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Golden Times

My name is Toshio, and I am a (former) self-tanner addict.

When I moved from sun-soaked Orange County to rainy Portland, I was looking forward to the overcast skies (the novelty wore off after a few months).

One problem: I was used to a year-round golden skin tone, near impossible to keep going during Portland's six months per year of gloom. So I caved and went the fake-tanner route, using the stuff twice a week, all over. But eventually there was too much effort involved - having to wait an hour before I could rinse the stink of the stuff off in the shower; never getting my mid-back because I'm not a trained contortionist. Now, I'm back in CA, and the farmer's tan I get from riding my bike everyday suits me just fine.

-Toshio...off to pale in comparison to my old self...

Posted by: hsnavely on 05/29/2008
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Katie  on May 29, 2008 at 07:03 AM 1
I also love the look of sun kissed skin but what about the chemicals in the self tanning creams? I realize they are probably not as bad as a tanning bed, but still, they do alter your skin with the chemicals. Have there been any studies to show if these cream have an adverse effect on our health (skin or otherwise)?
uglybeat  on May 29, 2008 at 07:57 AM 2
Actually, they (some scientists and stuff...) recently did a study that concluded that fake n' bake stuff raises the level of free radicals (=bad) in your skin if you tan while fake-baking. so don't sit out in the sun on top of fake-baking. plus, it doesn't decrease your chance of burning, so always wear spf even if you're golden from your scam tan. i personally prefer my "reflect-sunlight" skin.
Deb  on May 29, 2008 at 08:49 AM 3
Fake n bake is probably worse than getting the real thing. Our bodies absorb what we put on our skin you know. Besides we've become a country deficit in vitamin D, because we've been brain washed into believing that the sun is bad. But, how do we make vitamin D??? The best way is to get some sun. Burning is the danger, but getting some color without a burn is good for you. Studies now show that moderate sun exposure protect us from lots of disease and illness. The real protection from sun damage comes through eating lots of fresh foods with antioxidants. So, you can protect yourself from free radicals from within.
dottie  on May 29, 2008 at 08:58 AM 4
I recently wrote a whole bit on the effects of sun on skin and health - the good, the bad, and the ugly. Read it at: http://simmonsnaturals.blogspot.com/ Meanwhile, as weird as the weather has been, we just hope to get ANY sun these days. When did far northern California turn into the Puget Sound?
Kristen  on May 29, 2008 at 11:37 AM 5
What about the chemicals in the self-tanning lotions? I'm pregnant and even more concientious than ever about what my body absorbs. I'm also trying to do what it takes to still feel "cute" this summer when I feel like a whale ; ) Tanning won't make or break me, but I'd like to enhance the healthy glow without damaging my skin or hurting my baby.
uglybeat  on May 29, 2008 at 11:56 AM 6
as for getting enough vitamin d, many cereals, milks (even soy and rice), and other foodstuffs are fortified with it. it's quite rare to have vitamin d deficiency in this country! plus, the amount of sun you get while driving, running errands, etc is more than enough. 15 minutes a day is really all you need and unless you're a hermit, you tend to get that! for the pregnant lady, try bronzer!
meg  on May 29, 2008 at 01:08 PM 7
Check out Maui Babe sun lotion. It's a brown-er, they use coffee it their concoction. There are also some interesting results found in caffeine reducing tumors on mice, no experiments yet with people, but it makes me feel better. :)
caz  on May 29, 2008 at 09:36 PM 8
I am in OZ and I love the sun. I have had 4 skin cancers burned off my nose. I wear sun cream all the time, but the nasty stuff in the sun creams made it a difficult decision! WHAT IS WORSE THE SUN OR THE CREAM? I searched for a long time and found a great cream, that works to protect my skin and does not have any chemicals to present danger to my 47 year old face, for that matter my whole body!! Look at the ingredients list https://longevityforus.mionegroup.com/product/13430

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