tanning beds

mrsrich3 · June 2014

Is anyone still tanning while pregnant? Do you think it's a bad idea to start going infrequently again?

I canceled my membership when I found out I was pregnant because I thought that was what you were supposed to do. Lately I've really been feeling badly about myself because I just don't like being so pale.

I've tried tanning outside, but I get so hot after a very short period of time. (I live in the hot an humid state of South Carolina). I've also tried the obvious choice of spray tans, but I wasn't impressed with the results or the cost.

I've done some reading online and I'm starting to feel like being in a high quality bed for less than 10 minutes is probably better than being outside in the heat for hours- as far as the over heating argument goes.

I'm also aware that tanning beds can cause cancer. Thanks in advance for any input!

missnacholover · June 2014

No. Stupid to do not pregnant, even stupider to do when pregnant.

NunyaBennis · June 2014

Keeping my eye on this one... I've been debating 5-10 minutes 1-2x wk myself. It benefits my mood, confidence, and backne (aside from having already purchased a pre-paid plan for the year). I just keep thinking about that poor defenseless baby girl trying to shield her developing eyes...
Risk vs. Benefit is tough.

kfo22 · June 2014

hmmm

Risk > Benefit

Edit: More dramatic effect :P

NunyaBennis · June 2014

missnacholover said:
No. Stupid to do not pregnant, even stupider to do when pregnant.

It depends. Moderation is key. Doctors and dermatologists recommend it for certain situations. Examples: eczema, SADD, acne, even cancer prevention depending on certain factors and with certain precautions since melanoma results from deep/ blustering burns not from stabilizing melanin activity to avoid the initial seasonal shock... You just have to be responsible, protect more sensitive areas, and not over indulge.

ETA: the above statement is "just sayin" there are times when tanning beds can be used for benefit, NOT a generalized pro-tanning argument in the least.

terberell · June 2014

If the purpose of using a tanning bed is based solely on vanity, I would think the selfless thing to do would be to avoid it for the 9 months that you are pregnant. There is not enough evidence to support it's safety for your baby so why risk it just to look more "tanned"? Embrace the pale girl! These next few months will be over before you know it, and then you can climb back into one of those beds as often as you want because the possible side effects at that point will be affecting only you.

missnacholover · June 2014

NunyaBennis said:

No. Stupid to do not pregnant, even stupider to do when pregnant.
It depends. Moderation is key. Doctors and dermatologists recommend it for certain situations. Examples: eczema, SADD, acne, even cancer prevention depending on certain factors and with certain precautions since melanoma results from deep/ blustering burns not from stabilizing melanin activity to avoid the initial seasonal shock... You just have to be responsible, protect more sensitive areas, and not over indulge.

Medical reasons are different than vanity.

My dad had melanoma and never had a blistering burn.

schrijiver · June 2014

missnacholover said:

No. Stupid to do not pregnant, even stupider to do when pregnant.

This.

Love the skin you're in.

mander82 · June 2014

I have already had 3 "suspicious" moles removed from my body via scalpel. They left some nice big scars cause those suckers go deep. I tanned regularly for 2 summers when I was young.

Pale Skin vs. Skin Cancer ? Call me Casper

Alid86 · June 2014

There are so any things that are out of our control, why would you want to add an extra risk that you can control?

JamieK1882 · June 2014

NunyaBennis said:

No. Stupid to do not pregnant, even stupider to do when pregnant.
It depends. Moderation is key. Doctors and dermatologists recommend it for certain situations. Examples: eczema, SADD, acne, even cancer prevention depending on certain factors and with certain precautions since melanoma results from deep/ blustering burns not from stabilizing melanin activity to avoid the initial seasonal shock... You just have to be responsible, protect more sensitive areas, and not over indulge.

I teach a dermatology course at a university. Certain types of light therapy are recommended for various skin conditions, but these are different from tanning beds.

Tanning beds are not safe, pregnant or not. I would stay away. (and trust me, I'm a recovering tan-aholic myself!)

dbgwife · June 2014

I'm kinda surprised this was brought up! Poolside with sun block is one thing, tanning in a tanning bed totally different! Embrace the pale! Your baby will be here soon enough!

NunyaBennis · June 2014

missnacholover said:

Medical reasons are different than vanity.

