Yes, we all know the health risks of indoor tanning, outdoor tanning, any unprotected exposure to sunlight whatsoever, etc. However, I was talking with a friend who was given a tanning package as a gift & wants to use it to get a base tan before going to Florida in a month, in the hopes that she won't burn while she's down there.
My $0.02/question: A slight base tan can't be any worse for you than a hellacious sunburn, can it?
All the medical-based info I've read about this suggests, again, that any unprotected sun exposure will eventually kill you. (I'm being slightly hyperbolic, but it all takes a rather panicky tone.)
Any thoughts?
(FWIW: My dad's doctor found some precancerous cells on his forehead & hands last year, and my aunt has had numerous melanomas removed -- both had years of frequent prolonged sun exposure without sunscreen. My sister's dermatologist prescribed indoor tanning in strict moderation as a treatment for really stubborn psoriasis, which is sort of unbelievable coming from a doctor you'd think has seen tons of skin cancer, but it seems to have worked.)
"Sell crazy someplace else. We're all stocked up here."
Re: Base tan vs. sunburn? Your thoughts?
"Sell crazy someplace else. We're all stocked up here."
Like Rdr, I too will tan frequently before I go on vacation, and I tan about 2 times a week as it is right now, getting ready just for summer, for about 10 minutes a session. I certainly am NOT tan, but I have a healthy glow. I know people disagree with indoor tanning, but this is one of those choices where, it is up to you, and imho I don't think tanning in moderation is the end of the world.
Beth, let me tell you, you're gonna want to get a base tan AND wear sunblock if your skin is anything like mine (fair). Our sun is brutal (like our Texas sun is any worse, but its so gosh darn hot, I think it is LOL) and you'll be wanting all the protection you can get. So where are you going for vacation? I've been to almost everywhere fun in Texas (even to Paris Texas to see their mini Effiel Tower!) but I'm always looking for more places to visit!
If someone wants to get a little color before heading out to the beach, that's their choice, but they should also make sure to use plenty of sunscreen outside.
ETA: I'm not one of those sunscreen every day kind of people, but if I know I'm going to be outside for awhile, I'll put on sunscreen. I have had a couple of nasty burns in my life, and I try not to repeat it. With the advent of spray-on sunscreen, it's much harder to excuse myself for slacking.
I haz a planning bio
"Sell crazy someplace else. We're all stocked up here."
"Sell crazy someplace else. We're all stocked up here."
[QUOTE]Oh, I won't go tanning indoors, although I'm probably not as careful about outdoor sun as I should be, especially given my family history. I don't usually put on sunscreen (any more than a daily moisturizer) unless I know I'm going to be outside in direct sunlight for a good while. I know, I'm bad, but I just don't spend much time outside on a typical day. (And we're not exactly known for sunshine here in the boondocks of western Illinois.) I guess I was just proposing this for discussion's sake. We always get one very consistent message about sun exposure. I was curious about others' thoughts, especially in light of what my friend was saying. <strong>An interesting sidebar: I read somewhere last year that these ultra-high SPF sunscreens (100+) aren't actually any more effective than 50 or even frequently reapplied 30. Has anyone else heard that?</strong>
Posted by melizabethp[/QUOTE]
Yes, I've heard this. I have a friend who is very pale and a doctor, and while we joke about SPF 100 with her (long before it existed), she generally uses 50.
ETA: Here's a nice WebMD article on the subject <a href="http://www.webmd.com/healthy-beauty/features/high-spf-sunscreens-are-they-better" rel="nofollow">http://www.webmd.com/healthy-beauty/features/high-spf-sunscreens-are-they-better</a>
I haz a planning bio
[QUOTE]beth, I second Texas -- where in the Lone Star State are you going? It's such an interesting state. (<strong>I mean that in the best way!)</strong>
Posted by melizabethp[/QUOTE]
Lol! I love how you added this part! But really, it is! I live in Central Texas and Eastern and Western Texas feel so absolutely different. The Panhandle and the coast too! I'm sure other states are like this too, but I am especially fond of Texas. (I bet no one here could have guessed that! Haha!)
