Just getting started...

[Rainfallen]

Okay I'm a 21 year old guy and I'm new to this tanning thing. My dermotologist reccomends a little sun and a light tan (to keep occasional acne away among other things). The thing is that I'm not looking to get really dark or spend a lot of money...

My question is, what do I do to get started (what do I need and what do they do)...
Thanks in advance! (I'm naturally pale, blue eyes, brown hair and only seem to burn when out for more than an hour or so)

[Goldeneye]

Although I am pretty much a mutt genetically, physically I take after the Irish/Welsh side of my family. Which means I'm by nature a pretty pasty white guy. I hadn't ever tried to get a tan in years because usually I just burned and became Lobster Man. Sure, after the pain and peeling, I would get some color, but none of the Hispanic or Cherokee in me seemed to allow me to really tan well. I'd heard all the stuff about tanners getting skin cancer and I'd seen too many with leathery skin to want that to be me. But this year I planned a vacation to Palm Meach in early July and I didn't want to get lobsterized right away and spoil the whole visit. So I decided to go to a tanning salon to prepare my skin. I figured I'd burn, just in advance. Boy was I surprised when I ended up getting an actual tan and never once burning. I started reading up on the whole subject and really changed my whole outlook on things. I'm still a bit concerned about damaging my skin, but with all the lotion and moisturizer I use now, I'm gaining confidence. Indoor tanning is VERY controlled. The basic bottom line is: Don't burn. In the beginning, only tan for a few minutes. Then build up.

I'd recommend starting with the basic 100W bed and getting a monthly unlimited membership somewhere. Plan on going 2 - 3 times a week, always with at least one off day between sessions. Start out with maybe only 5 minutes for Week 1, advance to 7 minutes in Week 2, then 10 minutes in Week 3, and 15 minutes in Week 4. I built my base tan over 2 months because I was afraid to go 3X per week. Just build up slowly and try not to burn. If you see red, cut back your time. Once you get some color, you'll feel amazing! I'm so stoked because I've NEVER been as tan as I am now. I tan in my briefs so I can measure my color (and not burn the jewels).

There are lots of posts in here as to "how" to tan, so I won't go into all that. Besides, I'm not a pro. But as the site says, I am tan. Anyway, invest in some good lotions. Find the ones with caffeine and green tea extract in them as they are supposed to be preventatives against skin cancer. And get an after tan moisturizer as well, preferrably including these same ingredients. In fact, if it comes down to it, make sure the moisturizer has the good stuff because it'll be on you skin the longest. Don't worry about lotion smells. You'll probably shower after tanning because if nothing else, you'll sweat. So those smells will wash off. Then apply the moisterizer. I use Angel by Designer Skin mostly. I don't like feeling greasy and this stuff feels great and isn't too girly smelling. Forget the names of the products. They are geared to the primary users who are women.

Stay away from bronzers in the beginning. Until you have some base color, they'll make you look a bit fake. Stay away from Hot or Tingle products as well. Search the web for sites that list all the different lotions. Then read the posts in this forum in, say, the "Love it or Shove it" section. Experiment and enjoy.

Oh yeah, as for pricing. Usually salons have great deals for new members. As for lotions, just compare, but your Google search will reveal a cost-effective resource. Don't buy the crap at Walmart!! Do your skin the favor and get a quality lotion either at the salon or online.

Whew! Good luck and let us know how you do.

_________________
[ This Message was edited by: Goldeneye on 2003-08-10 11:18 ]

[Goldeneye]

Uh, I meant Palm Beach, not Palm Meach. Sheesh!

[Raini]

A good tanning salon will help you with how long you should go at first. Don't think they are trying to rip you off if they only put you in for 5 min. They are truely just looking out for ya. And if you are glow in the dark white like I was when I started (2 weeks ago) you wouldn't want to go for any longer anyway. The Salon I go to really isn't that expensive, I bought 30 days for $29 and I can go everyday if I want.
I like your name by the way =o)

[Tpsyduck]

Hey Rainfallen, Welcome to the board, Enjoy
Well, it looks like you've gotten some really good suggestions, and I think Goldeney's really got the tanning thing down pat So, my advice would be to not rush yourself, and if you're not going for real color but just kinda stay at a base tan, then I'd probably stay with the regular bed at the max of 20 maybe 2x a week, once you build up to this time, as goldeneye has shown you how to do
My salon has a package of 10 for $25 that I usually get, since I don't tan anymore then 2 - 3 times a week to maintain my tan I've got, so maybe yours has a package like that too Good Luck, and Happy Tanning!!

[KonaBikeBabe]

It took me a long time to get color, and I started to get frustrated with my old salon because they didn't change the lamps enough. So, once you get as tanned as you want to be, make sure that your salon is still changing the bulbs. My new place changes them twice as much, and has less than half the people tanning!! Good luck tanning!

KonaBikeBabe

[josie3s]

The others have answered this pretty well. Get a good lotion meant for indoor tanning, build up your time slowly, etc. The 2 things I want to add are-- if you get even a little pink, do NOT go tanning again til all the pink is gone. If you go slow, this is unlikely to happen though. Also use a good moisturizer (doesn't have to be expensive, but read labels, NO mineral oil!) daily, or more if your skin is really dry. Moist skin will always tan better than dry skin.

[Tamar]

As a salon owner, there is not much I could add to this. That is what makes this board so great, good job guys! The reason I got into this business was to educate and try to undo the damage this industry has (deservedly) suffered due to irresponsible salons. Hats off to the good salons out there for doing their job so well.

Side note: Goldeneye, you write very well...kudos!

[sherlynn 01]

all i can say is start off slow and in no time you should have a nice base tan, you then can main tain it by going one time aweek to keep the color you have.

[Rainfallen]

Thanks everyone! I always thought I would end up looking leathery like all those old people at the beach but I think if my dermotologist reccomends a healthy amount of sun than it's a pretty good idea. I'm a quarter hispanic so I can get pretty dark, like my little bro, but I work too much and I just don't want that (he's naturally very pale too). Again I appreciate all your help... now I won't look like a sideshow attraction.

[Tamar]

It is all about skin care, moderation, and staying hydrated!

[jayell79]

your dermatologist is right! a little sun can help allot of problems, I had icky flaky skin around my eyebrows from a slight case of eczema that I could never get rid off, until I started tanning.

[ladyboss]

Just want to welcome you to iamtan ! You've gotten excellent advice already - Moisturize and Moderation

[LucaBella]

make sure you always ALWAYS wear eye protection!! very important, and I wold suggest a good lotion and moisturize often, especially where you don't have any acne problems.