Tanning beds

Charles Ramirez59 Active MemberOP

218 messages
joined Jan 2005

#1 · May 9, 2004

So, I have an upcoming event coming up that calls for a formal dress. Since I’m pretty much pale as a ghost, I was hoping to get a little color so I don't accidentally blend into the walls of the venue. 😂 Anyway, how healthy is tanning (or not tanning), and what products or methods would you recommend? My only experience with "color" has been a natural summer glow from the sun, so I’m a total novice when it comes to artificial tans. Any tips, thoughts, or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

placidjackal97 Active Member

135 messages
joined May 2003

#2 · May 9, 2004

Honestly, I wouldn't recommend tanning. I live in a country where I see people overdone and sun-damaged all the time—it definitely colors my perspective.

I used to hit the tanning beds myself, but man, I realized later just how much it dried out my skin 😲 especially on my face.

That said, a few sessions probably won't ruin you—the real issue is if you make it a year-round habit. And since I'm pretty pale (definitely a fair-skinned type), if you go, skip the high-intensity beds and stick to something more subtle.

Make sure to cover up sensitive areas with a towel or something similar; if you're new to this, those spots can really take a hit.

And drink tons of water after you're done.😉

restlesstiger31 Newcomer

4 messages
joined Apr 2004

#3 · May 9, 2004

I’ve certainly heard my fair share of horror stories regarding tanning beds.
Still, I find myself heading to one every now and then. There is just something about having a bit of color; it makes you look instantly healthier, and frankly, it does wonders for masking the appearance of cellulite. 😉

Just to be clear, I’m talking about moderate, sensible sessions—not someone trying to set a world record for UV exposure.

Casey Palmer5 Regular

470 messages
joined Jan 2016

#4 · May 9, 2004

It’s not exactly the healthiest thing to do, but the world isn't going to end if you go a few times.

Honestly, I’m planning to head in myself a couple of times too. I have to squeeze into this dress with a low neckline—it just ties around the neck with little ribbons—and I am pale as a ghost. Plus, I never really tan under normal sunlight, so... let's just say I'm treating myself a little bit.

I usually go for about ten minutes at this tanning studio over near the Potomac, and I actually just paid for the premium session at $1.75/minute for a quick five-minute blast. My advice? Make sure you find a place that stays on top of changing their bulbs regularly. If I ever end up with an allergic reaction or skin irritation, it's usually because of those old machines—I’ve only ever had redness after using the ones that cost $0.67/min.

Just use your head and don't overdo it. Honestly, doing it five times is more than enough to get that "healthy" glow.

restlesstiger31 Newcomer

4 messages
joined Apr 2004

#5 · May 9, 2004

Absolutely. You really have to stay on top of replacing the bulbs regularly and keeping the tanning beds sanitized. Otherwise...😢

placidjackal97 Active Member

135 messages
joined May 2003

#6 · May 9, 2004

When it comes to tanning bed hygiene, places around here usually just leave a little card out saying "sanitized" if they’ve actually done the work.

I always ended up wiping everything down myself—both before and after I used them.

Charles Ramirez59 Active MemberOP

218 messages
joined Jan 2005

#7 · May 9, 2004

True, I’ve never really been, and honestly, if I didn't need it for this occasion—which, as Casey Palmer5 mentioned, is all about finding a dress and adding some color...—I wouldn't even bother going. (Casey Palmer5 has seen me lately, so she can vouch for that.)
I'm well aware it's not exactly the healthiest habit, but I don't think a few rounds are going to kill me either. Thanks, ladies, and thanks for the DM, too.
👋

restlesstiger31 Newcomer

4 messages
joined Apr 2004

#8 · May 10, 2004

Anyone feeling lucky? There's a giveaway happening over at www.aerofitness.com where you can win some tanning sessions!
👋

silentowl43 Member

26 messages
joined Dec 2004

#9 · May 10, 2004

placidjackal97 says:

Make sure you cover up your sensitive areas with lotion or something—if you've never used a tanning bed before, you can seriously mess things up.

😲 What do you mean "mess things up"? Like, actually burn yourself?
I've never been to a tanning salon either—I'm just naturally super pale, that's just how I'm built—and honestly, even when I'm out in the sun, I don't really tan much.

I was thinking about hitting up a salon a few times before summer hits so I don't end up getting a nasty sunburn at the beach again... and since I'm definitely not the type to wear tiny thong bikinis or anything, I figured I'd try to get a little color on my backside.

