Tanning

[Sum Dum Gai]

So, my fitness goal is to weigh about 200 lbs, with a 10% or so BF, and a tan.

I'm happy with the program I'm using for the weight and body fat part, and the progress I'm making. I'm not sure on the tan thing though.

I've always been pretty pale. I think I'm probably capable of tanning, although I can't recall ever doing it. I tend to fluctuate between fish belly white and lobster red, with the one really memorable time I burned my back so bad it looked purple. You should have seen the blisters... they were really something special. I grew up in AZ, so it's not like I'm unused to the sun, I just never seemed to find the right balance between too much and too little.

So, anyone here have tanning tips for those of us not blessed with an olive complexion? Should I even bother, or should I just buy that lotion stuff that bodybuilders use and paint myself?

[Mad Dawg Wiccan]

I had surgery for skin cancers three times by the age of 10, so I avoid the sun whenever possible.

[RoadToRiches]

uhhmm... I did tanning.. yes.. I said it...I did it.. and it drives the ladies craaazzyy!

I am fair complexion and if I go all out with tanning in one time, I get burned. What works for me is slooooowwww tanning. Little bit ever day.

[Artemis Windsong]

I would do the spray on tan if you don't have to be outside.

To tan outside, bake 15 minutes per side at noon. That is front, back and on each side. This will give you a nice tan as you work on it daily BUT don't expect great protection from sunburn when outside for an extended time.

A deep tan does not guarantee that you won't sunburn.

Depending on your age, a sunblock bronzer for your face would probably be best as the sun ages the face faster than anything.

[Loopdilou]

There is nothing healthy about a tan, this topic shouldn't be in this category!!!

[Sum Dum Gai]

Healthy/sexy

Tomato/tomahto

Besides, you're just mad because you're even paler than I am and can't tan either.

[Loopdilou]

Difference being that you actually have the potential to tan. I have the potential to get horrible skin cancer and die.

[Sum Dum Gai]

We all have to die eventually anyway. I'd rather do it in style.

[Genuine GA Peach]

listen to MDW & Iggy - skin cancer isn't worth it. If you are naturally fair skinned, the sun or tanning beds are NOT a good idea.

the self tanners they have these days are actually very good. I like Jergens. Just be sure to wash your hands thoroughly w/soap after applying

and tomorrow I get the staples & stitches out from the melanoma removed from my leg. Trust me, having radioactive stuff injected to check your lymph nodes is not a fun way to spend a day. And waiting to get the test results is no fun either. Mine came back clear. I haven't laid out in the sun in at least 10 or 15 years. Never used a tanning bed. I'm good about using sunscreen. I did do some stupid things as a teen though.

Dark, if you won't listen to these warnings for your own sake, think of your daughters. Do you want them to grow up thinking looks are more important than actually being healthy?

[Opti]

Hey Dark, I saw a body building mag at the Chiropractors today. It said how to look 10lbs bigger and I thought of you. ;

[steph08]

I would go with a self-tanning lotion or a spray tan. I love a good tan, but only went out with SPF 50 and only used the tanning bed for my senior prom and my wedding. It does work though. But I have been using the lotions and it definitely works - you just have to make sure you apply it evenly!

But no more tanning bed or sun for me anymore, though I decided that over a year ago. I had to have a suspicious-looking mole removed last week and am impatiently waiting for the results. Grandmother died of melanoma when she was 27. I am 25 and this mole is not in a location that sees the sun so it worries me more!

[Genuine GA Peach]

hang in there, Steph. I know exactly how you feel. From Friday (the day I had surgery) until Tue (the day I got the lab results) seemed like an eternity. Hope everything comes out well for you.

you made a very wise decision to stay out of the sun & tanning beds with a family history of melanoma. Oh, and don't read stuff on the internet about melanoma. It only made me more apprehensive.

[azphx1972]

I try to avoid too much sun exposure. I've seen other people my age who are or used to be sun worshippers, and they do not look good.

[pig]

So, anyone here have tanning tips for those of us not blessed with an olive complexion? Should I even bother, or should I just buy that lotion stuff that bodybuilders use and paint myself?

DO NOT use bodybuilding tanning products. They are made for the stage where you are under bright bright lights. It is a very horribly unnatural color in normal lighting.

I wouldn't buy into the scare tactics about sun exposure. Most skin cancer is genetic and those that are moley and can't tan naturally are more predisposed to it than others. I use tanning beds and if you're just starting, start with 5-8 minutes and increase it by 1-2 minutes until you are up to 20 minutes, going EOD or OE3D. Once your tan it only takes 20 minutes once a week to hold your color. Good luck!

[azphx1972]

20 minutes a week probably isn't that bad for you, but I've seen people my age with really wrinkly skin from too much UV exposure, and it doesn't look pretty at all.

[Genuine GA Peach]

gotta say I don't see any really tan folks who look younger than they are. Most look many years older. Nothing like nice tanned leather

[pig]

I've been told I look about ten years younger than I am. I've seen plenty of tanned people who look way younger than they appear.

[azphx1972]

How old are ya, Doc? Oh, I've been meaning to ask, please post some pics in the workout results thread.

[pig]

A fair bit older than you lol. And I have.

[azphx1972]

Thanks Doc.

[pig]

Why would you ask? You commented on them.

[pig]

Everyone on these boards is like that lol

There now I had the last word.

[Deleted]

Not for long.

I'm not speaking for azphx, but maybe some of us would like to see a your pic and know your real age. That way we can see if you really look ten years younger or see if you are full of bologna. ;D

[pig]

Hold your breath hon.

[Deleted]

I'm turning blue. That can't be healthy.

[azphx1972]

Apr 12, 2011 13:56:23 GMT -5 @familycfo said:

I'm not speaking for azphx, but maybe some of us would like to see a your pic and know your real age. That way we can see if you really look ten years younger or see if you are full of bologna. ;D

Yeah, it's kind of hard to determine your age from arm/leg pics. ;D

[pig]

I don't see your face in there either Az. ;D

[pig]

I don't see your face in there either Az. ;D

[Deleted]

Az isn't bragging that he's tan and looks 20 years younger either.

[pig]

Oh I see because people tell me I look younger than I am (and who said 20 years btw?) I'm bragging? I think we need to see your face before you go asking other to post it. Until then STFU.