Are tanning beds safe?

Johnnny · 05-09-2004, 06:30 PM

I was just wondering ppl's opinions about the tanning beds found in tanning salon's & most gyms.

Do you think they are dangerous for your health & could really cause skin cancer if abused like ppl believe?

I have I guess you could call somewhat fair skin & if I was exposed for too long without protection I'd burn easily.

I wouldn't go in the tanning beds for more than 10mins once a week just to get a little gold & brown nothing extreme.

I wouldn't go in for 15-40mins every week like some men & women do or even twice a week.

My dermatologist & family doctor say not even 1min is okay, yet my father who is a big cancer scientist says going once a week for 5-10mins wouldn't hurt you in the long run. So what do you think?

I would also use a tanning lotion just for tanning beds that would help develop the tan & not redness.

Stickboy · 05-09-2004, 06:43 PM

It's not "like ppl belive", it's a fact.

You can damage your skin in the sun or in a tanning bed, which *MAY* lead to skin cancer.

Personally, I see no problem with tanning in either enviroment. I think you just have to be smart about it. (ie, don't lay in either for hours on end).

greekblondechic · 05-09-2004, 06:46 PM

I think the main risk lies in getting burned, whether indoors or outdoors.

Johnnny · 05-09-2004, 06:47 PM

So what if I go 10mins once a week would this be risky for skin cancer &/or other problems?

greekblondechic · 05-09-2004, 06:48 PM

I highly doubt it, especially since your cancer scientist dad says its fine.

Plus the extra vitamin D you are producing is healthy

greekblondechic · 05-09-2004, 06:49 PM

Do you think you can ask your dad what's safe and what's not in terms of time, different tanning beds, etc. and if getting burned or not is the main risk factor? Thanks

LAM · 05-09-2004, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Johnnny
I was just wondering ppl's opinions about the tanning beds found in tanning salon's & most gyms.

Do you think they are dangerous for your health & could really cause skin cancer if abused like ppl believe?

I have I guess you could call somewhat fair skin & if I was exposed for too long without protection I'd burn easily.

I wouldn't go in the tanning beds for more than 10mins once a week just to get a little gold & brown nothing extreme.

I wouldn't go in for 15-40mins every week like some men & women do or even twice a week.

My dermatologist & family doctor say not even 1min is okay, yet my father who is a big cancer scientist says going once a week for 5-10mins wouldn't hurt you in the long run. So what do you think?

I would also use a tanning lotion just for tanning beds that would help develop the tan & not redness.

tanning beds are probably 5x worse than exposure from UV rays from the sun...

**Mudge** · 05-09-2004, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Johnnny
Do you think they are dangerous for your health & could really cause skin cancer if abused like ppl believe?

Being exposed to the natural sun can cause cancer if abused, so of course it can.

Some say tanning beds are far worse. Its somewhat believable if you look at time duration, instead of lying there for an hour in the sun getting semi-mild exposure you are there for mere minutes getting cooked. Usually the faster something is done, there is a greater cost involved.

OceanDude · 05-09-2004, 07:18 PM

I guess I'm spoiled. I get all the sunshine I need here in the coastal areas of FL and think tanning booths are for nerds. I can lay out nude on the balcony in the morning for 30-40 minutes every day a month before summer and be fully tanned in less than 2 weeks. The high angle makes it fairly hard for anyone on the beach to spoil the privacy and I keep a towel handy if case some old lady with field glasses decides to linger on the beach below. The other nice thing is I can go offshore fishing about 30-40 miles into the ocean and get naked and get a whole body tan very quickly. We just put on the 40 UV blocker after about 1 hr and its all good.

Never ever considered tanning booths to be an alternative.

-OD

Johnnny · 05-09-2004, 07:35 PM

greekblondechic my father thought that say 8-15mins depending on skin type once a week would be in the safe range as long as you don't get burnt.

One buddy of mine believes you have to get really burnt in order to get a tan whether it's outside or in a tanning bed. He didn't think sitting outside for more than an hour. An hour would be in a safe range with a sunscreen to provide a tan.

