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Pre-tanning? #83388
01/22/2016 08:15 AM
01/22/2016 08:15 AM
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 192
Columbia, SC, USA
DandM29212 Offline OP
Traveler
DandM29212  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 192
Columbia, SC, USA
Looking for everyone's thoughts. Do you pre-tan, fake tan or just stay white? TIA


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SXM Sponsors
Re: Pre-tanning? [Re: DandM29212] #83389
01/22/2016 08:27 AM
01/22/2016 08:27 AM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 769
Western MA
S
SandS Offline
Traveler
SandS  Offline
Traveler
S
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 769
Western MA
Always pretan and have never burned in St Maarten . Yes, it is not healthy but we don't go overboard.

Re: Pre-tanning? [Re: DandM29212] #83390
01/22/2016 09:12 AM
01/22/2016 09:12 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,467
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,467
Central Florida!
I just stay white! I live in Florida and never have a tan!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" /> I sit under the umbrella all the time.


Carol Hill
Re: Pre-tanning? [Re: SandS] #83391
01/22/2016 09:14 AM
01/22/2016 09:14 AM
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 308
Tampa, FL
denverd0n Offline
Traveler
denverd0n  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 308
Tampa, FL
Just had the stitches removed from where they cut out yet another basel-cell carcinoma. Trust me when I tell you that, when you get to be 60-something, and are having chunks of skin cut off every few months, you are going to curse the stupid vanity that prompted you to deliberately sun damage your skin.

It is not worth it.

(Though, I realize that no one who wants a tan is going to believe that... At least, until they get to where they have to have chunks of skin sliced off on a regular basis.)

Re: Pre-tanning? [Re: denverd0n] #83392
01/22/2016 09:46 AM
01/22/2016 09:46 AM
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 91
NJ
F
Finally Offline
Traveler
Finally  Offline
Traveler
F
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 91
NJ
Before our last trip a couple of years ago I bought and applied a tanning cream (Jergens brand I believe). Color was pretty natural to my normal summer coloring and cream easy to work with. However, this does not...does not...mean you can apply less sunscreen than in any other circumstance. Mid winter trip so was just cosmetic only.

Re: Pre-tanning? [Re: Carol_Hill] #83393
01/22/2016 10:18 AM
01/22/2016 10:18 AM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
Traveler
pat  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
I never pre-tan either - just too many negatives associated with it IMHO, so we go the pale-skin route for the first couple of days, too.

Years ago, we didn't worry all that much about sunscreens, having grown up in the days of a dark tan being the sure sign of a great vacation and baby oil was often the lotion commonly used.

We started getting wiser later and today we are conscientious users of sunscreens at all times.

But on another note, a couple of years ago I got distracted while putting sunscreen on before hitting the beach and somehow I completely missed my shins and feet for that first and most critical sunscreen application of the beach day.

This was the only time in 43+ years of SXM vacations that I ever got a sunburn and I was in agony that first night because of it. The next day I was made aware of an otc product, Biofine (Biofane or might even be Biofene?) which took the pain out of the burn but it did cost me a couple of days out of the sun and a slight scarring on my shins which has never gone away completely.

My best suggestion to all concerned is be smart, people. A bad burn can totally take most of the pleasure out of an otherwise great vacation. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: Pre-tanning? [Re: pat] #83394
01/22/2016 10:59 AM
01/22/2016 10:59 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 760
Chicago area & St-Martin
ChiTownHarry Offline
Traveler
ChiTownHarry  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 760
Chicago area & St-Martin
We don't pre-tan either. We do use SPF 30 sunscreen or better when we're on the beach.

And the product for sun-burn relief is Biafine, available at all the French pharmacies (don't know for sure it is at the Dutch ones).


--ChiTownHarry
Re: Pre-tanning? [Re: ChiTownHarry] #83395
01/22/2016 11:13 AM
01/22/2016 11:13 AM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
Traveler
pat  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
TY, Harry.

