Tanning

[harbinator]

Ok, so I've never been in a tanning bed before in my life, Ive always been a fatty and tanning was the least of my worries. Now that Ive lost most of my weight Id like to see how tanning works for me and had a few questions from a tanning noob.

Lotions? Apply before, after, what brands, types should I look for?

Timing? Is directly after a workout ok (aka dripping with sweat) or should I do it before.

Any other hints or words of wisdom from the experienced would be appreciated.

TIA

 

[BigCracker]

I like tanning before training. Try to find a chick w/ a cosmotology license to buy your tanning lotion from a beauty supply store otherwise it's hela-expensive. Some lotions cost $100/bottle!!! Start off with a wimpy one for whiteys and get an advanced formula once you have a base tan.

 

[Prizz]

Ok, so I'm assuming your a very white skinned dude? Irish/German something like that? Well, what you need to do is figure out if you have ANY potential to get Tan AT ALL..... I mean, do you just burn, or get red? Any tint to your skin at all? I would also reccomend going to the Tanning salon, and talking to someone there..... Try to get the manager if you can, and ask them about it.... They will tell you EXACTLY if you can get tan AT ALL, and how long you should spend in the booth..... I'm Italian/Irish and get Tan as a Mofo, so I don't have this problem.... However, my EX wife was very white skinned..... She started in the booth for 10mins, and slowly increased it from there..... We went to Jamacia, and she wanted a base Tan so she didn't get burned to a crisp..... She didn't use lotions btw..... If you go in asking about Lotions, they will try to sell you the world..... My advice is to start off with NO LOTIONS, and gauge how you respond to the light..... If you can't get Tan, there are many good lotions on the market these days that look as real as a Tan..... Good luck bro...

rizz

 

[stuck]

Start off at a very low time, like 8 minutes tops. Do that twice and see how your body reacts. Then add 2 minutes every 2 sessions after that. So 8,8,10,10,12,12, etc etc.

Some lotions work well for accelerating, but the cheapest ones are like $60-$80/bottle. Not worth it imo.

Make sure you're using a moisturizing soap in the shower like a dove bar and a regular daily use lotion afterwards. If you don't keep your skin from drying out you'll start peeling after a couple weeks.

Try to go during the day to avoid having to wait an hour at night when all the 14 year old girls go.

 

[Kachunga]

Don't be afraid to ask the manager (not the 17 year old hot but ditzy girl working behind the counter) his/her opinion. They can guage your skin type better than we can.
I'm sure they will start you out at 8 minutes. IMO use the lotion! If you can find a beauty supply store, you might get it cheaper, but even at $60 bucks it's still worth it. A bottle should last you 2 months. The lotion helps convert the different u/v rays into a nice, deep tan. A friend of mine owns a shop, goes to all of the tanning conventions and seminars on skin care and he insists that it's crucial to a perfect tan.
A lot of stores offer different packages and different beds. Avoid the cheaper packages as they use beds that are not as good and everyone and their mother are using them so the bulbs wear out. A good bed should have adjustable facial tanners and fans to help keep you cool and not burn. Having a "tingle" is okay but a burn that makes you peel is defeating the purpose.

 

[steelmass]

www.ebay.com to find the real expensive tanning lotions cheap.

 

[alex2678]

I started off with the minimum time session allowed for the first week and gradually moved it up to the full 15 minutes in a stand up booth. Never used any lotion at all either.(Skin is silky smooth and never dry) Been tanning for 8 years now. Just go 2-3x a week to maintain. Ask the manager of the salon his or her recommendation first.

 

[scorpiogirl]

I only read the last 2 posts of this thread and this is my reaction !!!!!

I'm a salon OWNER. You should be using lotion (made for indoor tanning) when tanning! It's better for your skin and it will get you darker faster. You may have silky smooth skin now, but tanning for long periods of time and not taking care of your skin will sneak up on you and bite you in the ass later. If that manager at your salon is telling you you really don't need to use it, she/he needs to be FIRED!!!! Tanning 3x a week is WAY too much to MAINTAIN. If that's what it takes to maintain your tan, they have crappy lamps (or beds). It takes 1 or 2x a week at my studio.

Cheap lotions? BEWARE!!!!! Those lotions are not in sealed containers and many places don't sell you what is SUPPOSED to be in that bottle!!!! I've heard some nasty skin issues come from trying to be CHEAP!!!! Get the real stuff from your salon. If you would have a reaction, they can guarantee the product thru the manufacturer and exchange it for you. Those internet places will tell you your shit out of luck and too bad, Jack! Don't be a cheap ass!!!!!

 

[alex2678]

I only read the last 2 posts of this thread and this is my reaction !!!!!

