Using Sunbeds to prevent sunburn

[inmynewera]

More Am I Being Ridiculous than Unreasonable.

I’ve always had fair skin.

When I was in my 20’s / early 30’s, I would thinking nothing of using a sunbed for a base tan before going on holiday or throughout the summer. Not a lot but maybe two or three times a week for a few weeks leading up to something.

Bit older and wiser and stopped using sunbeds for years now. What I’m finding though, is my skin is getting burnt more easily now. The last couple of trips abroad, I’ve religiously applied factor 50 every hour or so and burnt badly very quickly. This weekend with it being sunny, I sat outside with myself completely covered (where I was sat, there was no shade and I had a jacket with me), apart from a small part of my chest / neck was visible . I applied factor 50 and I’d say within 20-30 mins that small patch was burning.

So it’s not that I want to have an amazing tan, I would honestly just like to be able to sit in sunshine safely!

Do you think it’s ok to have a few sessions in a sunbed (stand up booths not lay down beds) to get the base tan and see if it helps my skin to not burn?

Or any other suggestions as sometimes it is just hot and sunny. My forearms felt like they were burning just from driving today!

I definitely feel like it’s getting worse too.

We all did it in the eighties but I wouldn’t dream of using a sun bed at all now.

I wear fake tan and tinted moisturiser in summer and my face moisturiser has SPF 40 that I wear year round.

We go on holiday abroad well out of season wear high factor sun cream, sun hats and sit in the shade and stay well out of the sun completely between 12 and 2. It’s just not worth it.

Sunbeds should be banned to save the people who can't work out why they are dangerous

Genuine question. I tan very easily, I have olive toned skin but still pale (ish) in the winter. I tan through factor 50, I'd have to be covered head to toe from April to October not to go brown. I always see tan = sun damage on threads like this. Is that always the case even when it comes very naturally?

YABU, have a look at this thread...

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/5316277-sunbed-shock

Just fake tan and cover.

I genuinely don't understand why people continue to use sun beds. I have friends who use them every week, throughout the year and think that they're fine because it's only for a few minutes at a time.

There are decent alternatives now in the form of fake tan and plenty of information about the risks.

Haven't RTFT, but I have sat in the garden in direct sunlight for hours a day for several weeks now - every time we get a bit of warm weather. I haven't yet applied any sun cream and haven't burnt once.

So I do find it very odd that you're burning after only 30 minutes with a factor 50 on. If that's the case, I definitely wouldn't be going anywhere near the sun beds. (No one should anyway.)

Saying this, having now read some of the thread, I'm wondering if I'm actually still damaging my skin sitting out in the sun for several hours a day? As I say, I haven't burnt. Though my skin has got darker, I suppose. I don't do it for a tan, I just love the warmth and being in the sun.

Using a sunbed is as dangerous as getting burned.

All sun exposure damages skin. You don’t have to burn.

Yes.

Banned in Australia for years! Can’t believe they’re still even a thing 🤦‍♀️

We have a tanning salon in our town and I would have assumed they’d be out of business with all the information out there but no I see young women coming out and their tans are so, so dark. It makes me wonder what tales they’re telling themselves to justify it.

It is damage but I’m like you - I tan through factor 50 - I can’t go around fully clothed as it genuinely makes me feel unwell as the medication I’m on means I can’t control my temperature properly.

I just make sure I put sunscreen on regularly (never burn) and I get a mole check once a year with my GP.

This was me a few weeks ago. Please don’t go on one. I was really unwell, in a lot of pain and on top of that felt like an absolute wally. I should really update my thread as a friend took lots of photos and uploaded them to her Instagram page for her skin clinic warning people of the dangers, so you can imagine what I looked like. Like a crackled, skin coming off lobster.

From this one burn, I now have three moles that have appeared on my chest that were a 1000% not there before, so the risks and damage is very real. Major regret.

I know everyone will say I'm stupid but I do it.

I buy one 2 hour course each spring, and do short sessions building g up from 4 min to 8 min, which just takes the edge off my very pale skin and means I can go outdoors (with sunscreen) without getting burnt.

It makes massive difference. I'm still very careful in the sun, but without that base (which you'd barely know was there tbh, will always end up with a sore patch at some point, even with strong sunscreen.

I have no words! Too bloody right everyone will say you’re stupid! What you’re saying is complete bollocks too. There’s no such thing as a base tan only skin damage. If you’re happy with the risk of cancer and leathery skin then crack on. 🙄

Yes, I'll take the risk of 120 mins pa, for a comfortable, active, outdoor summer.

@Pompomtyn
I’m assuming you know that Bob Marley died from melanoma? Clearly his skin colour didn’t make him immune! 🙄

@Icexream
This makes no sense. Surely suncream gives would enable you to do the same? How the fuck does a tan make you comfortable and active? You are aware that melanoma is one of the most deadly and difficult to treat cancers? Or are you one of these tools who thinks it can just be cut out?

Clearly the sunshine has gone to your head!

Even with factor 50 you need to limit sun time, especially in the middle of the day. Always make sure the cream is in date and a reputable brand.

Have you had your skin checked by a Dermatologist for cancer?

If you like cancer sure you go for it!

This is extremely dangerous and I've reported this comment, hopefully MN will remove it.

OP, there is no safe tan. Perhaps your sun cream was expired.