Pre Tanning Do You or Don't You...

[cpfstich]

We tan for about a month beforw we go, but still use suncreen after we get there. We usually start with an 8 SPF and work down from there. We don't burn, but then we use common sense when it comes to time in the sun.

[Anejo ny1]

Originally Posted by Jacko

Per my earlier post, the tan bed is likely NOT protecting you...it is hurting you..you can easily keep from burning..just wear 30 plus SPF lotion..I do it for weeks on end...never burn..out ALL day...just sayin'

I do agree that any sun exposure is likely to do more damage then good. Still I would rather burn a bit at home then any on vacation. That is what expericane has given me. I went to California one year without thinking twice about it. Burnt the first day on the beach. Hurt for the next 3-4 days. Now I COULD use spf 30, although I think the wifey brings spf 20, but when I leave PDC I would like to look like I left a sunny place and not Alaska. Like I said I don't really leave brown but I do have some better color. This is all very shallow of course but that is what it comes down to. And I would agree that using the tanning beds on any sort of regular basis is to be avoided, but then so is sitting around drunk in the blistering sun.

[Rissask]

Originally Posted by Jacko

I keep hearing y'all talking about pre-tanning so you don't burn...I would be careful thinking that tanning is somehow protecting you... read this..the way to keep from burning is to use a relatively high SPF lotion. Works everytime for me.

i don't wanna get into a big debate about this

but that link didn't really say anything about the 'pre tanning helps avoid a burn' theory stated in here. All it said was that there is no such thing as safe tanning, and that tanning is skin damaging too...which I doubt anyone willl argue with.

But if I get a base tan before I go, I don't burn. If I don't, I do burn.

And a burn is far worse than a tan when it comes to increasing your risk of melanoma:

one blistering sunburn more than doubles a person's chances of developing melanoma later in life.

So....I pre tan, for vanity yes, and because I want to not have to worry about a burn the first couple days.

I think that is what everyone means by that.

There are degrees of tans and tanning habits, from the wrinkled, deep brown sun worshipper slathering themself in baby oil to people who like to get a nice light toasty colour, while using sunscreen. I know I certainly don't get that really dark colour I used to strive for anymore.

[Jacko]

Originally Posted by Rissask

i don't wanna get into a big debate about this

but that link didn't really say anything about the 'pre tanning helps avoid a burn' theory stated in here. All it said was that there is no such thing as safe tanning, and that tanning is skin damaging too...which I doubt anyone willl argue with.

But if I get a base tan before I go, I don't burn. If I don't, I do burn.

And a burn is far worse than a tan when it comes to increasing your risk of melanoma:



So....I pre tan, for vanity yes, and because I want to not have to worry about a burn the first couple days.

I think that is what everyone means by that.

There are degrees of tans and tanning habits, from the wrinkled, deep brown sun worshipper slathering themself in baby oil to people who like to get a nice light toasty colour, while using sunscreen. I know I certainly don't get that really dark colour I used to strive for anymore.

I don't want to debate either..I just don't want folks left with the wrong impression...fake baking is dangerous to your skin...one can avoid burning in the sun by using SPF (Skin Protection Factor) of 30 or so....so no need to tan to avoid burning..its about ego....s'okay with me...just so you know what you are doing..that's all..I do lots of things for ego too....just not this one...

[vhonodel]

Self tanners have come along way. There are some really good ones out there that come in a spray so that you dont even have to do the careful hand washing. My hubby quite enjoys giving me my "pre tan" I look as golden as the hard core beach sun bathers and then I top it all off with a 30spf and minimal danger to the skin! No cancer no premature wrinkles. It's also much less expensive and time consuming when compared to the tanning beds. Also, there is something about that burning skin smell that really grosses me out.

[Nerak936]

Originally Posted by Jacko

I don't want to debate either..I just don't want folks left with the wrong impression...fake baking is dangerous to your skin...one can avoid burning in the sun by using SPF (Skin Protection Factor) of 30 or so....so no need to tan to avoid burning..its about ego....s'okay with me...just so you know what you are doing..that's all..I do lots of things for ego too....just not this one...

Well put, Jacko!

Long ago I accepted the fact that I'm fair-skinned, and much as a tried as a stupid teenager, the skin that God gave me WILL NOT TAN. Yeah, I'll get a little "color", but a tan? Hell, no!!

Can't say I've done any research into whether or not fake-baking will give you protection (i.e. a base tan). I've heard both. But kudos to those of you who at least admit that you're doing it mainly for the tan (i.e. to look "good"), not for the sun protection factor.