So would you consider for myself 10mins once a week not getting burnt & developing a gold n' brown tan abuse of a tanning bed?

In my & my father's opinion ppl using the tanning beds 20mins or more even once or twice a week would be abuse. What about you?

LAM · 05-09-2004, 07:45 PM

http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm...9DE270E0B09AC4

Johnnny · 05-09-2004, 08:18 PM

I just finished reading the link. Basically stuff I already knew. My Mother's Lupus they said was caused by the sun. But apparently Lupus is more prone to women for some reason.

So I guess in other words the link is saying we shouldn't tan with the sun or tanning beds especially as other things other than skin cancer can happen.

The only about those sunless tanning products is they give an orange color tone to your skin not a natural tan. & they go away really quickly especially when you shower.

I wish there was a safer way to get a gold & brown glow.

myCATpowerlifts · 05-09-2004, 08:25 PM

Even if they are 5Xs as much UV rays as the sun

It doesnt matter unless you get too much radiation over a short period of time

V Player · 05-09-2004, 09:12 PM

Johnny, like everything else, I guess its all about how much when and where. I have no problems with my skin and Ive used both sun and tanning bed for years. I just dont over do it.

But just look at Christina Aguillera's face to see if too much is "not that bad". Or is that just a tons of makeup? The girl looks ugly and TOASTED. LOL

Quote:

Originally posted by Johnnny
The only about those sunless tanning products is they give an orange color tone to your skin not a natural tan. & they go away really quickly especially when you shower.

Actually bro, I once dated a Hooter's girl who had one of the most delicious tans Ive ever seen. Turns out, after I'd dated her a while, that she used a spray on lotion. Fooled the shiet out of me. And Im mexican, LOL!

Johnnny · 05-09-2004, 09:17 PM

I agree.

I just can't figure out if 10mins once a week would be too much for me, or not or bad for my health or not.

V Player · 05-09-2004, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Johnnny
I agree.

I just can't figure out if 10mins once a week would be too much for me, or not or bad for my health or not.

Yeah that IS a hard one to figure out. Thats the reason Im trying to get my lady to a spray on booth cause she's a fair skinned caucasian gal. Im more than willing to pay to keep her from having to go through that. But try to convince her...sheesh. She insists on doing it the natural way like me because Im also naturaly fair skinned. She just doesnt undertand that I tan this way because I have more melanin than she does.

GSXR750 · 05-09-2004, 09:44 PM

There is a new law that is going to be passed in the state of Cal. making people under the age of 18 unable/illegal to use tanning beds. Mudge or anyone else out in Cal., heard about this?

http://www.lookingfit.com/hotnews/44h30164546.html

Johnnny · 05-09-2004, 10:01 PM

I think that is a good law.

I was thinking about those spray tans. But I heard some of them look orange. Is this true? & how long do they last & how natural do they look?

**Mudge** · 05-09-2004, 10:08 PM

Gixxer, haven't heard of it... probably a fine idea though IMO, dont see why not.

Spray tans, some stink, but the competitors will know them more than anyone else. Some also will rub off on clothes, basically its just fake crap, its not going to look all that real especially if you smell. The competitors will know details about different brands.

V Player · 05-09-2004, 11:12 PM

Well like I said, I once dated a girl who was spray tanned and I couldnt tell the difference. And I knew her a while before going out. She also said that a few of the girls there were spray tanned as well. Now, Im hispanic and tanned too. Well....hispanic/asian, but why split hairs. But she looked no different than me.

I guess its all about how it's applied. Ive heard yays and nays. But I admit its a perfect option for those more at risk of skin cancer due to the sun.

Johnnny · 05-10-2004, 07:21 AM

Maybe at the right place that have spray tans they are very much natural looking.

How long do the spray tans last with showers, & sweating & so on before you have to go back?

How much does a spray tan cost depending on how dark you want to be?

greekblondechic · 05-10-2004, 07:53 AM

I'm blonde haired, blue eyed, pale and I tan.

