I want to get a tan this summer but i've always been afriad to lay in a tanning bed because of what i've heard. I know there is a risk of skin cancer but how high is this risk? and is there ne thing else i should know?
203036
Yes, tanning beds are bad for you.  They do have a skin cancer risk & they may also have hygeine problems .... think of all the sweat & germs from previous users & how efficiently the tanning bed may or may not have been disinfected.  Not to mention the possibility of hidden spy cameras posting your naked pale body on risque internet sites!\nSeriously though, suntans, either natural or from a tanning bed, increase the risk of melanoma & certainly bring on premature sking ageing.
295589
There are certain things about your situation you didn't mention, like what is the natural ethnicity of your skin colour. Its cold hearted to suggest asking Michael Jackson, who has never darkened his skin and remains a mystery how it was lightened in the first place (he claims to have vitiligo which looks much different than what he is suggesting). You are obviously troubled by this. Tanning, if your skin has the ability now, is unsafe as there is risk of skin cancer developing. See a hair dresser about hair colour and see a doctor about your skin condition. I wouldn't take a pill that claims to alter hair colour. Hydroquinone is not available in some countries due to cancer risk factors.
430316
Honey, I understand! Here is what I do, and I hate before I do it, but it works. When it is cold, dark, rainy, etc. I do not want to do a thing. I'd rather lay in bed or in the house watching TV and eating all day. But, we can lead a very productive life that way can we. So what I do is drag my lazy butt to the shower, get dressed, make-up and all, and go outside and just become part of what is going on. Really it helps. Something else that helps but I hate to recommend b/c it isn't good for your overall health, is artificial sunlight. However, if you put sunblock all over you and go lay in a tanning bed for 7-10 minutes, it'll perk you up a little, but not as much as learning to enjoy the day by doing something outdorsy no matter what the weather is like.
440043
It stings much like you scaled yourself with very hot water.  It really is a dumb idea to allow yourself to get a sunburn. Very light skinned people really should avoid the sun altogether.   Since my family came from the Artic Circle, we are especially vulnerable.
231659
The higher the number, the more protected you are.  But lower numbers let you get a better tan.\nAs for me- I always go with an SPF 50.  Stay protected against skin cancer!!!!!
216826
If you're planning on cooking yourself in a tanning bed, consider these thoughts first: You might have to wait for dehydration to kill you. I don't know if the tanning bed itself would be enough, being as I am proud of my pasty skin and have no up-close experience with them whatsoever. I don't know if you'd actually cook or anything, but if it was hot enough in there, you'd dehydrate faster than normal. But by the time you die in there, you're not going to look good. You'll be crispy. And that's not cool.\n\nSeek some professional help, buddy.
276354
I don't tan outside and I don't go to the tanning bed...so I use Olay Body Touch of sun...its like a regular moisturizing lotion with a touch of sunless tanner...it doesn't streak or turn you orange and it works great!!  Good luck!!
498374
My understanding, and I may be wrong, is that UV Therapy, helps when you are just exposed to UV light a certian amount of hours a day.  You are supposed to be free to eat, read, sew, or whatever other activity twangs yer thang while doing your therapy. So, I don't think that it matters that the UV box is not over your head, as long as you get the prescribed treatment of 15 minutes to 2 hours that is usually called for.\n\nOutside is another matter all the way around.  Even on cloudy days, the body soaks up UV rays.  Have you ever been out on a fishing boat on a cloudy day and gotten a terrible sunburn??  Or to the beach, and had the same result?  Just as you can get the radiation benefits and the start of a great tan on a cloudy day, you can get the same UV waves you are seeking to up that serotonin level that makes you feel bright and chipper.  I would say, that yes, it still works through sunglasses, and windows, unless they are UV protected.  And, if you were to shield only your eyes, hon, you would still get what you need from Mr. Golden Sun.  He seldom disappoints.  If it worries you terribly, consider tanning. (Which might worry you more, but an alternative.)  You can sunscreen up, cover your eyes, and get maximum UV exposure in about a quarter of the time it takes to do it the lightbox, or the outdoor way.  I use my tanning bed in the winter, for just that.  I hope this helps you :) Cheers!\n\nP.S.  I usually read or work crossword puzzles while I am in the tanning bed, so it may be something that can work for you.
408843
Just put some bronzer on it.  I wouldn't risk the chance of going to a tanning salon because those things can give you skin cancer and when you tan your whole self, your feet will only be a bit tanned and the rest of you will be even more tanned than you were before.
520116
I also suffer from SAD and have been successfully utilizing a tanning salon, in the winter months only, with great results.  I realize UVA/UVB rays can be harmful, but I use sunblock and I only go 2 times a week during Dec./Jan./Feb.; by then, spring is back where I live and I can be outdoors again.
148207
I used to work in a tanning salon for four years.  You are trying to get a tan way too fast.  You must gradually get a tan.  Right now you are sunburned which means your body is going to get rid of all those cells you just killed and all the tanning you've done has been for nothing.  Buy a tanning lotion that is meant for use in the tanning bed.  One that you use outside is NOT recommended.  It can ruin the acrylic on the tanning bed.  If you can afford a tanning bed lotion, as they can be quite spendy ranging from $15 for the cheap stuff, (where you might as well just use a moisturizer), and up to $45 for the awesome stuff.  Back to your problem... you itch because your skin is dried-out.  You need to give your skin a break and go back to the beginning.  When you start tanning again start with going half of the maximum time allowed in the bed OR LESS.  If you burn the first time go less time the next time.  If you didn't get ANY color don't go anymore than 2-3 minutes more than the last time.  You really must gradually work on your tan in a tanning bed go get the best tan for your money.  BTW, if you decide to go for that lotion I recommend something with a bronzer and without the hot stuff... your tanning salon should know what I'm talking about.  ALSO... if you have very pale skin and have never been able tan outdoors you will not be able to get tan in a tanning bed and is not recommended that you try to do so.  Also, always use those tanning eye covers... you can do severe damage to your eyes without doing so, and over time at the very least you can get uncorrectable night visionn problems.
386455
No- not really.  Especially not for naturally fair people.  The American Cancer Society research I've seen generally contributes most cancers of the skin to exposure to UV at younger ages.  A self tanner is generally the best way to go.  Lancome and Neutrogena make great ones.
594710
I agree. I put sunblock on my kids everyday to help protect them while they get their exercise outside. I don't care that some people think that I am being anal about it because I want to protect their young skin. I used to tan years ago but I don't anymore. If I get a little sun on my legs that is fine, since I am 1/2 Puerto Rican I don't burn. I have a natural light tan anyway. Good for you for taking care of your skin!
358278
Skin cancer may be in many forms. If you are in doubt, or have risk factors please get an exam by a qualified Medical Doctor or NP.
217772
Definitely, get it looked at by a doctor ASAP.  It could be the start of skin cancer which is easily treatable if not left too long.  If left it can spread and be deadly.  Not trying to scare you, but overexposure, particularly burning and lingering coloured spots point to something not right.  Rule it out right away...
1492
It is a natural gift to humanbeings. Enjoy and let others enjoy by taking sun bath. Sun beds should not be banned.
610187
You might try seeing a regular dermatologist.  I had a series of procedures like this in a clinical setting by my dermatologist to treat a skin condition.  \n\nAfter all, UV treatment is what you get at the tanning booth, so its not that special.\n\nYour link doesn't work.