Sunblock vs Suntan
@saigonwarrior (1331)
United States
June 2, 2007 7:01pm CST
Given all the horror stories about skin cancer from too much exposure to the sun rays, do you now wear sunblock to protect your skin while working outdoors? When I was growing up we thought nothing of going to the pool and getting a nice red sunburn, we thought that was how all great tans were started. I would never put myself through that now. I use sunblock on my face and neck summer or winter. If I am going to be out for a long period of time I will usually add sunblock to my legs, shoulders and arms, also. I have also tried sunless tanning lotions. They are okay, but nothing compares to a real tan. I do try to carry a slight tan in the summer as I feel it does make me look better. What is your preference? Do you try to tan? Wear a block and use the sunless lotion?
3 people like this
11 responses
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
3 Jun 07
I have never worn sunblock to keep myself safe from the sun's rays. I know I probably should but I love to have tanned skin. I also have a tanning bed and that also helps me to keep a year round tan. i think I have only used sunblock one time in the past and that was after getting a sunburn in florida and I wanted to go back out and enjoy the oacen but did not want to get more sunburn. I have tried sunless lotions also but they did not work on my skin. I prefer to use the tanning bed but we also have a swimming pool we use in the summer time. I prefer a real tan but I do know how dangerous it can be.
@saigonwarrior (1331)
• United States
3 Jun 07
I really like having a tan, also. But as I become older and more aware of the dangers, I try to limit my exposure without some protection. I always try to protect my face, those wrinkles will come soon enough for me without me helping it along. :) I love the ocean it has been a few years since I have visited one. We used to live at Myrtle Beach, SC. I used to stay tanned and blonde. Ah, yeah, those were the days..lol
1 person likes this
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
3 Jun 07
Same here and I do protect my eyes more from the sun. I have some sun spots on my legs that I got in Panama City Beach, Florida a few years back after getting a nice sunburn there. I hate the spots but it is too late now. We love Florida and we haven't been there in a while now either. We plan to go again soon though. I remember the good old days too and I really miss them but the times has changed and changed me with it a little bit.
1 person likes this
@saigonwarrior (1331)
• United States
3 Jun 07
Yes, times have changed. Like from a bikini to a one piece..lol..ugh..oh the horrors. I try to wear sunshades, also if I am going to be out in the blaring afternoon hours.
1 person likes this
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
10 Jun 07
It would depend on whether my intention was to tan myself. If I go lie down by the pool because I want to tan, then I will make sure to apply suntan lotion.
After all, not only does it protect my skin, it helps my skin to tan better too.
But if I am just cycling for the relaxation, then I would apply any lotion. I will just "brave" the sun and get a tan nevertheless.
I don't go for deliberate tanning anymore since it spoils the skin really. It causes spots and all and for the short effect of tanning, it just doesn't seem to be worth it.
@saigonwarrior (1331)
• United States
10 Jun 07
No, I don't "try" to tan anymore, either. I used to lay out in the sun when I was younger and dumber. As you say, it is just not worth it anymore. I certainly don't want the look of aging to be accelerated or those ugly dark spots to have to worry about hiding.
1 person likes this
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
10 Jun 07
You are right about the dumber part. AND the hiding part. *sniff*
1 person likes this
@crazynurse (7482)
• United States
3 Jun 07
Being a fair-skinned redhead, I do not tan. I do get dotted with freckles though! Having seen more melanomas than I care to see, I am one of those who LATHERS on the sunblock!! I put a moisurizing cream which contains sunscreen and my makeup also contains sunscreen. Despite both of those, I also wear a wide-brimmed hat if I am in intense sun for any period of time. (at the beach, yard work, by the pool etc). I wear sunscreen on my body pretty much all summer! I have used the sunless tanning lotions on my legs (in an attempt to cut down on the number of people who are blinded by the glare off my white legs!)but I still put a sunscreen over them as there is no sunscreen in the one that I use.
1 person likes this
@saigonwarrior (1331)
• United States
3 Jun 07
I can understand your reasoning behind using sunblock. Being up close and personal with melanoma cases. We all KNOW that we SHOULD use sunscreen/sunblock. But just look at this discussion to see how many know what to do and still continue to disregard that advice.
I also use a moisturizer with sunscreen as well as make-up.
I normally wear make-up before going out so it makes sense to me to just buy the kind with it added.
Yes, my legs do tend to become too light after the winter months, also. I start in the late winter using the tinted moisturizer on my legs, it helps some.