Guess I'll have skin cancer in a few years

V Player · 05-10-2004, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Johnnny
How long do the spray tans last with showers, & sweating & so on before you have to go back?

How much does a spray tan cost depending on how dark you want to be?

I believe she said it cost her about 40 bucks, but I dont remember how long it lasted. Showers dont seem to have an immediate effect on it though. But even with "regular" tanning, you have to keep at it or it will fade too. Maybe not as quickly but it will still fade. I guess maybe it has to do with the amount of melanin in your skin.
I'm blonde haired, blue eyed, pale and I tan.

Quote:

Originally posted by greekblondechic Guess I'll have skin cancer in a few years

Hopefully not. I shall sacrifice a chicken to the Gods of Tan on your behalf.

Johnnny · 05-10-2004, 08:10 AM

greekblondechic do you tan in a tanning bed & if so how long are each sessions & how often? Or do you tan in the sun & how long are each sessions & how often?

My father says to not get burnt that is the main thing. If you are outside use a reasonable level of sunscreen & you can still get a tan.

But from that medical link it says the tanning beds are at least 3 times stronger than the natural sun.

I know that some ppl have responded already with their opinions, but if I were to use a tanning bed just once a week for 10mins max & I didn't burn with this, but was still able to get gold & brown, would I be risking my health with this minimal use?

I see men & women coming out of these things as much as twice a week for 30mins at a time. Don't you think they would be risking their health much more than a once a week user who didn't burn for 10mins?

**Mudge** · 05-10-2004, 08:28 AM

Johnnny, I would imagine most people would not have a problem with 10 minutes a week. Just like most people could probably drink 3 to 6 beers every day and not die from it, there is always going to be someone who says its not good for you even if it doesn't kill you.

greekblondechic · 05-10-2004, 09:30 AM

LoL, Thanks Metal V

Johnny I tan in one of the high pressure beds (12mins)
Average 1x a week, occassionally two, and sometimes not for a few weeks.

I tan in the sun occassionally, although it's too cold in jersey for that right now.

I miss Miami and tanning on the hotel roof topless

Johnnny · 05-10-2004, 10:53 AM

I think I will try 10mins this week with my tanning bed tan lotion & see what happens.

I just don't want to get burnt.

V Player · 05-10-2004, 12:05 PM

Johnny lemme ask my lady how long her sessions are. She's very fair skinnned, but always comes out with the most delicious tan imaginable. Maybe you can guage your sessions by that.

05-09-2004, 06:30 PM	#1
Johnnny Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Toronto Posts: 2,844	Are tanning beds safe? I was just wondering ppl's opinions about the tanning beds found in tanning salon's & most gyms. Do you think they are dangerous for your health & could really cause skin cancer if abused like ppl believe? I have I guess you could call somewhat fair skin & if I was exposed for too long without protection I'd burn easily. I wouldn't go in the tanning beds for more than 10mins once a week just to get a little gold & brown nothing extreme. I wouldn't go in for 15-40mins every week like some men & women do or even twice a week. My dermatologist & family doctor say not even 1min is okay, yet my father who is a big cancer scientist says going once a week for 5-10mins wouldn't hurt you in the long run. So what do you think? I would also use a tanning lotion just for tanning beds that would help develop the tan & not redness.

05-09-2004, 06:46 PM	#3
greekblondechic I'm special :) Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: NJ Posts: 7,791	I think the main risk lies in getting burned, whether indoors or outdoors.
	I can do it I WILL be a size 5.

05-09-2004, 06:48 PM	#5
greekblondechic I'm special :) Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: NJ Posts: 7,791	I highly doubt it, especially since your cancer scientist dad says its fine. Plus the extra vitamin D you are producing is healthy
	I can do it I WILL be a size 5.

05-09-2004, 06:49 PM	#6
greekblondechic I'm special :) Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: NJ Posts: 7,791	Do you think you can ask your dad what's safe and what's not in terms of time, different tanning beds, etc. and if getting burned or not is the main risk factor? Thanks
	I can do it I WILL be a size 5.