I added a disclaimer anyhow. Call it flame - retardant?

absolutelymaybe · June 2014

*stands up on soapbox*

Tanning is bad whether you're pregnant or not. I used to tan (not a ton, mostly just for special events), but as I got older I started thinking about what I was risking for some arbitrary cultural standard that tan skin = beautiful. Cancer is not beautiful. Advance aging because of skin damage is not beautiful. Now I'm OK wearing shorts or skirts and showing off my not-so-tan legs because I know I'm making a healthier choice for the long run.

*gets off soapbox*

To answer your question...and this is just something I read somewhere back when I used to be a tanner, the bigger concern about using tanning beds while pregnant was causing the body's temperature to elevate, not the light.

AnnieRoo13 · June 2014

Get a manicure or buy yourself a new outfit if you're feeling down about yourself. Don't go tanning.

lizzielu82 · June 2014

This is such a bad idea. I live in SF and got burnt when walking IN THE FOG. Our skin is so incredibly sensitive right now. And agreed with people - don't do this when not pregnant either. Not worth it!

Stephaniegiboney · June 2014

Guyssss I am at the pool with my sister right now. Wearing sunscreen and drinking a limeade. This is ok, yes?

Stephaniegiboney · June 2014

Luckily my sister has a pool at her apartment complex. It felt amazing! But yes, it is toooo hot

Maelara · June 2014

Nope. Nope. And nope. I like my skin pale and healthy.

mommymeg143 · June 2014

I live in humid South Carolina too. I choose not to go to a tanning bed because I don't want to look like this now...

Or this when my child gets older.

But...the choice is up to you, my dear.

missnacholover · June 2014

chmwilliams said:

I have to ask - all debate aside - HOW CAN ANYONE STAND THE HEAT? lol I'm so hot from just taking the dog outside that I think I might explode if I willingly laid in the heat. That's all I thought of when I saw the question. I'm a pale ghost and I'll stay that way, thank you. I need a fan and air conditioning and a cold drink.

Seriously!!! I may or may not have been using my remote start to cool my car off before leaving for work. Plus, the heat makes the nausea kick in big time!

ssstephanie214 · June 2014

W.e I love laying out with a fat bottle of Australian Gold SPF 4 but it has to involve a body of water somewhere very close. When no water around, I use the Jergens gradual self tanner which I think is the best self tan product out. Haven't used it while pregnant so you might want to check the ingredients for parabens etc.

I wouldn't go in a bed anymore, I got over it once I turned 18

mommymeg143 · June 2014

This is unrelated but semi-related so here it goes...

I have a can of arsenic right here. There is a high risk of death if I consume alot of it BUT i've done some research on the googs and it seems that if you ingest *JUST* enough that it will clear acne while pregnant. This includes back acne. Should I try it? I mean, I know it could cause death, organ failure, the list goes on... but i'm SO sick of this acne!!

Allyvaughan86 · June 2014

Prepregnancy, I enjoyed tanning about once a week! I enjoyed being tan and feeling good about my self despite the risks I was facing. I too had just spent $100 to renew my membership right before I found out.

There are so many things to worry about during pregnancy, and to me, tanning while growing a sweet little baby just isn't worth it at all to me! I will gladly be pale for the duration of my pregnancy to protect my child from any harm.

lizzielu82 · June 2014

MeganMullikin said:

This is unrelated but semi-related so here it goes...
I have a can of arsenic right here. There is a high risk of death if I consume alot of it BUT i've done some research on the googs and it seems that if you ingest *JUST* enough that it will clear acne while pregnant. This includes back acne. Should I try it? I mean, I know it could cause death, organ failure, the list goes on... but i'm SO sick of this acne!!

I don't have any experience with this but just wanted to say good luck in your arsenic endeavors! :-bd

Bethyboo26 · June 2014

I'd definitely skip the tanning bed... And that's coming from someone who Loves the sun. It kind of just seems like one of those things that's just better to avoid, especially when pregnant!

MollMoll4 · June 2014

I'm with PPs, not worth the risk to you or baby.

Also, this is all I could think of reading this thread:

Ineedmorecoffee · June 2014

Haven't read everything, but tanning outside is fine as long as you stay hydrated and don't stay out very long and do not overheat.

Tanning beds are super unsafe. You'd basically be cooking your baby, literally.

Why don't you try some fake tanners? I use one by banana boat and it works super well. Never orange.

