Tanning/Sunscreen

[Spiceyfrog 269]

Hello -

My family and I will be going to Jamaica in June and I would like to start tanning pretty soon. I know that I need to protect my scars, but also do not want white lines on the backs of my arms.

What has been your experience in covering your scars while tanning?

Can I just use a lighter sunscreen (SPF 15 or 20)?

Thanks in advance!

[Dub 9,971]

Great question......I have a couple vacations upcoming and really want to get a base tan now so I don't burn like crazy then.

[CowgirlJane 14,260]

When were your plastics? I was instructed to protect them from the sun and tanning for 2 years! my arm scars are located such that they aren't terribly visible so it worked out okay, but I was very careful and as a result they are quite faint - my arms were done in oct 2013

[Spiceyfrog 269]

@@CowgirlJane, I am seven weeks post op right now, so a LONG way from two years. I am actually still wearing scar strips, so they are protected for a bit, but also don't want white lines from them :-)

[JamieLogical 8,727]

You should really protect them if the incisions are that new! You might have to suck it up and have some awkward tan lines for now.

[CowgirlJane 14,260]

White stripes suck but I personally wouldn't risk it just a few months post surgery. Of course scarring is very unpredictable and I have no idea why my arm scars get amazing approved from people in the "know" - probably some luck involved.

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[AvaFern 3,516]

Tanning is bad for you, lol. I like being tan too, so no judgement here, haha. I have not tanned or been out in the sun without being slathered in a ton of sunscreen since my plastics procedures which were about16 months ago. I still use biocorneum on my arm scars if I will be outside, and I used it all through the summer. I made sure my other plastics scars were covered in lotion too, but those are all under my clothing so I was less obsessive about them. My arm scars started off looking bad, but they're starting to fade. I think being very careful with sun was a big factor. I think I'm just going to accept that I am a pale, while girl, ha.

[jess9395 5,450]

Wow yeah I was told to protect mine for a year and I've been doing just that. I'd rather have no tan (wearing long sleeve gauzy button up open shirt over sunscreen) or keep the tape on and have white stripe for a few weeks than have less than optimal scar forever.

I say keep them covered.

[ausmith 374]

Maybe a spray Tan is going to be your Friend this time around. By protecting them now your going to be so much happier in the Long run

[CowgirlJane 14,260]

I had my plastics in Mexico and the nurses there pointed out to me that one of the reasons I scar so well is they match my skin tone. I am quite fair complexion! I love a suntan and do get them on my arms in the summer but it isn't the healthiest (my mom got malignant melanoma).

[Spiceyfrog 269]

@@ausmith, have you ever used a spray tan? I have always been afraid that I will turn orange and not be able to fix it....lol! I did see that the tanner I went to last year offers it, so I am going to investigate for sure.

[ausmith 374]

@@ausmith, have you ever used a spray tan? I have always been afraid that I will turn orange and not be able to fix it....lol! I did see that the tanner I went to last year offers it, so I am going to investigate for sure.

Once upon a time they were pretty bad but most are pretty good now. I suggest getting it done properly then getting them to suggest a good over the counter one for you to use to TOP up while your away. Go for a trial first then you can tell them if you want it lighter or darker for your trip.