Sunbeds

[Lotus]

Yes, I know theyre not very good for you in the long run - but being pale is not very good for me either :) And I'm a little bored of the 'tan from the bottle' thing - it gets streaky sometimes, you can never reach THAT bit on your back, etc, etc. Ive decided to go on the sunbed to get a nice, even tan - but I'm not sure as to how frequently one can use a sunbed.. Im fair skinned, with light hair and eyes..Would every other day be ok? And is everyday for, say, a week too much?

Thanks in advance :)

[Rach4018]

Fair skinned + Sun Bed = Skin Cancer

Is it really worth it too look a bit more tanned? Couldn't you try the spray on ones that salons do they are safer if you are really fair skinned.

[Lotus]

Im not REALLY REALLY fair skinned - I dont burn easily when Im sunbathing in the summer, I get a nice honey brown tan - and I wouldnt be using the sunbed all the time, just to be a bit tanner before the summer (and maybe in the winter again). Id love to use the spray tans all the time (tried them, very nice) - but you have to go every week if you want to keep your tan nice and even, and I cannot afford to spend 20 odd pounds every week. The reason Im asking about sunbeds is because there is one in the gym in my building - hence money saving and easily accessible....

[Rach4018]

Sorry, wasn't trying to preach :-) All sunbeds have to have a notice near them that explains how to use them and how often you can use them, probably best to have a look or ask at the gym.

[Rach4018]

How to achieve the best tan

The best way to create and maintain a tan is by encouraging the melanocytes to produce more melanin and then drawing it to the top layers of skin and retaining and oxidising it there. This is done by exposing the skin frequently (3 times a week) via a series of tanning sessions which do not burn the skin (which is actually counterproductive and harmful).

that came form thetanningshop.co.uk

[Lotus]

Thank you Rach4018 :)

[5029]

From experience, to have a good tan and maintain it, at least 3 times a week would be necessary (I have medium-olive skin).

 

However this amount of sunbed use can be bad for you, although it can also have positive effects for skin conditions, eczema etc.  In some cases people have been prescribed them on the NHS for cases of eczema.  To be used in moderation of course!

[Little Lady]

Unfortunately the belief that a suntan is healthy is a myth. A suntan is the skin's response to damage from UV radiation - from sunlight or sunbeds. Regular exposure to UV radiation is known to age the skin, causing sagging and wrinkles; and also increases the risk of skin cancer in the long term. The simple truth is that a suntan fades, but skin damage from tanning does not.
If people are considering using sunbeds they should be aware of the risks as well as the perceived benefits before going ahead. However, if people do want to look bronzed, the good news is that fake tanning lotions offer great results without any UV radiation - this is one occasion when 'faking it' really is the better option. Just to add on going on a sunbed is also alot worse than sitting in the natural sunlight!!

[Lotus]

Ok, so three times a week MAX and its very bad for you :) I think I get the point... But as I've said before, this will be more of a one-off than a regular practice - and we all do things that are bad for us sometimes, don't we :) So thank you all for the advice, it has certainly made me think twice about the issue...

P.S. In A Pickle, you're the only person so far to like me pale - Im flattered :) lol