Tanning lotion safe?

Posted by Tina @difficultdays, Jan 7 5:21pm

I've been battling skin cancer for the past 25 years ... mostly basal cell but I've also had melanoma. I am fair complected to the point of almost pale.
I like to use tanning lotion sometimes but am wondering if it's really safe .. especially for someone with a long history of skin cancers.
Anyone have info on this?
Thank you.

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Tina | @difficultdays | Jan 8 3:39pm

Meant to say ... self tanning lotion.

marcefromargentina | @marcefromargentina | Jan 17 6:16pm

Hi! I had melanoma last year . My dermatoligist told me I could apply self tanning lotion without any problem. But you may ask your doctors about your case in particular . Big Hugh from Argentina

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Susan, Volunteer Mentor | @grammato3 | Jan 17 7:38pm

In reply to @difficultdays "Meant to say ... self tanning lotion." + (show)

@difficultdays thank you for making that distinction. Some people still refer to sun tan lotion although sun screen/sun block is the preferred term for the lotions sold today as they provide layers of protection from harmful UV rays.

I don't see that Mayo Clinic has a postion on self-tanning applications but I do know the FDA has approved those that use dihydroxyacetone (or DHA in abbreviated form) as this basically stains the skin although it's important to note that it does not offer any UV protection. It is also important that for all of us who have treated for skin cancers, the wisest advice is to first check with your medical provider as to what their recommendation is for your individual consideration.

Looks like this aligns with what @marcefromargentina suggested also. Do you feel comfortable discussing with your doctor?

Tina | @difficultdays | Jan 18 7:49am

In reply to @marcefromargentina "Hi! I had melanoma last year . My dermatoligist told me I could apply self tanning..." + (show)

@marcefromargentina
Hello, and thank you for your feedback.
I have talked about this with the Physician's Assistant that I usually see.
She said it is a 'safer' alternative as opposed to the sun.
But I have learned over the years that the mainstream medical profession doesn't always have the 'right' answers thru no fault of their own, it's just what they're taught.
So, I was just curious to know if someone out there had any other info on this.
Thank you!

Tina | @difficultdays | Jan 18 7:57am

In reply to @grammato3 "@difficultdays thank you for making that distinction. Some people still refer to sun tan lotion although..." + (show)

@grammato3
Hello, and thank you for your comment.
Yes, I've talked with the PA at the dermatologist office I go to and she said it was a 'safer' alternative rather than the sun.
But, as I replied to marcefromargentina, sometimes the mainstream medical profession doesn't have all the right answers. I was just curious to know if someone out there had dug deeper on this subject and had other info.
I really enjoy having some color because I am so fair complected. I don't like looking so pale, so I am thankful for the self tanning lotions out there.
Thank you !

Susan, Volunteer Mentor | @grammato3 | Jan 18 11:01am

@difficultdays: I’m like you with the fair skin. That’s why I tended to burn in my youth as opposed to tan which no doubt predisposed me to all these skin cancers later in life.

I’d found a place near me that does excellent spray on tans and was happy with the results. Then I had an anaphylactic reaction to CT contrast, among other strange reactions, while undergoing immunotherapy and decided not to risk another such reaction to a foreign substance since it appeared my T-cells were so revved up. That said, we’re planning a trip to FL (if I get over my current health setback) in March and I’d been contemplating doing a patch test to see how I might react.

Have you tried self tanners in the past and if so, were you happy with the results?

Tina | @difficultdays | Jan 19 8:05am

That's exactly why I'm going thru all these skin cancers now ... I did the same thig growing up. Sunburn after sunburn.
Unfortunately, I grew up in Florida where the almighty tan meant everything. I tanned well, but only after burning because I didn't want to do it gradually, I wanted instant gratification. So, fast forward to 25 years ago when all this started and I now wish I'd done things so much differently. Hindsight is 20/20, right?

Now days I use Jergens self tanning lotion for fair/medium skin tones. It adds just enough color to me so I'm not running around looking anemic.

I've read your profile, and I must say that you're attitude about all you've been thru is absolutely beautiful and inspiring. I truly hope all is well with you very soon.

toni16 | @toni16 | Jan 19 11:23am

Mineral sun screens are considered natural and healthier but may not be quite as effective as chemical products. Each one of us has to choose for ourselves.
The main chemical ingredients to avoid seem to be oxybenzone, octinoxate, and retinyl palmitate.
I buy mine from my skin cancer doctor who has educated me pretty well.
I do not sun myself often or for long and use a mineral product generously and reapply after 3-4 hours if I am staying out that long.
The sun is so healthy for us in so many ways so don't avoid it just learn what works best for you. Even just 20 minutes a day gives us all the Vitamin D we need that day. But you'll get Vitamin C if you longer a little longer 🙂
Happy days in the sun to you
Toni

Tina | @difficultdays | Jan 19 12:37pm

In reply to @toni16 "Mineral sun screens are considered natural and healthier but may not be quite as effective as..." + (show)

@toni16
Thank you for the info on the sunscreens, much appreciated.
I totally agree with the sun being good for us. I live in the northern climate now so in the winter it's not so easy to get, but I supplement with vitamin D year round.
In the summer I love to garden so when I know I'll be out there longer than 20 minutes I will apply an SPF 30 or higher.
I really enjoy being outdoors ... just have to be smart with my sun exposure 🙂