I'm a salon OWNER. You should be using lotion (made for indoor tanning) when tanning! It's better for your skin and it will get you darker faster. You may have silky smooth skin now, but tanning for long periods of time and not taking care of your skin will sneak up on you and bite you in the ass later. If that manager at your salon is telling you you really don't need to use it, she/he needs to be FIRED!!!! Tanning 3x a week is WAY too much to MAINTAIN. If that's what it takes to maintain your tan, they have crappy lamps (or beds). It takes 1 or 2x a week at my studio.

Cheap lotions? BEWARE!!!!! Those lotions are not in sealed containers and many places don't sell you what is SUPPOSED to be in that bottle!!!! I've heard some nasty skin issues come from trying to be CHEAP!!!! Get the real stuff from your salon. If you would have a reaction, they can guarantee the product thru the manufacturer and exchange it for you. Those internet places will tell you your shit out of luck and too bad, Jack! Don't be a cheap ass!!!!!

Uh oh. Scorpiogirl am I in trouble.

For lotion, I don't put anything on before, but afterwards I usually put on a cocoa butter, vitamin E and lanolin combination cream on my face and body. Would this be good enough? I know it's not from the tanning salon, but I thought it might be good enough. I take a ton of vitamins and antioxidants orally so I thought that would keep me safe.

The skin is never dry, never flakes and I usually get really dark fast. (Italian) I'm 27 now and, knock on wood, still pass as 21 and don't have any lines as of yet. (This part runs in the family but I'm hoping the tanning doesn't ruin it.)

To maintain I'll either do 2-3 stand up sessions for 15 minutes each per week. Or one high performance bed for 10 minutes and one standard session per week. Yes the lamps aren't that strong were I go. I get the one month unlimited package which is just, use the standards as much as you like and get 4 free upgrades (HP) a month free. Do you think going with the 1 HP session per week would be good enough? Or better overall?

Grrrr. You got me worried now. THANK YOU though 100%. I'll need some feedback now.

 

[Delinquent]

Ok, so I've never been in a tanning bed before in my life, Ive always been a fatty and tanning was the least of my worries. Now that Ive lost most of my weight Id like to see how tanning works for me and had a few questions from a tanning noob.

Lotions? Apply before, after, what brands, types should I look for?

Timing? Is directly after a workout ok (aka dripping with sweat) or should I do it before.

Any other hints or words of wisdom from the experienced would be appreciated.

TIA

The person working at the salon should know by looking at you whether or not you have any sort of base tan. If they know what they're doing, they'll tell you all the info you asked about.

Regarding the timing. I always prefered after working out simply because it's a nice downtime and I'm really sleepy after getting out. Being sleepy isn't the best for working out for me so it's always after

 

[tiger88]

alot of fucked info in this thread

 

[MikeMartial]

alot of fucked info in this thread

In that case, set them straight.

 

[scorpiogirl]

Uh oh. Scorpiogirl am I in trouble.

For lotion, I don't put anything on before, but afterwards I usually put on a cocoa butter, vitamin E and lanolin combination cream on my face and body. Would this be good enough? I know it's not from the tanning salon, but I thought it might be good enough. I take a ton of vitamins and antioxidants orally so I thought that would keep me safe.

The skin is never dry, never flakes and I usually get really dark fast. (Italian) I'm 27 now and, knock on wood, still pass as 21 and don't have any lines as of yet. (This part runs in the family but I'm hoping the tanning doesn't ruin it.)

To maintain I'll either do 2-3 stand up sessions for 15 minutes each per week. Or one high performance bed for 10 minutes and one standard session per week. Yes the lamps aren't that strong were I go. I get the one month unlimited package which is just, use the standards as much as you like and get 4 free upgrades (HP) a month free. Do you think going with the 1 HP session per week would be good enough? Or better overall?

Grrrr. You got me worried now. THANK YOU though 100%. I'll need some feedback now.

YES, Mr. Alex!!!! You are in BIG trouble!!!!!

Seriously, anything NOT formulated for indoor tanning should not be used in a tanning bed. It will damage the acrylic you lay on. What this means for you and everyone else is that your not going to be getting the result you want because the UV can't get thru the acrylic to your skin like it should.

Anything with Mineral Oil or an SPF is a BIG "no, no". I make everyone show me their bottle of lotion before I'll let them in my beds just because people think it's all the same and no big deal. Our equipment is very expensive (my base beds are $7500.00 each) so it needs to be taken care of and maintained properly....and that's where you can help by using the indoor stuff as asked to.

Also, baby oil will actually EAT the surface off of the bed. If you've ever been in a tanning bed where the acrylic was rough and bumpy and looked eaten or desintegrated (sp) - that was from baby oil.

