Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with suntan

Ultra comfy laptop usage

zaebiz — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 17:46:36 -0800

How can I get a suntan on my back and use my laptop at the same time comfortably? I guess I'm looking for some contraption that lets me comfortably lie on my stomach while having my arms and neck free to type and view. Also interested in indoor options which allow laptop use lying face down. Comfort enabling options for other postures also welcome.

Sun & Skin Questions

cuando — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:38:15 -0800

Skin filter: I've got a bad uneven sun tan that hasn't faded enough from last year. How do I get rid of it? I'm going to start hitting the tanning beds soon (it is still very cold where I live) and wonder if there are any ways to accelerate the process. How long will this take? Related question: I have a new-ish tattoo should I be okay just putting sun block on it or should I cover it with a towel so it won't burn?

When did suntan lotion become sunscreen?

Tube — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 09:06:03 -0800

When did "suntan lotion" become "sunscreen"? I experienced many sunburns as a child, having red hair and growing up in the "Big Sky Country" of Western Montana. My memory is that "suntan lotion" available in the late 1960's and early 1970's had no UV protection qualities whatsoever, but I'm not certain of this. I've seen photographs of mountain climbers from many years ago with what appears to be zinc oxide based creams on their noses, so I know that was available. But I'm curious about products intended for use all over, wherever skin is exposed.

To the best of my knowledge, genuinely effective "sunscreen" didn't become available until the 1980's, but I'm not sure about this. Was "sunscreen" available in the 60's and 70's and I just missed the boat?

Casper or George?

BruceL — Sun, 06 Aug 2006 21:25:04 -0800

Are there *any* parts of the body that can be safely tanned without really having to worry about skin cancer? I've started wearing sunscreen on my face, ears, and the back of my neck every day now, but would like to (if it's safe) be tan from the chin down. But I thought I heard somewhere that it's not safe to tan the torso either. 35/w/m living in Phoenix who is just now getting with the program, after years of sun and burns.

How can a very pale person get a good tan?

lazywhinerkid — Fri, 26 May 2006 03:03:06 -0800

I want a quick, real tan but I'm pale...really pale. People need sun glasses when I take my shirt off to avoid the glare... (more paleness inside) I'm going to be in a Persian Gulf country for 24 hours (long story) with not much to do except chill at the beach in the sun. I really want to come home with as much of a tan as possible. Being so pale though, I don't tan, I usually just burn. Generally the sunburn turns into a tan after a week or so but I'm hoping to maximise my 20 hours in the sun and get as tanned but not burned as possible. (And no, I don't plan to spend all 20 hours in the sun!) Are there any products, etc. that might be of assistance? Any other advice? Cheers!

Tanning question

Dean Keaton — Mon, 14 Feb 2005 09:33:41 -0800

I just got a tanning booth subscription at my gym. I've never really been able to tan in the sun but I don't spend much time outside as it is. I have gone twice, 5 minutes at a time. (mi) Here's the deal: My chest doesn't see the light of day. It is now quite pink and tender, but less tender than it was last night. The rest of my body, even though it does not get out in the sun, has remained relatively unscathed. I am not expecting miracles or orange skin, I just want to get to the point of a light tan.

A. Is this possible with my skin type? (Tend to freckle, has been seriously sunburnt in past)

B. How often should I go to properly and safely "work myself up"?

C. I don't mind having minor irritation, i'm more worried about hurting myself. Any pain involved: Too much?

P.S. Those two days were back to back over this weekend.