Do you go to a tanning salon?

[hinodis]

I have a coupon for unlimited tanning for one month for $25.99. Is this a good deal? I went in to check the place out and I was shocked to see that the tanning lotion was around $50 - $60 a bottle I am thinking about getting a base tan before I go on vacation so I don't burn.

 

[kbheap]

thats a good price for unlimited tanning. Its probably a standard bed but its still a good price. Some salons will let you bring in your own tanning lotion as long as its approved for a bed. Check with the salon and see what they say. If they do allow it you can get several different inexpensive kinds elsewhere. My salon lets me use an outside bottle. I get mine from Walmart and it actually does a really great job. Its a raspberry lotion of some sort. It has a good smell and works. I think it runs like $8 a bottle. Good luck and I always try to get a base tan before a vacation. Its the only time of year I ever go to a tanning salon.

 

[Simba&Nala]

That sounds like a decent price - most likely its for an entry level bed. You may be able to see if you could upgrade to another level. Most salons will allow you to bring your own lotion if its on their approved list. There are certain lotions that the salons typically don't allow because it destroys the acryllic on the beds. There is a company that I was to purchase lotion. They sell the same lotions as the salons do but at a huge discount. Usually 50% to 75% cheaper. PM me if you'd like the name.

 

[SLM]

Have you considered a spray tan? It was less than $30.00 and I used the lightest application. I got it a couple days before our vacation and I used one of those over-the counter lotions (Dove) to keep it. It really looks natural.

 

[ceecee]

You've probably heard it before...but there is no such thing as a safe base tan. I have seen so many girls in their 20's with skin cancer, it is just not safe.

 

[ChisJo]

Agree with ceecee....I work in oncology....skin cancer isn't worth it.

 

[mom2grace]

I have bought the lotions on ebay in the past, I spray tan now.

 

[snowbunny]

Tanning beds give a much more dangerous tan than sunlight. I pay half of my teen DD's monthly spray tan membership at Sun Tan City, it's worth it to me to keep her out of the beds and she is happy with the sunless Versa tan.

 

[kimkoz]

To answer your question - Yes, thats a good price.

I used to get a base before vacations but I have seen changes in my skin already, thankfully after being checked its nothing but I still watch. I'm not a sun screen girl. Still get a tan, just don't burn like I used to.

But yes to answer your question that does seem like a good price. Lotion I've never been a fan. I don't like that gross feeling, so I've never used it but all places around here are similiar prices with some brands on sale with memberships

 

[Sarah&Ryan]

I am more then sure the OP is aware of the risks of tanning so no reason to be the Tanning Bed Police!

I too tan before I go on vacation. I like to be a nice light brown before my trip so I dont blind everyone with my white legs once I get there! I believe that its a good price for a Level 1 bed for the month. If you go every other day or so you should have a nice light base tan before your trip. Have fun!

 

[bridget]

Coming from someone with melanoma at 34, there is no such thing as a safe tan. A tan is still damage to your skin. Tanning beds give off at least twice as much ultraviolet (UV) radiation as the sun does. The rays from tanning beds are long-wave (UVA) rays instead of short-wave (UVB) rays that you get from the sun. UVA rays do not burn your skin like UVB rays do, but they penetrate your skin deeper and cause more permanent damage.

If you do use the lotions, you need to use sunscreen, because it offers no protection.

 

[dhdozier]

I agree it is a good price. And I may be in the minority, but i don't use any spray or lotion in the tanning bed. I get just enough to feel comfy wearing shorts and have never needed to use any.

 

[wdw4rfam]

I personally wouldn't waste money on lotion. I have used it with and without and never noticed a difference. I go every year for one week before we go to get a base too. Really guys??? She's not saying she's going to become a tan addict. Spray is good too- if you don't wear white, both times I did it at 2 different solons, it rubbed off on my clothes and edges of my socks.

 

[bridget]

I am more then sure the OP is aware of the risks of tanning so no reason to be the Tanning Bed Police!

The OP said she was going to get a base tan so she didn't burn. I have no idea if she is aware of the risks and the thread is titled, "Do you go to a tanning salon" Since I've had melanoma and now have multiple scars and pretty much get biopsied every 3 months, I feel the need when people ask if I go tanning to say no and why

 

[hinodis]

I appreciate the thoughtful warnings. I went back and signed up. The girl suggested I start with 7 minutes and I said , no 4 minutes. I am not going to go every day I figured 2 to 3 times a week for the next 2-3 weeks. I do understand the risks. I also understand the risks of having 4 CAT scans 2 years ago when I had a mess removed but my oncologist still kept ordering them. I also know that everything we eat, drink and breath may cause cancer.

 

[pintamino]

All cancer warnings aside, you can still get a burn even with a base tan from a tanning bed (and still burn in a bed with a base tan from the natural sun). Has something to do with the type and intensity of exposure. I'm not the only person in my apartment who knows this from personal experience...

So be careful when you get to wherever you're going! I spent the first 20 years of my life NEVER burning and am still dealing with some back-burn from spring break

 

[NYEmomma]

I personally think my pasty white legs are smoking hawt!

If I'm feeling the need to have some color, I'll do a little Jergen's Natural Glow lotion. Like a PP said, there's no such thing as a "base tan" protecting you from sunburning whilst on vacation.

 

[n2mm]

Agree with ceecee....I work in oncology....skin cancer isn't worth it.

I agree....I just got the word that I have skin cancer for the 4th time on my face. I've never used a tanning bed and am not fair skinned. I know this is not what the OP wants to hear, but do a google search on Mohs surgery on a nose and you might change your mind (which I have to have, again). I use sunscreen all of the time, but my parents didn't when I was a kid. Now I pay the price. My next surgery will most likely mean reconstruction of my nose. I'm scared of how I will look afterwards, but I don't have a choice. If you saw me, you would never guess that I have skin cancer, but since I know what to watch for I know that if I get a tiny spot that doesn't go away, I get it biospied -- and sadly they always come back positive! I'm sure this won't change anyone's mind and folks think it won't happen to them....but I can try...... I'm not the tanning police, just a poster child of what can happen.

 

[bdcp]

There is no such thing as a base tan. I don't know where people get that idea. My DH had malignant melanoma on his chest 6 years ago. He was one of the lucky ones. He only has a 5 inch scar across his chest. Not something that would be that attractive on a woman and it is preventable. He is hispanic and was convinced he "couldn't get skin cancer" due to his skin tone. And he's an educated man. I warned him for years as I put sunscreen on myself and our sons. He now uses sunscreen and would never, ever go into a tanning salon. Tanning salons are to skin cancer what cigarettes are to lung cancer. If someone wants to put their head in the sand, they're only fooling themselves.

 

[NYEmomma]

Tanning salons are to skin cancer what cigarettes are to lung cancer.

ITA!

If someone wants to take the risk then who am I to try to fight it? To each their own, naturally. But just don't be in denial about or try to mitigate the risks that are involved. If you've educated yourself and still make the decision to tan or smoke cigarettes, then go for it.