I use an SPF#55 on my face and the #30 for at least the first week of my vacation until I have a very good base and then I probably would drop back to an SPF#15.

The Biafine is an excellent product and it is readily available on the Dutch side of the island, too. We stay at the Towers and I was able to get it at the Maho Pharmacy, which is the closest one to us.

I have it from a good source the product can be ordered in the States on line but it's considerably more expensive than on the island.


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: Pre-tanning? [Re: pat] #83396
01/22/2016 11:18 AM
01/22/2016 11:18 AM
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 25
S
SXMCO12 Offline
Traveler
SXMCO12  Offline
Traveler
S
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 25
My background is Pacific Islander and my wife's Sicilian. We never pre-tan and wear only Waterbabies SPF 50 lotion, no spray. We still get really dark by the end of the week and never burn. Don't put yourself in a situation where you need Biafine. It will ruin your vacation.

Re: Pre-tanning? [Re: SXMCO12] #83397
01/22/2016 11:31 AM
01/22/2016 11:31 AM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 515
Eastern Caribbean
Ritchard Offline
Traveler
Ritchard  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 515
Eastern Caribbean
The last couple of trips we pre-tanned, in an attempt to get a bit brown, and to get a layer of protective pigment.

While we're in the winter cold, we look at ourselves in the mirror and think we're looking pretty good. Then we get to the beach and we're among the whitest there anyhow. As for the sun protection, we still smear ourselves with sunscreen once we arrive anyhow, so we ended up finding the pre-tanning pretty pointless and have foregone it this year.

It's also not inexpensive to electro-tan here.

In the summer on my sailboat I get as brown as a walnut. But I am such a white guy that my tan seems to be all but gone in two weeks.


_______________________

Working hard to be the best yacht bum I can be.
Re: Pre-tanning? [Re: Ritchard] #83398
01/22/2016 11:46 AM
01/22/2016 11:46 AM
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,146
Louisiana
o2bnsxm Offline
Traveler
o2bnsxm  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,146
Louisiana
I usually tan at a tanning booth, starting about a month before we leave. I start very slow, and have a good base tan by the time we leave for SXM.
I understand the concern about exposure to the "Tanning Booth Rays", but I try to start off very slow, and build up slowly. I feel better protected with a base tan, because IF you burn on the Beach, that sunburn might be a greater risk for damage and cancer (not sure-JMHO). I use a 30 spf
sunscreen (Bullfrog), and re-apply it after going into the water. I have not burned, and do make regular visits to the dermatologist for wellness visits.

Re: Pre-tanning? [Re: o2bnsxm] #83399
01/22/2016 12:03 PM
01/22/2016 12:03 PM
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 16
Houston, TX
sxmmkitso Offline
Traveler
sxmmkitso  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 16
Houston, TX
Each year we arrive on island as "fish belly white" and are nicely tan when headed home after three or four weeks in May-June time frame. We live on the Texas Gulf Coast, 70 miles from the Gulf beaches. Upon arrival, I buy Vichy sun products there on SXM from the pharmacies in Cole Bay or Simpson Bay. Have never found these in the states. I can't say enough praises for these. I use a 30, my husband a 50. We do not burn but still get a very nice tan.

Re: Pre-tanning? [Re: denverd0n] #83400
01/22/2016 12:34 PM
01/22/2016 12:34 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,240
North NJ, 1720 miles from Para...
Kathleen Offline
Traveler
Kathleen  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,240
North NJ, 1720 miles from Para...
Ditto that. We used to pre-tan too because I break out in a rash if I get sunburned. But--2 facial basal skin cancers and 2 more on other spots has changed my tune.
I'm VERY careful with sunscreen now, applying at least 15 minutes before going out and I stay under the umbrella. I haven't gotten the rash with this routine because I don't get sunburned anymore.
Also, I don't care as much about the sunglow anymore! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" />


That's why I wander and follow La Vie Dansante, that's all I want, La Vie Dansante (JB)
Re: Pre-tanning? [Re: pat] #83401
01/22/2016 12:48 PM
01/22/2016 12:48 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 760
Chicago area & St-Martin
ChiTownHarry Offline
Traveler
ChiTownHarry  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 760
Chicago area & St-Martin
Quote
pat said:
The Biafine is an excellent product and it is readily available on the Dutch side of the island, too.