05-09-2004, 07:18 PM	#9
OceanDude Well Read Elite Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Cape Canaveral, FL Posts: 1,853	I guess I'm spoiled. I get all the sunshine I need here in the coastal areas of FL and think tanning booths are for nerds. I can lay out nude on the balcony in the morning for 30-40 minutes every day a month before summer and be fully tanned in less than 2 weeks. The high angle makes it fairly hard for anyone on the beach to spoil the privacy and I keep a towel handy if case some old lady with field glasses decides to linger on the beach below. The other nice thing is I can go offshore fishing about 30-40 miles into the ocean and get naked and get a whole body tan very quickly. We just put on the 40 UV blocker after about 1 hr and its all good. Never ever considered tanning booths to be an alternative. -OD
	"Doc, If I had known I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself..." Est unusquisque faber ipsae suae fortunae. We Americans scoff at the likes of African witch doctors yet spend 100's of millions of dollars on fake reducing systems. The only regular exercise he gets is stretching the truth. His intellect is not replenished, he is only an animal, only sensible in the duller parts...

05-09-2004, 06:43 PM	#2
Stickboy Rebel without a clue Elite Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: NM Posts: 1,115	It's not "like ppl belive", it's a fact. You can damage your skin in the sun or in a tanning bed, which MAY lead to skin cancer. Personally, I see no problem with tanning in either enviroment. I think you just have to be smart about it. (ie, don't lay in either for hours on end).

05-09-2004, 06:47 PM	#4
Johnnny Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Toronto Posts: 2,844	So what if I go 10mins once a week would this be risky for skin cancer &/or other problems?

05-09-2004, 07:35 PM	#10
Johnnny Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Toronto Posts: 2,844	greekblondechic my father thought that say 8-15mins depending on skin type once a week would be in the safe range as long as you don't get burnt. One buddy of mine believes you have to get really burnt in order to get a tan whether it's outside or in a tanning bed. He didn't think sitting outside for more than an hour. An hour would be in a safe range with a sunscreen to provide a tan. So would you consider for myself 10mins once a week not getting burnt & developing a gold n' brown tan abuse of a tanning bed? In my & my father's opinion ppl using the tanning beds 20mins or more even once or twice a week would be abuse. What about you?

05-09-2004, 07:45 PM	#11
LAM Gym ratt/Part-time pimp Join Date: May 2002 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 7,384 Photos: 2	http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm...9DE270E0B09AC4
	Dumbest statement made in the Anabolic Zone for Nov TBD ----------------------------------------------------- What you talking about Willis ?

05-09-2004, 08:18 PM	#12
Johnnny Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Toronto Posts: 2,844	I just finished reading the link. Basically stuff I already knew. My Mother's Lupus they said was caused by the sun. But apparently Lupus is more prone to women for some reason. So I guess in other words the link is saying we shouldn't tan with the sun or tanning beds especially as other things other than skin cancer can happen. The only about those sunless tanning products is they give an orange color tone to your skin not a natural tan. & they go away really quickly especially when you shower. I wish there was a safer way to get a gold & brown glow.

05-09-2004, 08:25 PM	#13
myCATpowerlifts Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: The lone star state Posts: 6,261 Photos: 2	Even if they are 5Xs as much UV rays as the sun It doesnt matter unless you get too much radiation over a short period of time

05-09-2004, 09:17 PM	#15
Johnnny Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Toronto Posts: 2,844	I agree. I just can't figure out if 10mins once a week would be too much for me, or not or bad for my health or not.

05-09-2004, 09:44 PM	#17
GSXR750 Senior Member Elite Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Florida Posts: 921 Photos: 4	There is a new law that is going to be passed in the state of Cal. making people under the age of 18 unable/illegal to use tanning beds. Mudge or anyone else out in Cal., heard about this? http://www.lookingfit.com/hotnews/44h30164546.html

05-09-2004, 10:01 PM	#18
Johnnny Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Toronto Posts: 2,844	I think that is a good law. I was thinking about those spray tans. But I heard some of them look orange. Is this true? & how long do they last & how natural do they look?