As I've stated, I'm verrrrry fair, and when I go to Playa, I use Banana Boat Waterproof/Sweatproof 30 SPF and usually a 50 SPF on the tops of my feet (got a BAAAAD burn on those in Aruba one year which I'll never forget). And as many can attest, I do not shy aware from the sun in Playa. I absolutely totally completely LOVE the beach and the water and snorkeling. I do it all!! AND... I don't burn as long as I wear the sunblock.

So for those of you who insist that you're fake baking so that you don't burn... well, to me you're either kidding yourself or you're kidding us. You don't need to fake bake to avoid a sunburn. I'm living (and skin-cancer-free {currently, and crossing my fingers and knocking on wood too}) proof of that.

And... another thing I've learned... I, Karen/neraK, don't give a sh*t who thinks I'm less attractive/more attractive, etc. without a tan. If you don't like the way I look, don't look at me. I have a total BLLLLAST in Playa with my "ghost white" legs. And no makeup. And no "done up" hair-do. And I'm SOOO glad I've learned to feel this way. Makes for a lot less stress and a truly happier time in Playa.

[cuffedlinks]

Originally Posted by vhonodel

Self tanners have come along way. There are some really good ones out there that come in a spray so that you dont even have to do the careful hand washing. My hubby quite enjoys giving me my "pre tan" I look as golden as the hard core beach sun bathers ....

Well....
Let's have 'em.

[vhonodel]

Originally Posted by cuffedlinks

Well....
Let's have 'em.

Well, my favorite is Glow Fusion. This one is available at Sephora. The other is at Victoria Secret. The glow fusion has no scent at all while the VS has a really nice smell to it.
Glow fusion costs a bit more but it will stretch the tan out a good two weeks!

[cuffedlinks]

Originally Posted by vhonodel

Well, my favorite is Glow Fusion. This one is available at Sephora. The other is at Victoria Secret. The glow fusion has no scent at all while the VS has a really nice smell to it.
Glow fusion costs a bit more but it will stretch the tan out a good two weeks!

TY.

Ruth never tans her face but uses a great product for her face that she got from a former owner of a tanning salon. Wish I could remember the name....

[Skiptown]

We hit the tanning booth for a month before we went and used a good sunscreen while there. Only time either of us got a burn was the day I forgot to apply sunscreen to the tops of my sandled feet and burnt the crap of the tops of my feet. Lesson learned.

[Slayer]

Originally Posted by cpfstich

We tan for about a month beforw we go, but still use suncreen after we get there. We usually start with an 8 SPF and work down from there. We don't burn, but then we use common sense when it comes to time in the sun.

I do the same.

[Joana]

Hm.
I am currently doing it- only three times before I leave though.
And yes, indeed, for the vanity. I am currently white as a blanket and would blind anyone who comes my way.

As for the SPF- was thinking of you all when in front of the shelf yesterday.
Was picking a 15 first- why?
Well- as sunscreen means factor x time you can stay in the sun without one= total time I keep thinking that if I factor 20x 15 (= 5 hours) that is more than enough for me as I usually don't stay in the sun that long anyhow.

But well- as I was thinking of everyone here I took 30 instead. Good girl eh?

Getting cancer is one of my scares as when I was a child those were still the times were children would roam free and collect a good burn here and there.
Plus when working in Mex I often didn't use protection on my face when going out to dives (read: never) as if I'd need to clear my mask I'd face probs later (burning eyes etc). So I did burn quite a few times, looking like the human lobster.

So far I have gone to one check up with the doc a few years back- and since then I am doing the checks myself......

[catnhat]

I have enjoyed reading all of the responses on this thread..
Thank You..

I did the tanning post on another board..
A friend posted Baz Luhrmann - Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)
I think too good not to share...

YouTube - Baz Luhrmann - Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)

[Phil in Ottawa]

I'll throw in my vote with the non-pre-tanners.

I have never set foot in a tanning salon and don't anticipate I ever will.

The dangers are too great.

Wear a good sunscreen/sunblock and remember to re-apply often and you should not have any problems with burning.

As far as vanity is concerned, I'd rather be white as a sheet but healthy when I'm 80 years-old, than tanned now and dead from skin cancer at 60.

I'll follow the advice of my spouse's doctor who said: "If you ever use a tanning bed, you'll have to find yourself another doctor, because I will no longer have you as a patient."

neraK and Jacko, you are the voices of reason in this thread

My $0.02.

[vhonodel]

Originally Posted by catnhat

I have enjoyed reading all of the responses on this thread..
Thank You..

A did the tanning post on another board..
A friend posted Baz Luhrmann - Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)
I think too good not to share...

YouTube - Baz Luhrmann - Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)

WOW! Thank you so much for posting that link. One of the coolest unique videos I have watched. Not only were the messages all so true but the video footage is from my era. Very nostalgic.