question on tanning/travelling - Cancer: Skin Message Board

crazyboi · 04-02-2009, 07:00 AM

hello
ever since i was a child i've had alot of moles
I herited this annoyance from my mother, who has ALOT of moles as well
I have at least 100+ moles (last time i counted

) So needless to say i'm very scared of ever getting skin cancer.

I spent alot of time on the beach in the summers with my mother in my childhood...had a couple of bad sunburns where i was aching in pain during the night...then around when i was 12 that totally stopped and i never really exposed myself to the sun that much anymore...only went to the beach once or twice in those 8 years i think. I have never had any moles removed, and all my moles look benign...i do monthly checks of my skin for any changes. The result of all this is that i'm mighty pale. I'm 21 years old and i look like a ghost. I'm afraid of going into the sun because i might get skin cancer. I haven't had a tan in like 8 years.
I want a tan real bad though (but only my face/arms, chest doesn't really matter...) Alot of people tell me too i would look better with a little bit more colour in my face.

I am going to Thailand with some friends in september for 3 weeks. The question is: will i be fine if i put on sunscreen every 20mins and not over-expose myself to sunlight? Will this result in me getting a nice tan, and a relatively safe tan? keep in mind the last time i actually had a tan, and was really exposed to sunlight was like 6 years ago. From what i remember though, i tan really easy. So is this a wise thing to do. I will be spending alot of time on the beach/swimming too ofcourse... I'm just sick of not being able to do all these things because i have all those moles...or maybe it's me taking the risk of getting skin cancer too serious...

trychocolate · 04-02-2009, 09:45 AM

hi crazy,

I haven't been to Thailand but keep in mind that the sun is much more intense/dangerous in countries around the equator. Even the most 'seasoned' tanners are getting burned while on vacation so you should limit your time out in sun. A sunscreen won't protect you unless you are planning to stay out only for a very short time anyway. With what you are planning, a waterproof sunblock is probably what you will need for protection against burning. Or wear a thin shirt over areas you want protection, especially in the water.
Apparently, all of us should be wearing sunblock, especially if you are fair. Doesn't matter if you've had sun in the past or tan easily. Today, the rays are different due to climate change and ozone depletion.
Some people 'pretan' at salons before they go as the sudden intense exposure is dangerous, but there are many debates about this form of exposure as well.

Just some facts. Professionals say "no tan is a health tan". But who wants to hear that?

Chele60 · 04-06-2009, 09:46 AM

Trychocolate gives some great insights.

Keep this in mind: a tan, even a very light tan, is causing damage to your skin. Think of it this way - a piece of meat in a frying pan. It's pink when you first put it in the hot pan, but after only a few seconds, it will begin to turn slightly brown. Your skin does the exact same thing.

You can enjoy the sun, there is no reason why you can't. Just take some precautions and be smart about it. As Trychocolate suggested, use a waterproof sunblock. Apply it liberally and apply it often. The most common mistakes people make with sunblock/sunscreen is they do not use enough and do not apply often enough! Once out of the water, cover up or seek shade and wear a hat (one that covers your neck, so no baseball caps!). I know when I was in Cancun, long before I was ever diagnosed with melanoma, I wore a t-shirt while snorkling to prevent sunburn. So, this is not an odd recommendation.

Keep in mind that sunburns hurt! And in countries such as Thailand, where the sun can be really hot and intense, it won't take long to burn. And there can be nothing so uncomfortable as being in another country and hurting that badly - it can truly put an end to a great vacation. Be smart, be sun safe, and you can have a great time!

Oleander53 · 04-26-2009, 02:55 PM

I hated giving up the sun...... really hated it... but had too....... try using this tanning cream you can purchase it now and apply it yourself.

Mystic Tan........ I just used it and it looks pretty darn good. I am suprised. I have never used one of these before and this brand I am impressed with and it has not odar.......

Limit your sun, stay out of tanning beds... Try this self tanner........ Oleander.