Tanning beds and fake tans: what's your go-to?

I know we’ve probably touched on tanning beds before, but I figured I’d ask again.

So, I’ve been using them for about two years now—basically just for a month and a half every seven months—and it's that time of year again.

The thing is, I have quite a few moles. Most are tiny and flat, but I have two or three larger ones that make me pretty nervous about sun exposure. Is there any way to protect those specific spots in a tanning bed, or is applying sunscreen to just the moles actually worth anything?

Also, is anyone else here super pale with light eyes and blonde hair, prone to getting small moles, yet still uses tanning beds?

BTW, whenever I hit the beach, I always stick to SPF 60.

I honestly managed to wreck my skin with tanning beds. Seriously, I’ve been trying to fix the damage with specialized creams for an entire year now, and it feels like a losing battle. 🙏 🙏 Now, don't get me wrong—I wasn't out there every day. I only went maybe ten times a year, just for five minutes at a time.

But yeah... that's just where I'm at.

I’m basically a permanent fixture at the tanning salon lately. Between all those different moles I’ve got scattered around and my skin being super pale and sensitive, I figured I should probably get checked out. I went to see my doctor, and she gave me the green light on most of them, though she did suggest I go ahead and get those slightly raised ones removed this fall just to be safe.
You don't seem to have any crazy conspiracy theories about tanning beds or anything.
Honestly, if you're going to do it, just stick to the reputable spots where you know they actually service the bulbs regularly, and please, don't overdo it with the timer. I only recently started doing 10-minute sessions in the turbo bed myself. Even with how much I love the glow, I still try to use my head and not push it too far.

It’s not like I end up looking like a chocolate bar or anything, though—just a nice, moderate tan.
😁 😉

So, I’ve got a few moles, but they’re pretty small and don't really stick out much. My dermatologist actually gave me the green light to use a tanning bed, but with some serious caveats—like, strictly ten minutes max, and don't go overboard. Honestly, I never even hit the salon more than four times a year anyway, since I spend basically my entire summer down at the beach.
I do have one larger one, though, and for that specific spot, the doctor told me to just cover it up with a bandage whenever I'm out in the sun. So, that's exactly what I do.

So, I’m thinking about booking a few tanning bed sessions to get a more normal skin tone, since I’m looking a bit pale lately. However, I have quite a few moles on my back, so I was wondering if you could provide some specific guidelines or safety precautions regarding that...

Thanks!

There are several moving parts to consider here. First off, if you’re dealing with a high number of moles, playing around with direct sunlight—or even artificial UV exposure from tanning beds—is a massive gamble. Statistics show that roughly half of all melanomas originate from existing moles. So, what’s your baseline? Are we talking fair skin, light hair, and blue eyes, or perhaps a darker complexion that just happens to be pale-toned?
How does your skin actually react when you step out into the heat? Do you manage to get a nice, subtle tan without any irritation, or do you find yourself turning bright red and burning every single time?
The science boils down to four primary skin types, categorized by your melanin levels and pigment concentration. Your specific type dictates exactly how much natural defense your skin provides against UV damage.
Then there’s the issue of the tanning beds themselves; the specific UV spectrum emitted by those bulbs can be incredibly aggressive.

Given the heightened risk of developing malignant skin tumors, I’d personally choose to stay pale over chasing a tan. But at the end of the day, you have to weigh the risks for yourself.🤷

Hmm, this is certainly an interesting topic to dive into, and I find myself relating to it quite a bit 😉
To be honest, my skin is pretty pale, and I’ve spent some time considering whether tanning beds might serve as a sort of "sun prep," though I haven't quite pulled the trigger on going yet. While I managed to have one large mole removed, I still have several smaller moles and beauty marks scattered about; since I fall into that Type I skin category—the kind that tends to burn easily rather than tan—I feel a certain level of hesitation regarding tanning salons 😢 🤷
Hehe... I suppose there's a real possibility I'll just end up turning bright red instead of actually getting a glow 😁 😉

Does anyone here have any firsthand experience with this? 😕

I honestly don't see what the big deal is regarding the "white path" approach. Personally, I'm a fan.
When you're dealing with skin like that, the results from any kind of "quartzification" process are highly questionable at best. Plus, there's the heightened risk of developing skin cancer, which I’ve already pointed out. That said, everyone is the master of their own body and can make whatever choices they want. I just know I wouldn't.😛