Does anyone use sunbed ?

To be fair to the OP, 'tanning addiction' has been shown to be a thing, and it can be loosely connected to body dysmorphia, I believe.

OP, clearly you understand that you can't use sunbeds while pregnant (commendable), so why not use this time to look into breaking the habit, by exploring something such as CBT? Addictions are, for the most part, habits gone bad, in the same that phobias are fears gone feral.

Lots of good online stuff, or you could speak to your GP about CBT on the NHS? Depending on where you are, most areas provide six free sessions.

Good luck in making good choices.

You can stop by thinking, dj I want my child to have a mother?

*do I want

Wow, lots of judgement on this thread. Good on you for giving up while you're pregnant. They are bad for you, but you obviously already know that!

I think you should work out what it is that you're missing - is it the appearance of the tan itself, in which case there are some fantastic gradual self tanners out there, or you could find a good spray tanner. Or is it the feeling of being warm and having bright light on you? If you're the kind of person who gets SAD in the winter, you could think about getting a specialist lamp/lightbox.

I agree that CBT is a great idea if you feel this is a real addiction. You could also go and get a sun damage assessment done by a dermatologist - that (and your newborn little one) might give you the motivation you need to give up.

Good luck!

I never have - astronomical cancer risk and you’ll have a face like an old handbag by the time you’re 45.

Have you considered a SAD lamp? That might help you with the addiction to the light. I use one when doing my makeup and it really helps with my winter low moods. I think you should try to replace it with something healthier.

I used to when I was young and stupid.

I look back in horror and wish I could undo the damage.

Don't do it

What is it about the sunbed you're addicted to?
Is it just having a tan, or is it feeling the heat from it?
Have you tried a spray tan in a salon, instead of fake tanning at home?

It's illegal to operate a commercial solarium/sunbed in Australia

I didn’t know that- it’s great news and I hope the UK follow suit.

A 2012 study in the BMJ and quoted by CRUK found ‘that young people are particularly at risk when they use sunbeds. People who started using sunbeds before the age of 35 were 87 per cent more likely to develop melanoma (an update on the previous estimate of 75 per cent) compared to people who have never used a sunbed.’

That is far too big a risk for most people to take. I wouldn’t take it.

My dad died from melanoma aged 65. He had never used a sunbed, but he had spent a lot of time outdoors as a child without suncream. (I don’t think it really existed in the 50s).

Melanoma is an awful cancer. It spreads insidiously. The speed at which it can rampage through the body, straight into the brain is staggering. The speed at which it took my Dad away from me was devastating.

It’s not worth it. Learn to love your natural pasty self. 🙂

I do wonder if the tide might turn a bit on tanning. I don’t think mahogany or orange tans are admired now as much as they might have been in the 80s and 90s, and are usually regarded as a bit naff!

The time for you to be selfish has passed. You have responsibilities now and looking after your health is a big one. You should also model behaviour for your child and show them that appearance isn't worth compromising your health for.
I can't believe anyone still uses them, they should be banned.

Seriously get a fake tan

I use them and I'm in my early 40s, I go twice a week for 6 mins a go. I don't care about the cancer risks.
I don't care about getting a tan either tho that's a bonus. I have severe psoriasis and its one of the few things that helps me.

Shelly, in the nicest possible way, you may need some help in separating your happiness/contentment/sense of worth from how you look.

Most of us look different after pregnancy, in a variety of ways. All of us will get old.

Tell us about the other things about you that make you feel confident. Are you funny? A good friend? Are you really good at your job? There must be very much about you already that you can feel good about. Damaging your health for a short-term feel-good fix is something you might regret.

Can you self-refer to Time to Talk?

A 2012 study in the BMJ and quoted by CRUK found ‘that young people are particularly at risk when they use sunbeds. People who started using sunbeds before the age of 35 were 87 per cent more likely to develop melanoma (an update on the previous estimate of 75 per cent) compared to people who have never used a sunbed.’

That is far too big a risk for most people to take. I wouldn’t take it.

My dad died from melanoma aged 65. He had never used a sunbed, but he had spent a lot of time outdoors as a child without suncream. (I don’t think it really existed in the 50s).

Melanoma is an awful cancer. It spreads insidiously. The speed at which it can rampage through the body, straight into the brain is staggering. The speed at which it took my Dad away from me was devastating.

[shocked]

If this doesn't scare the sh*t out of anybody still using sunbeds, then I would consider you slightly unhinged.

Oh bloody hell, the formatting in my last post went all wrong. Why can't we just use HTML like civilised people, MN?!

@shelly0
Can’t believe how many negative replies you have had.
If you don’t use them that’s fine you don’t need to bash someone who does.

I was the exact same, I would do 10-12 mins a couple times a week. While pregnant I used Lauren’s way one hour tan. It was great because you got a good colour and you shower it off quickly so you don’t smell like tan and have the sticky feeling and it just fades rather than coming off patchy. I put it on twice a week.
I’m now 2 weeks pp and will start using sun beds again once my section scar is totally healed. Like you I find using the beds makes me feel better, think it’s the heat and the vitamin d along with the 10-12 mins that are Truely me time.
I have had full body checks and I have no skin damage at all from using sun beds. I know I have a higher risk but that is my decision to make.

I'd actually think that anyone using sunbeds these days is pretty thick.

IMO

Sort it out love, stop being so ignorant and pathetic. Anyone going on them these days needs a slap round the face, saying that- I guess it’s survival of the fittest in action isn’t it.

There are millions of ways of ‘feeling good’ grilling your skin doesn’t need to be one of them.

I’ve used them less than 10 times in my life but appreciate that the heat and resulting tan do make you feel better (in the short term)
Now I get the same heat enjoyment from saunas and get a spray tan for very special occasions.
I do still like sitting in the sun but take precautions.

Yeah, sunbeds are a huge no from me. I'm pale (and interesting, as my mum always said when I was a kid :D) but I've had a spray tan on a few occasions when I've been going on holiday and don't want to look too peely-wally. Could you compromise and have a few of those a year instead? Or tan at home and make it part of your shower ritual?

I find it a bit odd to be honest, I've a friend who does it and it's aged her hugely, on her face and body. She clearly sees the damage and can't link it to her suntanning habit. She asks me what moisturiser I use becayse apparently I've very good skin. Like there is some magic potion you can use. I just don't have a tanning addiction and use fake tan. But more than that, she looks totally great without a tan and really doesn't need it.

I have no skin damage at all from using sun beds

No, the damage comes later on. Every time you use the sunbed you are contributing to your aging process. So, at the age of 25 you may think you look tanned and healthy but when you hit middle age you will see the damage! By the time your 50+ you will not like what you see.
But ho hum, Do carry on.