I just started tanning and need some advice

[jeffreydan32]

Hello everyone!

Im 36 yrs old and I need a tan bad. When I was in junior high I got sunburned really bad and ever since then I have been scared of staying in the sun. My arms, neck and face are the only part of me that are tan - you know, the redneck tan......lol. I have been to a tanning bad twice in the last two weeks. The first time i stayed in for 5 minutes and the next time for 7 minutes. I didnt use any lotions at all. I was thinking that if i used any lotion that it would make the burn worse? I got a little red both times but the worst part was the itching. I itched for 3 days after each session. Im just tired of being embarrased of taking my shirt off to go swimming.

Please help.

[NCtanmom]

welcome to iamtan.com you are doing the right thing with only staying a couple minutes each visit.But I think you need to use a lotion to help moisturize your skin,that may help with the itching.maybe some of the other members can help with what kind of lotion you need(its been so long since I used beginner lotion)im not sure what to recommend.My hubby has that "farmers tan" thing going on too lol

[sunbunny]

Welcome to iamtan. The pro's should be on later to answer your questions. NC is right about using a lotion while tanning. There are lots of great lotions to choose from. Be sure and check out the love it or shove it forum for reviews. Also, make sure you moisturize. Especially after showering.

[Anya1976]

itching happens when the melanin in your skin starts being produced i get itchies when i start tanning. but there are some people allergic to the bed cleaner that some salons use.

always use a salon quality lotion, do you have alot of body hair cus some men prefer gels if they have alot of body hair. emerald bay's dark n dazed is a very good lotion it doesn't smell too girly.
and with your time you should tan every 48hrs but make sure you do not move up your time too quickly u might want to stay on 5 mins for a week then move up 2 mins (but NO more than 2 mins each time)
always moisturize your skin i prefer something with no mineral oil aveeno has some good lotions with no mineral oil. Cal Tan's total immersion is my absolute fave moisturizer. when you shower do you use a bar of soap or a shower gel? since you are tanning and that is drying to your skin u bar soaps dry it out more so you might want to switch to a shower gel. keep us posted on your results and don't push it tanning is a process and not a race (stealin' chica's line lol)

[StarryEyes]

Glad you're here! Anya pretty much covered it all, but be sure to ask any more questions you may have.