Ineedmorecoffee · June 2014

Also, my legs got burned a couple weeks ago while walking around (wasn't out very long, I am just that pale.)

My legs tanned in blotches!!! My legs looked horrible. Instead of the burn fading to a nice even tan like normal, it was all splotchy and gross. I read online this is common in pregnancy. You might not tan evenly.

jessa1228 · June 2014

I got severely sunburned car shopping earlier this month. It's been almost 3 weeks and my skin still isn't healed and looks pretty bad. I had precancerous skin legions removed in my teens, and now I'm shitting bricks that I've done permanent damage to myself.

Please do not put yourself in a tanning bed, pregnant or not. It's just not worth it.

lizzielu82 · June 2014

Thanks @Enonosaurus !

It's because a lot of people aren't reading the other answers - they just want to get their own opinions in without bothering what's already been said.

Onward Whore Knights! B-)

AnnieRoo13 · June 2014

Ineedmorecoffee said:
Haven't read everything, but tanning outside is fine as long as you stay hydrated and don't stay out very long and do not overheat.

Tanning beds are super unsafe. You'd basically be cooking your baby, literally.

Why don't you try some fake tanners? I use one by banana boat and it works super well. Never orange.

I know this thread has been done to death, but I wanted to say that I would hesitate to use the fake tanners while pregnant. They are essentially just a chemical stew and when you put that on your skin some of the chemicals get absorbed into your bloodstream which if course eventually gets to the baby.

Stay pale my friends!

Ineedmorecoffee · June 2014

AnnieRoo13 said:

Haven't read everything, but tanning outside is fine as long as you stay hydrated and don't stay out very long and do not overheat.

Tanning beds are super unsafe. You'd basically be cooking your baby, literally.

Why don't you try some fake tanners? I use one by banana boat and it works super well. Never orange.
I know this thread has been done to death, but I wanted to say that I would hesitate to use the fake tanners while pregnant. They are essentially just a chemical stew and when you put that on your skin some of the chemicals get absorbed into your bloodstream which if course eventually gets to the baby. Stay pale my friends!

Oh I agree, I have not looked into research but I haven't personally used any fake tanner since I found out I was pregnant because I was worried about the chemicals. I didn't even get a spray tan for my wedding. I was pasty and proud! I was just suggesting it would be better than a tanning bed.

mockingjay1 · June 2014

WildFlower810 said:

As long as this thread is dead, mind if I derail it? What does MUD stand for? I've figured out every other acronym on this board but not that one.

Made Up Drama

lizzielu82 · June 2014

kyliedaniellexx said:

How the hell did this thread just keep rolling after a re-fucking-diculously amazeballs Tim Gunn gif? As far as I'm concerned @lizzielu82‌ and Tim said all that needed to be said.
Because I don't know who that is... I'll be hiding under the table until it's safe to come out.

Why are you hiding from Tim Gunn?

Sarahbeth612 · June 2014

kyliedaniellexx said:
also...

REMEMBER FINAL DESTINATION 3? STAY AWAY FROM THE TANNING BEDS...

Bahaha I did the tanning bed in high school for just a minute til I saw that movie. I also don't do theme park rides now, or drive behind 18 wheelers carrying logs, etc.
Love those movies.

nicnac817 · June 2014

Lol lady, lol. I can't believe you are even asking this question. I don't think a reputable tanning salon would even let your pregnant ass tan. At least I would hope not.

hiketheworld · June 2014

A bun in the oven isn't meant to be taken literally....

lizgrace03 · June 2014

Everyone's already said, but I have a relevant and timely visual aide. My beautiful mother has to have surgery to remove a potentially cancerous growth on the end of her nose from not wearing sunscreen and tanning. Here she is from earlier today. She's fine, but just as a warning! Not worth it!

creativesoul83 · June 2014

lizgrace03 said:
Everyone's already said, but I have a relevant and timely visual aide. My beautiful mother has to have surgery to remove a potentially cancerous growth on the end of her nose from not wearing sunscreen and tanning. Here she is from earlier today. She's fine, but just as a warning! Not worth it!

your mother is very beautiful!!!!

crystaldh · June 2014

Don't do it! My dad also had melanoma--at 40! Not only is it terrible for your skin and appearance (think long-term), but if a hot bath is bad for your baby's development, I can't think a tanning bed would be any better. Besides, pale skin can be beautiful too.

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