If you want a good kick of color, use a bronzer (has self tanner in it). I really like Omega3 made by Fiji. You won't smell like a girl and it's got ingredients in it that are really good for your skin.....and it's a bronzer. Says it's a quad bronzer, but it won't make you orange. Wipe your hands off after applying any bronzer and make sure you rub them in evenly so you don't get any streaks.

High Pressure units are primarily UVA, which mostly browns (but CAN burn). UVB is the burning ray. UVA goes down to the 3rd layer of skin, that's why the tan lasts longer - HOWEVER - it's also the ray responsible for those deep leathery wrinkles. I would rather see you use a low pressure bed (the tube lamps) than an HP bed. Just don't burn! That's INSTANT skin damage - and can cause abnormal cells (basal and squamous).

OK, there's your tanning lesson for the day! Hey, if you have more questions, I'm happy to help!

 

[scorpiogirl]

alot of fucked info in this thread

Yes, care to elaborate????

 

[alex2678]

YES, Mr. Alex!!!! You are in BIG trouble!!!!!

Seriously, anything NOT formulated for indoor tanning should not be used in a tanning bed. It will damage the acrylic you lay on. What this means for you and everyone else is that your not going to be getting the result you want because the UV can't get thru the acrylic to your skin like it should.

Anything with Mineral Oil or an SPF is a BIG "no, no". I make everyone show me their bottle of lotion before I'll let them in my beds just because people think it's all the same and no big deal. Our equipment is very expensive (my base beds are $7500.00 each) so it needs to be taken care of and maintained properly....and that's where you can help by using the indoor stuff as asked to.

Also, baby oil will actually EAT the surface off of the bed. If you've ever been in a tanning bed where the acrylic was rough and bumpy and looked eaten or desintegrated (sp) - that was from baby oil.

If you want a good kick of color, use a bronzer (has self tanner in it). I really like Omega3 made by Fiji. You won't smell like a girl and it's got ingredients in it that are really good for your skin.....and it's a bronzer. Says it's a quad bronzer, but it won't make you orange. Wipe your hands off after applying any bronzer and make sure you rub them in evenly so you don't get any streaks.

High Pressure units are primarily UVA, which mostly browns (but CAN burn). UVB is the burning ray. UVA goes down to the 3rd layer of skin, that's why the tan lasts longer - HOWEVER - it's also the ray responsible for those deep leathery wrinkles. I would rather see you use a low pressure bed (the tube lamps) than an HP bed. Just don't burn! That's INSTANT skin damage - and can cause abnormal cells (basal and squamous).

OK, there's your tanning lesson for the day! Hey, if you have more questions, I'm happy to help!

Thank you Miss Scorpiogirl!!! That was a much needed lesson.

I'll start getting into the habit of using a lotion before tanning and get rid of my post tanning cocoa butter/Vitamin E combo that I had been using. Never burned in my life before, so I thought I was good to go without anything. I was wrong. And I'll stay away from the HP beds as well. I noticed after an 8 minutes session in those things I'll go to the store and get asked by at least 3 people if I just got back from vacation so I imagine its pretty strong. I do NOT want leathery skin, so I'll leave those alone from now on. I think that just about covered it for now. If I have another question I'll send it your way first. Thank you again dear.

 

[scorpiogirl]

Thank you Miss Scorpiogirl!!! That was a much needed lesson.

I'll start getting into the habit of using a lotion before tanning and get rid of my post tanning cocoa butter/Vitamin E combo that I had been using. Never burned in my life before, so I thought I was good to go without anything. I was wrong. And I'll stay away from the HP beds as well. I noticed after an 8 minutes session in those things I'll go to the store and get asked by at least 3 people if I just got back from vacation so I imagine its pretty strong. I do NOT want leathery skin, so I'll leave those alone from now on. I think that just about covered it for now. If I have another question I'll send it your way first. Thank you again dear.

Any time, Alex!!!

 

[Fashionista]

moderation... get a base tan first if you tend to burn easily.

 

[jesterds]

I agree, tan after you workout as it makes me sleepy as well. Ive tried working out and playing sports after tanning and i feel about 70%, NOT GOOD.

 

[MikeMartial]

I agree, tan after you workout as it makes me sleepy as well. Ive tried working out and playing sports after tanning and i feel about 70%, NOT GOOD.

I found the opposite; when I tanned prior to a workout, I found I warmed up a lot quicker---possibly due to an already slighty elevated core tempature? It could have been totally pyschological for all I know.

 

[Pikaberdot]

All summer long I tan PRE workout.
The rest of the year I tan POST workout.

Never really noticed any difference between the two.