Thank You for responding.:)
@coolseeds (3919)
• United States
3 Jun 07
I work outside. I don't burn regardless of how much sun I get. However I am getting older and don't want to get melanoma and have started to wear sun block.
I would hate to not be able to go into the sun because I was careless.
1 person likes this
@saigonwarrior (1331)
• United States
3 Jun 07
Yes, me too. I love being outside. I love being in the sun as long as it isn't too hot out. I wouldn't want to compromise that either. With you working outside that makes it even more important to protect yourself. Thank You for responding.
@wachit14 (3595)
• United States
3 Jun 07
You can still get a tan while using a sunscreen and everyone should wear a sunscreen every day, even if they are not sunning themselves at the beach or by a pool. Frankly, I have fair skin and freckles and I opt to wear a sun block and use a faux tan towel which looks very real and better than any tan I could achieve myself.
@saigonwarrior (1331)
• United States
3 Jun 07
You are right and I think a lot of people just don't realize that you CAN tan even if you use sunscreen. It just takes a little longer, but you can do it.
I have never heard of the faux tanning towels. Do you use a
specific brand, or are there different types that can be purchased? I am interested in looking into how those work.
Thanks for bringing those to our attention.
@jujube1960 (89)
• United States
3 Jun 07
Also when growing up, we never wore anything to shield us from the sun. I rarely sunned back then due to the fact I was a real skinny child so I was too ashamed to wear little clothing. After I had children, I would always put sunblock on them. ALWAYS....but the is also the time I started tanning at a tanning booth.
I haven't really tanned much in the past few years, but I do put sunblock on my 2 lil ones....(a new batch)
The are never outside without it.
I still prefer a real tan....will start tanning soon for a wedding I am in....
My hubby uses the tan in a bottle and he is a roofer...I think he is too dark....It makes his face look older but he don't believe me.
But anyway, to answer the question.....I DO PREFER TO BE TANNED....EITHER BY SUN OR BOOTH.
@saigonwarrior (1331)
• United States
3 Jun 07
I think that is wise to protect your children. With the supposedly ozone depletion we just don't know how dangerous the rays will be for our children sometime down the line in years.
I haven't tried a sun booth, I am actually afraid to. I do like a tan, also.
Yikes, your husband should really protect himself with special clothing and some sort of sunscreen. And yes, I know people that are very tan and have tanned for years and it makes their face look like leather. It does take a toll on your skin. Thanks for responding.
@bam001 (940)
• United States
3 Jun 07
I know that I should always wear sunscreen when I am outside, but I really don't very often. I have even used the tanning beds this year to develop a good tan. I really like the way I look tanned and if I don't try to develop a nice golden color, I am a ghostly white.
1 person likes this
@saigonwarrior (1331)
• United States
3 Jun 07
I am really white also after a long winter. My legs right now are embarrassing white..lol. I wore shorts shopping yesterday and was a bit self conscious about my legs. My arms have a nice tan just from walking and working outdoors. I love a tan, too. I just try to limit my exposure more than I used to when younger.
@ycswid (279)
• Canada
10 Jun 07
I don't wear sunblock as often as I should. I have been getting better about it as I have been spending more time outdoors. As the summer proceeds I'll become more accustom to putting it on. I do still get a tan especially on my hands as a 15 sunblock only does so much. I don't usually reapply it when I'm out just walking or riding.
I never was one to wear anything during the winter months but that is something I'll be putting more effort into this winter also.
Thanks for bringing this up. A good reminder for me.
@MJLami (1173)
• United States
3 Jun 07
With my skin so fair, It's more of do I want sun poisoning than a sun burn. i stay out of the sun. Luckily doing yard work here is in the shade so I don't have much exposure at all. If I plan to be out in it I use sunscreen, SP-30.
@saigonwarrior (1331)
• United States
3 Jun 07
I think that is wise, it is best to be safe if you burn easily. I usually use spf-15 for protection on my face. Less on my arms and legs if I going to be out for a long period of time. Thank you for sharing.
@saigonwarrior (1331)
• United States
3 Jun 07
Most people that like to tan do wish that they tanned easily. I am glad that you do some times use extra protection when needed, so you are still aware that the rays may be harmful to your skin.
@ohmyitscarolynne (79)
• United States
23 Jun 07
I do try and tan in the summer. I wear sunblock because when I don't, I don't tan at all, I just go straight to a sunburn.