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Base tan vs. sunburn? Your thoughts? : Yes, I've heard this. I have a friend who is very pale and a doctor, and while we joke about SPF 100 with her (long before it existed), she generally uses 50. ETA: Here's a nice WebMD article on the subject <a href="http://www.webmd.com/healthy-beauty/features/high-spf-sunscreens-are-they-better" rel="nofollow">http://www.webmd.com/healthy-beauty/features/high-spf-sunscreens-are-they-better</a>
Posted by leia1979[/QUOTE]
<div>Ooooo, thanks for the link. Very interesting reading. It's eye-opening to learn how SPF actually works!</div>
"Sell crazy someplace else. We're all stocked up here."
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Base tan vs. sunburn? Your thoughts? : Lol! I love how you added this part! But really, it is! I live in Central Texas and Eastern and Western Texas feel so absolutely different. The Panhandle and the coast too! I'm sure other states are like this too, but I am especially fond of Texas. (I bet no one here could have guessed that! Haha!)
Posted by LilTexasGal[/QUOTE]
<div>Yes, I've definitely noticed that Texans are quite loyal. :D</div><div>
</div><div>I went to DFW in college to visit my then-boyfriend over Christmas break, and three years ago I went to Houston/Galveston & San Antonio to visit my college roommates. The whole state sort of feels like a different country, but I was amazed at how different all three areas were. I think I liked San Antonio best, just because it did have such a unique culture (and is SO beautiful). The roommate who lived there moved to Austin not long ago, and I can't tell you how excited I am to visit there!</div>
"Sell crazy someplace else. We're all stocked up here."
I'm not 100% sure where we are going (my mom planned the whole trip) but it's somewhere on the coast.
No, no, no.
Just... no.
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Base tan vs. sunburn? Your thoughts? : Yes, I've definitely noticed that Texans are quite loyal. :D I went to DFW in college to visit my then-boyfriend over Christmas break, and three years ago I went to Houston/Galveston & San Antonio to visit my college roommates. The whole state sort of feels like a different country, but I was amazed at how different all three areas were. I think I liked San Antonio best, just because it did have such a unique culture (and is SO beautiful). The roommate who lived there moved to Austin not long ago, and I can't tell you how excited I am to visit there!
Posted by melizabethp[/QUOTE]
Technically I am in the "Austin Area" between Austin and Waco, but I go to Austin a lot. There is a TON of fun stuff to do there. I hope you enjoy your visit when you go.
Beth - Oh, I love the coast! Matagorda Bay, Galviston, Port Aransas, Corpis Cristi, South Padre... ahh those place are fun (Matagorda and Galviston are where I like to go fishing!) but they are all great places to go, and are the popular tourist places. I probably like Port A more than South Padre (kind of more family vs. party imo) but I live closer to Port A, so maybe that is why I like it?
IF YOU DO GO TO PORT ARANSAS:
Let me know! I can tell you exactly where to go to get the best mani/pedi, or where to get the best mexican food AND the margarita, etc. If you're in Corpis, I can direct you to some pretty amazing sushi too.
[QUOTE] IF YOU DO GO TO PORT ARANSAS: Let me know! I can tell you exactly where to go to get the best mani/pedi, or where to get the best mexican food AND the margarita, etc. If you're in Corpis, I can direct you to some pretty amazing sushi too.
Posted by LilTexasGal[/QUOTE]
I don't like margaritas (not a fan of tequila) but I LOVE sushi so if that is where we are going I'll ask for some pointers from you for sure :)
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Base tan vs. sunburn? Your thoughts? : I don't like margaritas (not a fan of tequila) but I LOVE sushi so if that is where we are going I'll ask for some pointers from you for sure :)
Posted by bethsmiles[/QUOTE]
Haha! Then I will be more than willing to give advice! If you like guac I know where to get some yummy guac too! LOL.