Question about tanning?!
Question: I went to a tanning bed last summer for the first time. I had a couple people tell me not to use any lotion but I tried it anyway. After about a week I started to have an itchy spot on my back about an hour after I went one day. I thought I got bit by something at first but later I felt it all over. I skipped going the next day and went back the day after, and after about 3 min in the bed I started itching all over. I didn't have a rash or bumps, I wasn't burned either. I am wondering if anyone else has experienced this? My sister tanned a few years ago and she said she is pretty sure she stopped because the lotion made her itchy. Also, they told me to come every day and wanted to move me up every time I came. I've never really heard of going that much. Anyone have some advice? I was also wondering if I might be allergic to the lotion or the light? Thanks!
Answers: I went to a tanning bed last summer for the first time. I had a couple people tell me not to use any lotion but I tried it anyway. After about a week I started to have an itchy spot on my back about an hour after I went one day. I thought I got bit by something at first but later I felt it all over. I skipped going the next day and went back the day after, and after about 3 min in the bed I started itching all over. I didn't have a rash or bumps, I wasn't burned either. I am wondering if anyone else has experienced this? My sister tanned a few years ago and she said she is pretty sure she stopped because the lotion made her itchy. Also, they told me to come every day and wanted to move me up every time I came. I've never really heard of going that much. Anyone have some advice? I was also wondering if I might be allergic to the lotion or the light? Thanks!
If the itchy spot is in the small of your back, it is normal. The small of your back and back of thighs/butcheeks get irritated in the tanning bed because they lay pressed up against the glass and don't get as much oxygen as the rest of your body (which is either not touching the glass or is moving around a little). I also get it between my shoulder blades. The key is to just lift up once in a while during a tanning session, so your skin gets some air.
Also, tanning places always try to get you to buy their $70 bottle of loation. I've been told it helps "bronze you" as well as keep your skin moistened, but I did just fine by applying my own lotion when I got home.
You have to make sure you use lotion MADE specifically for tanning beds. This could cause a reaction.
If you must go (it is really dangerous you know), I would recommend not using lotion all together.
If you are using a tanning bed, make sure you are following proper tanning bed safety.