply are uninformed and don't have a clue about the risks. If an informed adult choses to do this or smoke or engage in any form of potentially harmful behavior, well then, roll the dice... But children need to be protected. If only I knew then what I know now .....
Apr 19, 2010 Rating
tanner by: Anonymous
1st dont go everyday. mayb once a week if u really need it.. if ur face burns turns the face light off, and use a lotion there..
Apr 19, 2010 Rating
RE: Should I flip? by: Bird
I started tanning due to health reasons as well, it is true that with common sense you can tan with health benefits for some conditions. I used to have heat strokes in the summer time, and I did not have to stay out in the sun all day. So I was told by a doctor to start tanning about two weeks before summer to get used to it and see if that helps, I have not had heat strokes sense and I also have arthritis from my neck down and it does wonders for that. The pain I go through when I go too long without tanning, no way I will stop tanning, I don't even take arthritis pills on a regular basis now. It works for a few other serious conditions too. There is a two year old that benefits from pain relief due to a rare condition. as mentioned many times before, use common sense, your body will tell you if you get too much and you should listen. You do not want to burn, it is unhealthy for you and your tan will show it. If your skin is red at all skip a couple sessions and next time go a little less time and work your way up. Keep that skin well hydrated.
I do understand the person writing about her story, if she wants to talk to me just to get it out some more she is welcome to write to my address in my last post to this thread. I know it is hard for her so lets not be too hard on her. But you are right, we won't stop tanning.
Apr 18, 2010 Rating
RE:Sharon by: Anonymous
Sorry that happened to you Sharon, but you admitted that you were not tanning 'safely', I take it you used no sunscreen whatsoever? You really shouldn't come to a tanning site and bash the industry. Whether you like it or not and because of 'your' experience due to negligence on your part, people are going to keep tanning. I am one of those people. For me, it's more than just getting a 'tan'. I have psoriasis and the beds help out a lot. It also helps with Arthritis as well. There are better beds then there were 40 years ago. A lot of salons are using UVA beds with very little UVB. Do some more research before you bash the industry. It's a matter of common sense when using a tanning bed. Now, for the original poster, I use different beds just to switch it up because I get to a point where I just don't see any color. I also use different bronzers as well. I do flip half way through my session. If you're getting burned then maybe you should minimize how long you're in the bed. I'd also recommend using a good after-tanning moisturizer daily because you lose vitamins/minerals during the tanning process. Keep Aloe on hand as well. I would really cut back on your time in the bed if you're getting burnt. JMHO.
Mar 30, 2010 Rating
Sun Burn by: Anonymous
I've had some bad burns before from falling asleep in tanning beds. The best recommendation I have is to always wear sunblock and make sure you stay in for a minimal amount of time. If you do get burned, I recommend keeping a cooling gel like Korres Yogurt Gel in the refrigerator and applying several times.
Mar 24, 2010 Rating
How about don't do it at all? by: Sharon
I'm sitting here because I feel compelled to write. Since you're new at this, there's hope for you.
I am a Stage IV metastatic melanoma survivor. I had tumors in my lungs, brain, as well as a large turmor that was growing and pressing against my windpipe. I was diagnosed Stage IV in 07/2008.
The statistics on this one are grim - look it up. I was a sun worshiper 40 years ago and I"ll admit that I didn't tan "safely" - but don't let them kid you - there is no such thing as a "safe" tan.
Please reconsider doing this. The industry has a powerful lobby that tells us that it's safe, and even that it's good for us!
I am outraged. I am one of the lucky one! I survived a very toxic biotherapy (IL2) - look it up. Then I was on chemo for a year. I also had to have two brain surgeries last summer to remove (successfully) a brain tumor which caused by the melanoma. My last PET scan showed that as of 01/2010, I'm NED (no evidence of disease).
A sunburn is a sunburn - no matter where you get it. I beg you to stop this and go out and get yourself a good sunblock. If it really means that much to you, try some self tanners. There are some good ones out there.
If you would like to contact me, my emal is skswanger@comcast.net. Please don't hesitate to conact me and I can share my story with you.
Mar 12, 2010 Rating
RE: Should I flip? by: Bird
One thing you should remember is just because something works for your friends does not mean it will do the same for you. Everyone is different. Yes, you should tan on your back, on your stomach, on your sides, with your arms down, with your arms up, etc, I think you get the picture. You want and even tan. At first it may not be but it will even out the more you tan. First, don't waist your sessions if your skin is at all dry. Dry skin burns easier than it tans. Once your skin is hydrated continue your sessions. use tanning lotion in the mornings, after showering, before going to bed and then use tanning lotion before tanning and also use a good moisturizer or tanning extender right after tanning. Another thing, if you shower BEFORE you tan wait at least one hour after showering to go for your tanning session and if you shower AFTER you tan wait AT LEAST two hours to shower after you session. If you use a tanning lotion with bronzers in it wait 5-6 hours before showering. Reason being you skin can tan for up to two hours after tanning, that is why usually you do not see the color until a few hours after your session. And if you use bronzers you are wanting instant color and it may take five hours or more for the bronzers to set. It sounds like you are doing well with the times, take it slow at first, go 3-4 sessions with that time then go up five minutes a couple sessions working your way up to the 20 max time in salons. you will be happy with your results by tanning smart and safe.
Good luck. If you want to talk to me more BirdzWord@aol.com. I have been tanning for about 22 years now. What works for me may not you, but you will find what does best for you in time. And what I do usually works for most people that I know tan.