Charles Ramirez59 Active MemberOP

218 messages
joined Jan 2005

#10 · May 10, 2004

Does anyone have any advice regarding tanning beds? For instance, should I skip shaving on the day I plan to go, or is there something else I should know?🙂

Michael Fox46 Active Member

86 messages
joined Apr 2005

#11 · May 10, 2004

Waxing and all that other stuff right after a tanning session? Absolutely not. You really don't want to do that because it opens up your pores way too much. I tried doing it once and my skin looked like an absolute disaster afterward. If you're looking for a decent spot, there's a really good tanning salon over near the Potomac. I usually go for the stand-up beds, but I’ve noticed the girl there always disinfects everything with a spray and wipes it down perfectly every single time.😁

Charles Ramirez59 Active MemberOP

218 messages
joined Jan 2005

#12 · May 11, 2004

After that? I usually just stick to a razor or some shaving cream. Waxing?

rustycanyon50 Member

16 messages
joined Jun 2003

#13 · May 11, 2004

Why don't you give some tanning cream a shot?

Betty Hill82 Member

49 messages
joined Nov 2004

#14 · May 11, 2004

Sophia Castillo35 said:Does anyone have tips for tanning beds? Like, should I skip shaving on the day I go, or what?🙂

Use a body scrub first—you'll tan faster and get a much more even color.

It’s also a good idea to grab some tanning accelerator lotion. I'm not sure if they carry specific brands like that here in the States.

I always used Estée Lauder (the brown box with the white lid).

And protect your hair. 🙂

I used to make a habit of flipping myself over two or three times just to make sure the tan stayed even. 😎

Charles Ramirez59 Active MemberOP

218 messages
joined Jan 2005

#15 · May 11, 2004

Betty Hill82 said:Try using a body scrub—it’ll help you tan faster and more evenly.

It might also be worth grabbing a tanning accelerator lotion. I'm not sure if they carry those kinds of products here in the States.

And don't forget to protect your hair. 🙂

I was actually thinking about doing a scrub... But what about cream? Like a tanning moisturizer? I'm terrified of ending up with orange patches everywhere. 😬
And how do I protect my hair? With a towel??? I really want to keep my hair looking healthy and soft.

restlesstiger31 Newcomer

4 messages
joined Apr 2004

#16 · May 11, 2004

Honestly, you don't need those creams. They’re overpriced and mostly just serve to give you a slightly better tan. If you really want to be smart about it, just wear sunglasses to protect your eyes, lie back, and enjoy yourself.
As for hair straightening? I’ve never bothered with it, and I haven't had a single issue.

Charles Ramirez59 Active MemberOP

218 messages
joined Jan 2005

#17 · May 11, 2004

restlesstiger31 said:You don't really need cream; they're overpriced and mostly just act as a bronzer. Honestly, if you want protection, just wear sunglasses, lie down, and enjoy yourself.
I don't bother with hair removal either, and I haven't had any issues.

Anyway, I’m heading to a local spot tomorrow for a tanning session. Is it okay if I apply lotion to my body too?😬
Annie, won't my sunglasses leave marks on my face?😎 😁

restlesstiger31 Newcomer

4 messages
joined Apr 2004

#18 · May 11, 2004

I haven't the slightest clue—I don't wear glasses myself—but I have heard it's recommended to apply them. You might want to try 😁
.
Avoid applying any kind of body cream, and make sure you don't shower for at least two hours afterward.

Betty Hill82 Member

49 messages
joined Nov 2004

#19 · May 11, 2004

restlesstiger31 said:You don't need lotion; it's overpriced and just helps with the color. If you want protection, wear sunglasses or just lie down and relax.
I've never bothered protecting my hair, and I'm doing just fine.

Thanks for the expert lecture, dear. 🙄 😁

Are you speaking from experience because you actually use lotion?
Sophia Castillo35, I use it so my tan looks smooth and even, not because I'm trying to turn jet black.
Plus, it’s great for hydration—my skin has never been dry or flaky (unlike some girls who skip moisturizer before hitting the tanning beds).

I usually shower right after tanning, which I can do because I use moisturizer.

😉

Personally, I hate walking around feeling sticky and gross. But hey, to each their own, right?

As for my hair, I didn't bother protecting it until I noticed my color fading fast and my ends getting super dry.

Now I just put it in a ponytail or wear a hat.

restlesstiger31 Newcomer

4 messages
joined Apr 2004

#20 · May 11, 2004

iggix said:Thanks for the expert lecture, dear. 🙄 😁

My apologies; I didn't mean to come across that way.
I used a tanning lotion from a drugstore I stopped at while out in the sun—I can't quite recall the brand—that was supposed to promote an even, deeper tan.
Now that I've stopped using it entirely, my skin looks exactly the same, so clearly that cream did nothing for me. But then again, we all react differently, don't we?

Tanning beds

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