05-09-2004, 10:08 PM	#19
Mudge Pizza the Hut Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 23,027 Photos: 1	Gixxer, haven't heard of it... probably a fine idea though IMO, dont see why not. Spray tans, some stink, but the competitors will know them more than anyone else. Some also will rub off on clothes, basically its just fake crap, its not going to look all that real especially if you smell. The competitors will know details about different brands.
	Kinesiology Vote @ Top 25 Deads Comp Bench Motivation Bench form MaxCalc Charles Poliquin When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be. Lao-Tzu I don't know any sources so don't ask - thanks

05-09-2004, 11:12 PM	#20
V Player Six String Samurai Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Dallas Posts: 1,313	Well like I said, I once dated a girl who was spray tanned and I couldnt tell the difference. And I knew her a while before going out. She also said that a few of the girls there were spray tanned as well. Now, Im hispanic and tanned too. Well....hispanic/asian, but why split hairs. But she looked no different than me. I guess its all about how it's applied. Ive heard yays and nays. But I admit its a perfect option for those more at risk of skin cancer due to the sun.
	http://www.thestranglehold.com/images/pix/Batista.jpg Someday....I will be like you....

05-10-2004, 07:21 AM	#21
Johnnny Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Toronto Posts: 2,844	Maybe at the right place that have spray tans they are very much natural looking. How long do the spray tans last with showers, & sweating & so on before you have to go back? How much does a spray tan cost depending on how dark you want to be?

05-10-2004, 07:53 AM	#22
greekblondechic I'm special :) Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: NJ Posts: 7,791	I'm blonde haired, blue eyed, pale and I tan. Guess I'll have skin cancer in a few years
	I can do it I WILL be a size 5.

05-10-2004, 08:10 AM	#24
Johnnny Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Toronto Posts: 2,844	greekblondechic do you tan in a tanning bed & if so how long are each sessions & how often? Or do you tan in the sun & how long are each sessions & how often? My father says to not get burnt that is the main thing. If you are outside use a reasonable level of sunscreen & you can still get a tan. But from that medical link it says the tanning beds are at least 3 times stronger than the natural sun. I know that some ppl have responded already with their opinions, but if I were to use a tanning bed just once a week for 10mins max & I didn't burn with this, but was still able to get gold & brown, would I be risking my health with this minimal use? I see men & women coming out of these things as much as twice a week for 30mins at a time. Don't you think they would be risking their health much more than a once a week user who didn't burn for 10mins?

05-10-2004, 08:28 AM	#25
Mudge Pizza the Hut Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 23,027 Photos: 1	Johnnny, I would imagine most people would not have a problem with 10 minutes a week. Just like most people could probably drink 3 to 6 beers every day and not die from it, there is always going to be someone who says its not good for you even if it doesn't kill you.
	Kinesiology Vote @ Top 25 Deads Comp Bench Motivation Bench form MaxCalc Charles Poliquin When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be. Lao-Tzu I don't know any sources so don't ask - thanks

05-10-2004, 09:30 AM	#26
greekblondechic I'm special :) Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: NJ Posts: 7,791	LoL, Thanks Metal V Johnny I tan in one of the high pressure beds (12mins) Average 1x a week, occassionally two, and sometimes not for a few weeks. I tan in the sun occassionally, although it's too cold in jersey for that right now. I miss Miami and tanning on the hotel roof topless
	I can do it I WILL be a size 5.

05-10-2004, 10:53 AM	#27
Johnnny Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Toronto Posts: 2,844	I think I will try 10mins this week with my tanning bed tan lotion & see what happens. I just don't want to get burnt.

05-10-2004, 12:05 PM	#28
V Player Six String Samurai Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Dallas Posts: 1,313	Johnny lemme ask my lady how long her sessions are. She's very fair skinnned, but always comes out with the most delicious tan imaginable. Maybe you can guage your sessions by that.
	http://www.thestranglehold.com/images/pix/Batista.jpg Someday....I will be like you....