What are the effects of tanning

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of tanning on the skin, comparing natural sun exposure and tanning beds to "tan in a bottle" products. Participants explore concerns about skin health, safety, and the aesthetic implications of tanning, including personal experiences with various tanning methods.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express concern about the harmful effects of tanning from the sun and tanning beds, citing risks such as skin cancer and premature aging.
  • Others argue that "tan in a bottle" products do not harm the skin in the same way as sun exposure, describing them as merely dyes that stain the skin.
  • One participant shares a specific product recommendation, noting its pleasant scent and natural appearance, while others inquire about its effectiveness and cost.
  • There are suggestions for safer tanning methods, including low-dose tanning creams that allow for gradual color development.
  • Some participants share personal anecdotes about their experiences with tanning and the societal pressures to achieve a tanned appearance.
  • Disagreement arises regarding the advice to avoid sun exposure, with some advocating for moderation and the use of sunscreen instead.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of agreement and disagreement regarding the safety and desirability of tanning. While some advocate for avoiding sun exposure altogether, others emphasize the importance of enjoying the outdoors with proper sun protection.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various products and personal experiences, but there is no consensus on the best approach to tanning or the definitive effects of different methods on skin health.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in skincare, tanning methods, and the health implications of sun exposure may find this discussion relevant.

mcknia07
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What are the effects of tanning, like from a tanning bed/natural sun, compared to the effects on the skin from a "tan in a bottle" product?

I am about as pale as they come, but some of my friends do the "fake" tan things, and I try to tell them its bad for their skin, but I don't know how or what exactly it does. Can anyone help me to know, and plus I want to know for myself too. I have always been too scared to tan, or get too much sun exposure without protection. I have done the "tan in a bottle" products before, but they leave me looking a little on the orange side with a funky smell, so I have stopped that.

I also would like to know if there is a safe/healthy way to get a tan or look tan? Or should I just be ok with being pale and looking really young for a long time? :biggrin:
 
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mcknia07 said:
What are the effects of tanning, like from a tanning bed/natural sun, compared to the effects on the skin from a "tan in a bottle" product?

I am about as pale as they come, but some of my friends do the "fake" tan things, and I try to tell them its bad for their skin, but I don't know how or what exactly it does. Can anyone help me to know, and plus I want to know for myself too. I have always been too scared to tan, or get too much sun exposure without protection. I have done the "tan in a bottle" products before, but they leave me looking a little on the orange side with a funky smell, so I have stopped that.

I also would like to know if there is a safe/healthy way to get a tan or look tan? Or should I just be ok with being pale and looking really young for a long time? :biggrin:
The "tan in a bottle" does not harm the skin like the sun. I use a "tan in a bottle" sometimes, it's just a dye that stains the skin. I found one that looks natural and doesn't smell, but it's expensive.
 


Evo said:
The "tan in a bottle" does not harm the skin like the sun. I use a "tan in a bottle" sometimes, it's just a dye that stains the skin. I found one that looks natural and doesn't smell, but it's expensive.

What kinda did you find that works good? and how much does it cost, roughly?
 


mcknia07 said:
What kinda did you find that works good? and how much does it cost, roughly?
It's Bare Escentuals "Faux Tan". With the rock blush and S&H it was about $50 for a 16 ounce bottle. You can probably find just the Faux Tan by itself. They have a store at the nearby (to me) mall now or you can get it through QVC if they don't have a store near you. It's a special QVC had. Online at Bare Escentuals a 4.5 ounce bottle is $22. I love their products.

It goes on dark brown and has a very light almond scent which disappears quickly. I mainly bought it because it doesn't stink like those other tanning lotions. This is light, non-greasy, a gel that's like applying water, it absorbs quickly and you'd never know you have anything on.

But don't tell anyone, I'd hate to give away my beauty secrets. :rolleyes:
 


Thanks Evo. I saw that on QVC and thought about getting it, but I wasn't sure if it actually worked. Now I think I might get it :biggrin:
 


mcknia07 said:
Thanks Evo. I saw that on QVC and thought about getting it, but I wasn't sure if it actually worked. Now I think I might get it :biggrin:
I love QVC.
 


Me too, it's great :biggrin:
 


mcknia07 said:
I also would like to know if there is a safe/healthy way to get a tan or look tan? Or should I just be ok with being pale and looking really young for a long time? :biggrin:
Stay out of the sun! But I see you are already doing that :smile: There are these new cream lotions on the market today with very low amounts of tanning reagents in them, in that way you can built up a tan over many applications, giving it a natural effect.

I have a really pale skin as well, and prefer to stay out of the sun or wear good sunscreen protection. I have some of these low-dose tanning day creams standing on my cupboard, but haven't really used it. I'll see if they're still good and give it another go.
 


With regard to the fake tan stuff, my friend looked beautifully tan for her wedding...turns out the person who did her make-up coated all the visible skin with a bronzer (I found out the next morning when I bumped into her at breakfast and she was talking about trying to figure out why brown stuff was running off her in the shower until she remembered the bronzer :smile:). I'm content to be pasty-pale.

As for what tanning does, aside from the obvious skin cancer risk, WRINKLES! All the people I know who were sun worshippers (or even just really outdoorsy people without wearing a lot of sunscreen) in their teens and 20s now have really leathery, wrinkly looking skin in their late 30s and 40s, even those with naturally darker skin who just didn't think about sunscreen because they didn't burn in the sun. They look 20 years older than they really are.
 
  • #10


Moonbear said:
I'm content to be pasty-pale.
The comments from other people can sometimes be annoying. One tops the list: "I already thought you were vegetarian when I met you, vegetarians always look pale" :rolleyes: At least I've found the perfect mate to create offspring with a tanned complexion :smile:
They look 20 years older than they really are.
Yeah, I really don't understand people who feel good about tanning non-stop. Wrinkles and skin cancer, that doesn't really advertise it for me.
 
  • #11


My younger daughter is always saying, "mommy, you really do not realize how much younger you look than my friend's moms, they're all wrinkled and their skin is leathery and they're much younger than you".

That's because I was smart enough to stay out of the sun. Something I can't seem to get through to her enough so that she'll start using a higher SPF. <exasperated sigh>
 
  • #12


Good lord, stop telling people to stay out of the sun! No wonder we're a continent of fat slugs!

Get plenty of fresh air, sunshine and exercise, just be diligent with the SPF.
 
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  • #13


DaveC426913 said:
Good lord, stop telling people to stay out of the sun! No wonder we're a continent of fat slugs!
:smile: alright, only hide in the shade between 12 and 3, you may come out after that :biggrin:
 
  • #14


I grew up with lots of mature trees in the yard. It was possible to play outside all day and still stay out of the sun. :wink:
 

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