My wife had radiation treatments in the US and had a burn/rash. The doc told her that there was a French product which could alleviate the symptoms, but expensive. It turns out it was Biafine which we had brought back from the island. It worked great.


--ChiTownHarry
Re: Pre-tanning? [Re: Kathleen] #83402
01/22/2016 12:50 PM
01/22/2016 12:50 PM
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,146
Louisiana
o2bnsxm Offline
Traveler
o2bnsxm  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,146
Louisiana
Quote
Kathleen said:
Ditto that. We used to pre-tan too because I break out in a rash if I get sunburned. But--2 facial basal skin cancers and 2 more on other spots has changed my tune.
I'm VERY careful with sunscreen now, applying at least 15 minutes before going out and I stay under the umbrella. I haven't gotten the rash with this routine because I don't get sunburned anymore.
Also, I don't care as much about the sunglow anymore! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" />

Kathleen,
My wife gets the rash too, after about a week or so in the sun. She uses a non-medicated sunscreen that was recommended by the dermatologist, but after about 5 to 7 days, even staying under the umbrella, she still gets a rash.
Several dermatologists cannot figure out what the reason is, and she doesn't burn- just gets the rash that itches like crazy.
Any idea what causes it with you, or do you only get it when you burn. Is it an allergy?

Re: Pre-tanning? [Re: DandM29212] #83403
01/22/2016 12:51 PM
01/22/2016 12:51 PM
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 255
Texas
Sun4MnM Offline
Traveler
Sun4MnM  Offline
Traveler
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 255
Texas
We have usually tried to pre-tan for a few weeks in our back yard before heading to SXM in late June for the last several years. Have been using SPF 30 (lotion and spray) before going outside (both at home and at SXM) and have not sun-burned. Unfortunately, last Aug had to have MOHS surgery to remove a basal cell carcinoma on the face. So there is a price to pay for too much sun.

So before our trip this summer to SXM, will probably not pre-tan as much this year, apply plenty of sunblock before going outside, wear a big goofy-looking sun hat (Ha,Ha), and spend most of the time in the shade during peak sun intensity hours. May have to change my username too (Ha, Ha).

Re: Pre-tanning? [Re: Sun4MnM] #83404
01/22/2016 01:12 PM
01/22/2016 01:12 PM
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 173
Nebraska
J
joyfully Offline
Traveler
joyfully  Offline
Traveler
J
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 173
Nebraska
Last year, 3 of us pre-tanned and one didn't. The 2nd night, at dinner, 3 of us at the table were red-faced and slathered in Aloe; one was pleasantly cool and comfortable. One had applied SPF50 twice in the day - 3 of us applied once, since we had "pre-tanned." Hmmmm :>)

Re: Pre-tanning? [Re: ChiTownHarry] #83405
01/22/2016 01:17 PM
01/22/2016 01:17 PM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
Traveler
pat  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
Quote
ChiTownHarry said:
Quote
pat said:
The Biafine is an excellent product and it is readily available on the Dutch side of the island, too.


My wife had radiation treatments in the US and had a burn/rash. The doc told her that there was a French product which could alleviate the symptoms, but expensive. It turns out it was Biafine which we had brought back from the island. It worked great.


