When should I start tanning?

Honestly, I would get a spray tan. I was diagnosed with juvenile melanoma when I was 13. Very scary stuff. Fh's uncle just passed from melanoma after only 4 months.

It's not worth the risk.

I have an olive complexion, I always tanned so easily, and fh's uncle is Italian and olive.

I'd recommend getting a professional spray tan several times before the big day, just so you know what shade looks the most natural on you.

Eta: I use St. Tropez or Vita Liberata foaming self tanners. I apply them with a mitt applicator on my hand. I use them throughout the year. I used them last year before the beach and looked sun kissed. Read the directions and watch YouTube for application tips. They are lovely.

Don't use a tanning bed unless you really want some skin cancer.

Spray. Get one a few weeks before the wedding to make sure of the color and how your body reacts.

I agree with @Erika . it is some scary sh*t. I used to be all about tanning beds until very recently. I mean, unless you're talking about real suntan than I would say it is good to a certain degree, because we need Vitamin D. If youll be sun bathing, I would say go a few times, get some glow going on, then do spray tan like PP suggested.

Never.

Do spray tans come off in the water? I also want one to last when we are on the beach all week after the wedding

@Tamara - I can't "sun bathe a few times" to get a little tan. It does not work for me. I do not tan. I either stay white or burn.

UO but I think tanning beds are fine for occasional use. I used to go all the time and stopped regularly going several years ago. I've done two spray tans and the results just don't compare to a natural tan - on my skin atleast.

If you're pretty pale skinned I'd start off 2-3 weeks in advance and just a few minutes at a time, several times a week and building up.

I don't think tanning beds are very good for you but how are spray tans any better? You are literally spraying cancer causing chemicals on your body. Not only that if you don't go to someone who knows what they're doing you look like you're melting and you get spray tan on everything. That is just my two cents.

"Looking tan" is not worth getting skin cancer when you're older. Pale is beautiful.

My sister is in her early 30s and has had over a half a dozen skin cancers removed, because of tanning beds. One site got infected and had to be re-drained. With another the wound was too wide and she had to have a plastic surgeon close it. Later, with problems healing, the Dr. said her body had rejected the stitches. She is scarred for life and they keep popping up.

I know that tanning beds are bad. However my dermatologist has actually recommended being in one to help with my psoriasis flare ups. That being said. If you're super white you're going to want to use a really good sunscreen and reapply often on Maui. If you do decide to use a bed before you go start with just a few mins at a time. If you're pasty like you say anything for than a few minutes will just cause you to burn.

Leah- my doctor recommended it. since he thought my vit D was too low, but told me not to go crazy with it. haha (of course, along with some good sun screen) but you are right, they can be just as bad.

I got an organic airbrush tan for my wedding done by a person not a booth, came out great. I did a test run when I got my hair/make up trial a few months before the wedding. I am super pale and literally told her "I just don't want to match my dress" and I got a nice glow without it looking fake. It lasts about a week or two. I got mine done the Thursday before my Saturday wedding.

@Shannon you are incorrect. Spray tanning changes the pigment in the top layer of your skin. The layer that sheds on its own daily. UV light from tanning beds and sunlight penetrates deep into the skin causing changes in skin cells.

I agree with the spray tan if your complexion bothers you. I get them weekly in a booth, but have them professionally airbrushed for any big event. If your wedding is on a Saturday, I would recommend Thursday. You could get away with Friday if you plan on being in the ocean or pool beforehand. Get it done a few times at home to see how your body reacts, and ask the professional about the best ways to prep.

OP - I am sorry to hear that. but I personally think some women look beautiful with pale skin!

A few photographer on her actually strongly advised against spray tans because they look aweful in pictures. I tan regularly have for the past 15 years, i would suggest going to the bed with lowest UVs first about twice a week, as you build your base tan you can handle stronger beds . I would start about 3-4 months out.

Thank you everyone! I think I rock my fair skin, but I would just like a slight tan for one time in my life! I'm going to try some tanning lotion, a spray tan and a tanning bed within the next few months and see what works best for me.

If you do not tan in the sun you will NOT tan using a tanning bed. This sign is also posted in most tanning rooms. You will just get burned or risk skin cancer trying. I tan every other week by doctors orders for my skin condition (psoriasis, uv clears it up) but during the summer I don't go, I tan very easily and being out in the sun helps my skin enough. I would recommend a spray tan, test one out and see. Don't risk your health trying for something if it doesn't come natural.

Going to a bed isn't going to work any better than the actual sun if you are very fair. I don't get tan either, and it wasn't any different when I went in the tanning bed (I tried in high school before prom, just looked orange/burned and it was not natural looking). Spray tans done by a person with an airbrush have worked the best for me, and they don't cause cancer!

I am going to personally just rock my pale complexion!

The stats on tanning beds are crazy scary. Your rate of getting skin cancer with just one use under the age of 30 is alarming. Definitely do spray tanning over a bed! And if organic, all the better!

#EmbraceThePale