Tanning...

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Replies

  • Snow3y
    Snow3y Posts: 1,412 Member
    Your self-confidence is lacking because of your pale skin? Sorry bro, getting a tan won't solve that.
    I actually suffer from BDD, unfortunately, but it's one of the things that hits me really hard and that's why I'm wishing to change it...
  • BeachGingerOnTheRocks
    BeachGingerOnTheRocks Posts: 3,928 Member
    I'm naturally pale and I live on a beach. It is my back yard. After 15 months, I have a little color in my skin that might be considered a tan (in Canada).

    SPF 50 or higher. Go outside every day for 4-5 hours at a time, and you will get some color. Keep applying the sunscreen every couple hours.

    You will get some color, not much, but some. If you burn, you'll get no color and may even become splotchy. Besides, the damage to your skin will be greater.

    I barely ever burn because I love sunscreen so much. I'm also old enough to be your mother.
  • Snow3y
    Snow3y Posts: 1,412 Member
    I don't think he was looking to get bashed....Pretty sure I read something about seeking advice to GET tan....everything kills you in this life.

    Thanks bro, yeah was pretty much seeking advice on 'safer' tanning or alternative ways to get a tan... Like they say 'too much of anything is bad for you'
  • whierd
    whierd Posts: 14,027 Member
    Your self-confidence is lacking because of your pale skin? Sorry bro, getting a tan won't solve that.
    I actually suffer from BDD, unfortunately, but it's one of the things that hits me really hard and that's why I'm wishing to change it...


    Exactly. Once you get the tan you are seeking, you will focus and be unhappy about something else. Are you currentlt in treatment for your BDD?
  • YogaLegs87
    YogaLegs87 Posts: 27
    Have you tried shortening the time you're out in the sun? IMO, the best way to get a good 'base' for somebody who burns easily would be frequent, short 'doses' of natural sunlight. Try starting with 10 (or even 5? If you burn super easy) minutes out in the sun without sunscreen every day for a week or so, then bump to 15, etc. Sunshine FTW.
  • Snow3y
    Snow3y Posts: 1,412 Member
    Your self-confidence is lacking because of your pale skin? Sorry bro, getting a tan won't solve that.
    I actually suffer from BDD, unfortunately, but it's one of the things that hits me really hard and that's why I'm wishing to change it...


    Exactly. Once you get the tan you are seeking, you will focus and be unhappy about something else. Are you currentlt in treatment for your BDD?

    Nope because my parents don't 'believe' in such things, when I mention I want something on myself to change, they state there is nothing to change and they refuse to assist in it... I have seen a few psychologists in the past but none managed to pick up the causes of my lack of confidence because I haven't ever really mentioned why.. I was often given money in sessions to 'boost' my confidence, and that's when parents said it's enough..
  • Melissa22G
    Melissa22G Posts: 847 Member
    If you live in a place with lots of sun- just go out and wear sunscreen. You'll still get tan and won't be shelling out $$ for something you can get for free.

    Spray tan also works :)
  • BrookieTrout626
    BrookieTrout626 Posts: 89 Member
    Start by exfoliating in the shower, then before you head out to get your sun on you put on some low spf tanning lotion, it sounds counterproductive but it really isn't. It helps you to get a tan without a burn (or so I'm told) the tanning lotion is usually spf 5-15. Keep your skin well hydrated by drinking lots of water and using a good lotion or aloe vera gel after you get out of the sun. That will prolong the life of your tan.
  • nicoleisme
    nicoleisme Posts: 94 Member
    Read into coconut oil! I use it for my dry skin but it's also supposed to be great for tanning. It has a natural spf so will give you a gradual tan, and is great for the skin anyway!
    Also the thing to get a tan is not sitting outside for forever and thinking you'll be dark after a few times. It's doing it everyday, a little at a time. Go outside, give 30-40 minutes to each side (less or more depending on the level of sun.) and just do it everyday. It adds up. Like eating healthy, it's all about consistency!
  • TheSlorax
    TheSlorax Posts: 2,401 Member
    Your self-confidence is lacking because of your pale skin? Sorry bro, getting a tan won't solve that.
    I actually suffer from BDD, unfortunately, but it's one of the things that hits me really hard and that's why I'm wishing to change it...

    Exactly. Once you get the tan you are seeking, you will focus and be unhappy about something else. Are you currentlt in treatment for your BDD?

    Nope because my parents don't 'believe' in such things, when I mention I want something on myself to change, they state there is nothing to change and they refuse to assist in it... I have seen a few psychologists in the past but none managed to pick up the causes of my lack of confidence because I haven't ever really mentioned why.. I was often given money in sessions to 'boost' my confidence, and that's when parents said it's enough..

    hi - I looked at your profile and it says you are attending school. it might be an option for you to seek counseling through your school's health services. it's actually a great way to get treatment without letting your parents know. one of my close friends struggles with depression and bipolar so she tells her very religious parents that she is in a study group. that way they know she's on campus, but they don't know exactly where she is. sorry to hear that your family is not supportive, but as you are an adult it's time to take care of you and get the help you need. good luck with everything. :smile:
  • mheebner
    mheebner Posts: 285 Member
    There is so much ignorance in this thread its almost ridiculous. Tanning occasionally is no more going to give you skin cancer than drinking a glass of wine or a beer is going to make you an alcoholic. It appears the dermatologist multi-million dollar lobby against tanning is truly working :angry: :huh:

    If you want to get a little color and have a hard time retaining the color, or your skin type is just plain stubborn about developing melanin try finding a place that offers high pressure tanning. There is a cobalt blue glass filter in front of the lamps that prevent about 98% of UVB from passing through so you can get some color from specific UVA spectrum. Basically that means you will be able to get some color without having to worry about burning, or getting pink. Just be aware that UVA offers zero vitamin D production since UVB is what causes the skin to produce vitamin D. Not sure if that is even a concern of yours but at least you know.

    I would suggest getting in a few sessions and building a base tan. With having a base tan you can spend more time in the outdoor sun with having some natural sun protection built in. Always use some type of sunscreen if you are in the sun for extended amounts of time however.

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