Sunbeds...hear me out...

[Howdoesironmanwee]

I'm fair skinned and have only used old fashioned sunbeds a couple of times (no ill effects). I've been quite judgy in the past about users.
But...A friend runs a salon and is getting Collatan Twist (or something). Apparently it is great for collagen & vit d production, actually reduces wrinkles and aids skin conditions like acne, eczema etc. I could really do with this.
Has anyone got any experience of these? Would I be wise to use it?

[Howdoesironmanwee]

Hellooooh?

[Fuzzballs]

Does it still massively increase the chances of skin cancer??

[Howdoesironmanwee]

Probably. I wanted someone to tell me as I can't find info on Google.
It does use different light spectrum and all, but I'm not sure.

[specialsubject]

reduces wrinkles? That's clever, because nothing except surgery can do that to my knowledge.

but I like to keep an open mind - evidence on how it does this please? If true she'll make a fortune!

sunbed use can be beneficial for certain skin conditions. Most users overdo it and end up resembling their handbags. Or worse.

[Kennington]

If you go out in the sun you will increase vit d production.
Avoid at all costs, apart from skin cancer, extra moles, brown hyper pigmentation you will age faster and these ill effects will be seen fairly fast.

[Howdoesironmanwee]

It's supposed to be the type of light, stimulates collagen production.
I've got keratosis pilaris and really want to sort it out.

[libertydoddle]

No, just no. A good friend and my aunt had malignant melanomas - both sunbed users. Take a Vit D supplement, get outside and see a dermatologist about the keratosis pilaris.

[Howdoesironmanwee]

Great, thanks. Thought so.

[anothercrackatit]

Is the keratosis pilaris on the tops of your arms? I finally sorted mine out (in my late 30's) with apricot scrub. The sunbed is the only thing that gets rid of my psoriasis. It also damages my skin, I know, and I haven't been on since July but the psoriasis is bad enough now that I'm going to give it another go. I spoke to the GP about it and she said we know that the sunbed treats the psoriasis and that it could increase the chances of skin cancer, it's a judgement call.

[burnishedsilver]

Thanks to mn I got rid of keratosis pilarus with salictic acid and a cream with high urea content (heel balm).

[Howdoesironmanwee]

It is on the top of my arms. Top tip re scrubs and cream, thanks!
Have psoriasis too and sad. Gp suggested sun bed ages ago. I dismissed it out of hand.
Most bothered about KP, will work on that with scrub/cream first.

[DonkeyOaty]

Urea cream like Flexitol for the KP.

[hollinhurst84]

Soap and glory clean on me shower gel got rid of my KP. Has some form of gentle acid in

[burnishedsilver]

Try both of these on you arms.

[augustusglupe]

In the 1980s my parents had a sunbed, I used it a few times a week.
Roll on 30 years and I've had 2 minor skin cancers removed (basal cell) directly linked to the sunbed use. I haven't used sunbeds in over 25 years and wouldn't go near one now.
They should've been banned years ago!!
I like the sunshine but always wear at least an spf 30 and a hat.

[squoosh]

anothercrackatit re. your psoriasis, have you spoken to your doctor about getting your Vit D levels checked? It may be that you need to start taking large daily supplements.

[SeasonalVag]

Another, have you tried diet? Cutting out wheat and sugar and taking optibac extra strength probiotic (Amazon) has virtually got rid of mine.....admittedly light therapy didn't work for me though so maybe we have different triggers. I didn't bare my limbs for five years and can now go swimming....it's been life changing for me.

[FoggyMorn]

KP can be a symptom of coeliac or gluten intolerance, it might be worth getting a coeliac test. If it's negative, cut out gluten for a month or two anyway, and maybe it will help.

[anothercrackatit]

Thanks, squoosh, I'll ask my doctor. I'd think I'd have reasonable vitamin D levels as I'm outside a lot and conscious of the issue as my mum is deficient. I've not had it checked though.

Seasonal I was thinking of trying an elimination diet. Previously I have done one of sorts in that I've Atkinsed on various occasions for a few months at a time. It didn't ever do anything for my skin but I was a lot less windy!

[Branleuse]

KP can be hugely exacerbated by sodium laurel sulphate in most shampoos and shower gels. Try swapping to bar-soap for your body, and a natural SLS-free shampoo (theyre not easy to find in supermarkets, but you can get them in health food shops and holland and barett etc.

Also moisturise with coconut oil after

[Onsera3]

I was going to use sun lamps at hospital when my psoriasis was bad but they decided against because skin cancer in my family. Though most people I know who've had skin cancer have never been near a sunbed.

I agree the heal balm works for the KP.

[Howdoesironmanwee]

Thanks everyone. I have elicited wheat for almost a year, helped is hugely but no difference to KP.
Bought heel balm and apricot scrub yesterday, I smell like an old lady today let's see how it goes.
Psoriasis is a real pain. Over the years various things have worked, then suddenly stopped working. Sun lamps are really the last new thing tbh.
I'm still in two minds.

[anothercrackatit]

I hope your KP gets better soon Howdoes, you'll be baring your arms with pride by the spring!

[Howdoesironmanwee]

Ha! Thanks.
Now help wth the bingo wings please!