When I had the sunburn a few years back, I posted on line to see if anyone had a suggestion for a home remedy that might hold me over till I got to a pharmacy. A member and occasional poster here who works in the medical field saw my post and suggested the Biafine and told me that was exactly how she happened to know about it. I think we paid about $12.00 or thereabout for a good sized package at the Maho Pharmacy. I don't think I was ever so uncomfortable but the product offered immediate relief. And again, I do typically cover myself with sunscreen before I head out to the beach but I got distracted this time and forgot to go back and finish applying the sunscreen to my lower legs and feet. It hurt to have the sheet touch my legs that first night so you can only imagine how much the suggestion was appreciated. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: Pre-tanning? [Re: o2bnsxm] #83406
01/22/2016 01:19 PM
01/22/2016 01:19 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,240
North NJ, 1720 miles from Para...
Kathleen Offline
Traveler
Kathleen  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,240
North NJ, 1720 miles from Para...
Google "sun allergy" and you'll get the explanation. It's actually photo-sensitivity. It's hard to figure out because I get the rash near my joints and not necessarily where I got the sunburn or over exposure. It has helped to limit exposure by staying under the umbrella and using a higher SPF. For the longest time, I thought I had a shellfish allergy. Not much you can do once you get the rash except use an anti-histamine topical cream and take Benadryl.


That's why I wander and follow La Vie Dansante, that's all I want, La Vie Dansante (JB)
Re: Pre-tanning? [Re: Kathleen] #83407
01/22/2016 01:36 PM
01/22/2016 01:36 PM
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,146
Louisiana
o2bnsxm Offline
Traveler
o2bnsxm  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,146
Louisiana
She tried Caladryl lotion, and it didn't do much to relieve the itchiness, and the Benadryl pills (25 mg) didn't do much either. She usually gets it on her arms (biceps), and legs (thighs). She thought it might have been similar to a diaper rash due to perspiration.
One dermatologist took a plug of skin (she still has the scar from 8 years ago) thinking it would reveal what the cause was, but nothing was found.
She was the Doctor that recommended "Total Block" sunscreen, at $40.00 a bottle. She still got the rash after a week.
She just puts up with it now, enjoying her time on the Beach and suffering when she gets home.

Re: Pre-tanning? [Re: o2bnsxm] #83408
01/22/2016 01:41 PM
01/22/2016 01:41 PM
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 535
norwalk, ct
D
Dansc Offline
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Dansc  Offline
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D
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 535
norwalk, ct
i hate those plug tests, the scar never goes away, same with when they take a surface biopsy.

Re: Pre-tanning? [Re: pat] #83409
01/22/2016 02:07 PM
01/22/2016 02:07 PM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
Traveler
pat  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
And lest I forget, I've also taken to wearing a big funky sun hat while at the beach or the pool and i do so even here at home. I don't care how silly the hat might look, the wide brim does keep the strongest rays off my face...... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: Pre-tanning? [Re: o2bnsxm] #83410
01/22/2016 02:36 PM
01/22/2016 02:36 PM
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 255
Texas
Sun4MnM Offline
Traveler
Sun4MnM  Offline
Traveler
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 255
Texas
Have also suffered from the "sun allergy" during the last few SXM vacations. Always break out in itchy welts on the upper torso on about the 2nd or 3rd day. Tried switching to several different OTC sunscreens but no success. Dermatologist suggested doubling up on Claritin (antihistamine) during vacation last summer, but again no success. Dermatologist now suggesting I switch to zinc oxide based sunscreen like EltaMD. Will try this for upcoming SXM vacation in June.

Re: Pre-tanning? [Re: DandM29212] #83411
01/22/2016 04:04 PM
01/22/2016 04:04 PM
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 726
New Jersey
NJHarry Offline
Traveler
NJHarry  Offline
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 726
New Jersey
We did years ago, but not anymore. We believe the risk of tanning machines is too high. We also use SPF 30 or higher and have never burned.

Re: Pre-tanning? [Re: Ritchard] #83412
01/22/2016 04:25 PM
01/22/2016 04:25 PM
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 16
Houston, TX
sxmmkitso Offline
Traveler
sxmmkitso  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 16
Houston, TX
We too have had the rash each year until two years ago. What we do it find a fresh water shower as soon as we leave the beach or pool and rinse ourselves well. Our doc thinks it's due to sitting/lounging on damp towels and/or damp clothing too long. Who knows?? At least for now it has been working for us.???


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