Tanning Bed vs. Spray Tanning

[carlthomas975]

Im new to Florida and am still sensitive to the sun. Does anyone know if either of these pre sun tans would be better than the other just to prepare my skin a little more for outdoor activities. And are there any health benefits or risks to be concerned with?

[Trish Crocker]

I don't think the spray tans will offer you any protection at all. If I were you, I would just use a strong sunscreen, if you want some color you can work your way down to a lower number in the sunscreen. I wouldn't worry about it, you will find that most people down there don't have much of a tan, the long lasting effects of the sun can be quite unattractive. If you find that you have too much sensitivity you may want to wear a hat and stay out of the midday sun.

[Wayne_TN]

Spray Tans don't offer any protection to tanning or burning from what I can tell. And if you search Mayo Clinic (http://www.mayoclinic.com) for tanning beds, they say using them to get a base tan is a bad idea - you're basically just damaging your skin by exposing it to the UV radation of the tanning bed without any sunscreen. They agree with Trish - just come on down and wear plenty of sunscreen (According to my dermatologist, SPF 45 or higher) - apply 30 min before you go out and every 2 hrs while out - Have FUN!

[billethkid]

tanning is an unhealthy vanity tha is just not why most of us are here.

I have always been amused by those who spends hours burning their skin to get "the look". Or pursuing the tanning beds and lastly the sparay bottle to maintain "that look".

Tanning like cigarettes needs to inteligence or understanding to make the choice. The same mentality that gotta smoke is the same mentality that drives needing to burn the skin to "get that look".

Check out that soft leather chair or purse or wallet to get a look at what your skin will be like in a few years. And let's hope the look attained isn't replaced by scarred skin after the skin cancer removals.

To each his own.

btk

[Villages PL]

:agree:with all previous posts.

[delima2000]

I just went to the skin doctors and was told to use a sunscreen of 30 or better,don't go to the pool at high noon,and to wear a hat.

[jbdeb114]

As a member of the "Melanoma Club"....do NOT, I repeat do NOT even think about a tanning bed! Growing up in Ft. Lauderdale was wonderful...put my baby oil on...got tan and looked good. I paid for it later. As the previous posts stated....a good SPF sun block, avoid the sun from noon till 4, (at least in the summer) and you will be fine. We don't care if you have a tan or not and you will be thankful later that you didn't 'fry' yourself!